Class Of 2010 Hidden Gem: Antoine Cox 

April 23, 2009 

7:00 A.M. CST

While this past season's team at Bolingbrook High School featured to division one players from the class of 2009 in Diamond Taylor (Wisconsin) and Troy Snyder (Wisconsin-Green Bay), there were times when we thought that 6'1 class of 2010 guard Antoine Cox was Bolingbrook's best player.

Although Cox is hardly a household name at this moment, we have a strong feeling that more people will be familiar with him by the time the July evaluation period rolls around.  And rightfully so when one looks at what he brings to the table.

Athleticism is something that often gets over-hyped in basketball scouting circles, but that is hardly the case when it comes to Cox.  If anything, his athletic ability has gone underappreciated.  That is because Cox just might be the best athlete in the state of Illinois for a player his size.  He has leaping ability that has to be seen to be believed, is absolutely explosive to the basket and has an outstanding combination of speed and strength.  In addition, he is also his team's best defensive player.

On the recruiting front, a number of college programs have already taken notice.  Rob Brost, the varsity boy's basketball coach at Bolingbrook, tells us that Cox was recently offered a scholarship by Eastern Illinois University and that he is also receiving extensive interest from Loyola-Chicago, Northern Iowa, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Evansville and Detroit-Mercy.  Cox has also been offered at the D2 level by Lewis University.

Cox still needs to continue working on some of the fundamental areas of the game, especially ball handling and shooting, although he is getting much better in those areas.  As a result, we believe that Cox is a player who has emerged as a bona fide sleeper prospect in the 2010 class. 

Continue to check in with Illinois Prep Bulls-eye for all of the latest as it pertains to high school basketball and recruiting in Illinois.