Michael O’Brien’s notebook: April 8, 2016

Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin is known for the massive compliments he heaps upon his players. But those especially familiar with Irvin-speak can tell that Ayo Dosunmu is special. Irvin refers to his “star qualities” and has even hinted at a possible NBA future for the sophomore. That’s a step further than Irvin has gone before, at least for an underclassman.

The pieces are all there for Dosunmu, a 6-3 point guard. He spent his freshman year running the show for Westinghouse in the White-West. He dominated the conference and scored more than 40 points in multiple games. Transferring to Morgan Park for this past season provided a big step up in quality of competition, but Dosunmu had a much smaller role with the Mustangs. He started, but was only a complementary ball-handler and scorer. His biggest contributions to the team came defensively and on the boards.

That demonstrates just how complete Dosunmu’s all-around skill set is. He can change a game in any number of ways.

“I adjusted quickly,” Dosunmu said. “Being at Westinghouse was definitely quieter. There is a lot more attention on Morgan Park.”

Dosumnu’s national profile is extremely low. He isn’t ranked in the top 100 by any of the major scouting services. That may start to change this spring. He’s the lead guard for the Mac Irvin Fire, one of the state’s top club basketball teams, and garnered some national headlines with his performance last weekend at the NY2LA Swish N Dish event just outside of Milwaukee.

“I’ve always believed you get what you deserve and you get what you put in,” Dosunmu said. “This summer I’ll just work hard and try to get what I deserve. I want to try to win as many [NIKE EYBL games] as possible and win Peach Jam.”

Oklahoma has been in to watch Dosunmu. Minnesota, Maryland and Cal Poly are also involved. Expect dozens of high-majors to get offer scholarships over the next few months and don’t be surprised if some blue-bloods come calling.

ALONZO VERGE WATCH

Alonzo Verge is back. The breakout star of the 2014-15 season (with Willowbrook) played most of the season at Arlington Country Day in Florida. He returned to the area in February and enrolled at Proviso West.

Verge is playing with Meanstreets this spring, sharing the backcourt with Evanston’s Nojel Eastern and Simeon’s Evan Gilyard. He turned heads last weekend at the NY2LA Swish N Dish. In a video interview with Scott Burgess of Illinois Prep Hoops, Verge said it is possible he will play at Proviso East next season but that no final decision has been made.

HOLIDAY UPDATES

The Wheaton-Warrenville South MLK Tournament has added Homewood-Flossmoor. The 16-team tourney is unique to the area and has raised its profile every season. Next year’s field also includes Benet, Downers Grove South, Notre Dame, Oak Park-River Forest and Bloomington.

The Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic, which debuted last year, has beefed up its field with four new teams: Bolingbrook, Glenbrook North, Marian Catholic and St. Viator.

Joliet Central has left the Big Dipper and joined the field at the State Farm Tournament in Bloomington. Steelmen coach Jeff Corcoran, the coach at Central for the past seven years, stepped down after the season. He wants to spend more time with his family.

NEW HEAD JAGUAR

Julian has hired Troy Caldwell as boys basketball coach. Caldwell, a familiar face to most around the city’s basketball scene, has previously coached at Robeson and U-High. He has a 162-77 record in eight seasons.