O’Brien: Larkin’s Christian Negron sparkles at Chicago Elite Classic

Events like the Chicago Elite Classic are made for players like Larkin junior Christian Negron. The sideline was packed with talent evaluators Saturday at UIC. Negron, a 6-6 junior, did not disappoint.

Negron put on a show in Larkin’s 60-54 win over East St. Louis. He had 20 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. One well-respected national evaluator said Negron reminded him of Kawhi Leonard at a similar stage in his development.

“He’s one of the best players in the country, that’s what it looked like,” Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. “I know there are other guys that are rated high, but as a complete player he dictates every aspect of the game.”

East St. Louis led 43-42 after three quarters. The Royals (4-2) opened the fourth with an 11-2 run to take control of the game.

“We went to a 1-3-1 and we got stops, that was the difference,” Carter said. “The guys were a little tired (Larkin beat rival Elgin last night). They played hard but they didn’t play with a lot of energy. That’s usually a staple of what we do. But we’ll take it.”

Negron has a slew of college scholarship offers. He said he’s been working on expanding his game.

“I need to get better away from the basket,” Negron said.

Negron is a for-sure difference maker on the court, but Larkin’s success this season will depend on its backcourt. AJ Hunter (20 points) and Keyvon Kyles (16 points) were up and down on Saturday, at times very good and at times shaky.

“I don’t think it is a skill thing,” Carter said. “I think it’s a decision making thing, which we can correct. I think they have to learn the value of every possession. They are used to having other good guards that did that for us. There is no question, when they are good we’re really good. When they aren’t playing real well is when we hit lulls in games.”