Rising Stars Gold 

Location: Illinois
Region: GBOA North
Coach: Brian Davis
NBA Alumni:
NCAA Alums: Todd Babington (Austin Paey), Peter Boehm (Harvard University), Kevin Bulger (Columbia University), Jason Davidson (Davidson University), Ceola Clark (Western Illinois), John Cox (Drake University), Javon Coney (Colorado University), Emanuel Gatier (Tennessee State), Jeff Jordan (University of Illinois), Raffi Mantilla (Yale University), Danny Monckton (Penn University), Jonathon Montgomery (Northern Iowa), Dan Nelms (Davidson University), Pat Nelson (Wisconsin-Green Bay), Grant Supernant (St. Francis (P.A.), Nichael Thompson (Northwestern University), Eric Williams (Wake Forest University), John Williams (Florida A&M), Chris Wrobeleski (Cornell University), Jake Linfors (Albany University), Kevin Stineman (Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville).
Founded: 1993

Joy of the Game/Rising Stars is owned by Michael Weinstein. In the past five years Rising Stars have sent over 100 players to play basketball for Division I, II, III and the NAIA. This season, the Rising Stars hold a record of 14-6. They are a very successful organization, winning numerous tournaments and qualifying for the AAU Nationals. The players are being heavily recruited from Division 1 prospects.

# NameHT WT Class High School Interests
32
Cortney Bell6'6'' 2009
Lincoln Park HS
 
45
Jack Cooley6'9'' 2009Glenbrook South HSNotre Dame (verbal)
33
Eric Dortch6'4'' 2009Evanston HS 
21
Andrew Galow6'4'' 2009Oswego HS 
12
Nik Garcia6'6'' 2009Niles West HSAlabama, Southern Illinois,
Akron, Illinois State,
Northern Illinois
5
Marcus Jordan6'3'' 2009
Whitney Young HS 
20
Evan Okrzesik6'1'' 2009Fenwick HS 
3
Cully Payne6'2" 2009Schaumburg HSDePaul University (commit)
23
Jereme Richmond6'7'' 2010Waukegan HS

Illinois (commit)

1Ricardo Munoz
6'0"
 2009
Whitney Young HS
 
2
Max Burgess6'1"
 2010
Deerfield HS
 
Recruiting Update: Cully Payne (Rising Stars)
Friday, 06 June 2008 20:39

Cully Payne, of the Rising Stars, is splitting ways with the DePaul Blue Demons. Payne, a 6-foot junior, committed to the college in 2005 before even setting foot on a high school court. Coach Wainwright and Payne both agreed over the weekend that it was time to change direction. Although Coach Wainwright is a close family friend Payne is now opening his recruiting opportunities to other schools. Payne will be receiving a lot of interest based on his solid season with the Rising Stars. Payne had an outstanding performance with the Stars at GBOA's North Tournament in May. Payne also had an excellent high school season, averaging 17 p.p.g with Schaumburg High School.