Sophomore swingman Julian McElroy has an unlikely future with the NIU basketball team.

While the 6-foot-6 McElroy has not heard from coach Rob Judson since his dismissal from the team, the Huskies are recruiting several high school seniors with no place to obtain another scholarship from. There are only two players graduating (Jay Bates and Mike Morrison) and two high school players already signed.

McElroy was released from the team at the beginning of the year because of team-related issues, NIU coach Rob Judson said. His last game was Dec. 30 against Eastern Illinois when he had eight points, eight rebounds and three assists.

McElroy has remained on scholarship since his release.

Potential Huskies if McElroy does not return

John Smith, Johnsburg H.S.

Smith leads his team to the Class AA Elite Eight this weekend with a 30-1 record. At 6-foot-8, he is an intimidating shot-blocker and crafty passer for a big man. He averages 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocked shots a game for the Skyhawks as only a two-year varsity player. His team will play at 8:15 p.m. today against Glenbrook North in the state quarterfinals at Peoria’s Carver Arena.

DeShawn Walker, Simeon H.S.

The 6-foot-6 Walker is the leader of an up-and-down team that saw its peak when it defeated No. 1-ranked West Aurora in the championship of the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Walker was voted first team all-tournament at Pontiac. He followed that up as a First-Team All-Public League player by the Chicago Sun-Times along with Harris and Jeffers (right). Grades may play into account.

Anthony Harris, Young H.S.

One of the state’s most explosive scorer’s, Harris is a top-10 player in the state. His father, Billy “The Kid,” graduated from NIU and is an All-Century performer. A 6-foot-1 scoring point guard, he led his team all the way to the sectionals, where they lost to Von Steuben. He averages 25 points and six assists for the famed Chicago Whitney Young school, which produced Quentin Richardson of the L.A. Clippers.

Othyus Jeffers, Hubbard H.S.

Jeffers averages 25 points and 19 rebounds as a 6-foot-3 combo forward for Chicago Hubbard. His Greyhounds fell in the United Center Super Sectional to NIU signee Mike McKinney’s Evanston team. A strong, hard-nosed player with large hands and an explosive leaping ability, he has only played two years of organized basketball in his life. His team finished with a 23-8 record. Grades are a question. A possible Prop 48. -FR