Al Brooks Jr. put up some eye-popping numbers the past two seasons, but playing at Hansberry in Chicago, he had neither the competition nor the audience he wanted.
Brooks and his twin brother, Ikee, have both transferred to Rich Township, however, and they are excited about spending their senior season with the Raptors.
“I’m coming from Hansberry, so coming here, there’s a bigger spotlight and I have to show that I can hold my own against bigger teams and more talent,” Al said. “I want to show what I can do.”
Brooks averaged 23.5 points, 17.1 rebounds, 5.5 blocked shots, 4.7 assists and 3.2 steals last season as Hansberry (20-12) won a Class 2A regional championship. It was the first regional title in boys basketball for any of the 17 charter schools that make up the Noble system in Chicago.
Al, a 6-foot-7 forward, is attracting some major interest from college recruiters. After showcasing his skills at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout from June 21-23, he received an offer from Illinois.
So, it’s understandable that Rich Township coach Lou Adams has high expectations for his new star.
“Al Brooks, to me, is going to be the best player in the state because of what he can do on both ends and the skill he has,” Adams said. “Al can play one through four. He can handle the ball, dribble, pass it. He can defend well. He’s got a really good feel for the game.”
And hearing such a bold proclamation from his coach?
“It just makes me want to keep going harder, keep pushing,” Al said.
The Raptors have had a successful summer, going 11-1 over events at Riverside-Brookfield, Romeoville and Ridgewood during the June live period for college recruiting.
Brooks likes what he sees from his new team.
“Coming here, it’s better having more players, having better players,” he said. “We have more talent and that’s making it easier. We don’t have to do everything.
“We can all hoop on this team. Everybody on our team can hold their own, even guys coming off the bench. We’ve got that dog on this team, for sure.”
Rich Township guard Jamson Coulter is also attracting Division I interest as he prepares for his junior season, receiving offers from Arizona State and West Virginia.
Coulter is thrilled to have Brooks on his side to attract attention from the opposition.
“It makes my game way easier because he can take all the focus,” Coulter said. “His motor is what impresses me. He plays with a passion. He loves the game and you can see it any time he’s on the court.”
Ikee Brooks, a 5-foot-11 guard, also figures to contribute heavily for the Raptors. He said he and his twin brother are using the summer to build a bond with their new teammates.
“The summer is about playing with each other, knowing what each other can do and getting our chemistry together,” Ikee said. “We’re bringing the mentality that we’re a brotherhood.
“You’ve got to be friends outside the court and on the court in order to work well on the court. You’ve got to hang out. You’ve got to be cool.”
Ikee said he and Al are ready to make any adjustments they need to as they get used to a new coach and a new style of play.
“It’s a challenge to see where I fit in myself with the program and then to see where both of us fit in their system,” Ikee said. “We’re adapting. That’s what we’re here to do. We’re trying to win.”
Al Brooks Jr. is quite confident that there’s plenty of winning ahead for the Raptors.
“Our whole plan is to go win state this year,” he said. “That’s what we’re pushing for. We’re going to win state. We don’t think anybody can beat us. I’m standing on that.”
