Al Brooks Jr. was among the most prolific basketball players in Illinois last season and the year before, though his talent flew under the radar largely due to playing for Hansberry Prep, a part of the Noble charter school system in Chicago.
As a sophomore, Brooks posted impressive averages of 27.5 points, 18.3 rebounds, 8.4 blocks, 4.2 steals, and 3.8 assists per game, alongside his twin brother Ikee. His performance as a junior was nearly as strong, with averages of 23.5 points, 17.1 rebounds, 5.5 blocks, 4.7 assists, and 3.2 steals.
The key difference last season was that Hansberry Prep achieved a 20-12 record and won the Class 2A regional championship— a first for any Noble boys’ team. Brooks was subsequently named to the N-G All-State Second Team.
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For his senior year, Brooks and his brother will play at Rich Township and recently showcased their skills at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout, where Brooks’ performance earned him an offer from Illinois. He also holds an offer from Bryant.
In the Class of 2025, Illinois has already secured a commitment from in-state five-star guard Jeremiah Fears, who played in Arizona last season and will do so again at Compass Prep.
Other 2025 in-state players with offers include Peoria Manual guard Dieterich Richardson, Homewood-Flossmoor guard Bryce Heard, Whitney Young wing Antonio Munoz, Kenwood wing Aleks Alston, and La Lumiere (Ind.) via St. Rita guard Melvin Bell.
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