Sandburg’s Will Hooks has the classic size and interchangeable game for his position.
The 6-foot-4 senior forward does what comes naturally, but he also doesn’t fit into a typical box. And he has put in the offseason work to check off every possible list for versatility and utility.
“Last season, I was more of a rebounder who spaced the floor,” he said. “I always worked hard on defense. Now, I’m trying to have more of a leadership role and be able to pass and shoot more,
“And help out my teammates.”
Hooks provided a helping hand Monday, scoring 10 points to go with five rebounds and three assists in a 69-43 win over Chicago Christian at the Reavis Thanksgiving Tournament in Burbank.
Ten players scored for the Eagles (1-0), who led by as many as 37 points. Twin brothers Will and Jonah Johnson, both senior forwards, finished with 13 and nine points, respectively.
Sandburg’s Will Hooks (4) drives into the lane against Chicago Christian during the Reavis Thanksgiving Tournament in Burbank on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Junior guard Garrett Murphy scored 13 points to lead Chicago Christian (0-1). Soccer standout Casey Lenarz, a senior forward, added 11 points.
Hooks, meanwhile, combines size, length and a nose for the ball in shaping his approach to the game. Those skills are enhanced by scrappy, dogged play, according to senior guard Liibo Debela.
“He definitely brings defense,” Debela said of Hooks. “He’s very much a team-first player. He crashes the boards, plays hard and he finishes his chances at the rim.
“He doesn’t always have to be scoring to be effective out there. He rotates on defense and he’s very vocal. Defensively, everyone knows he has our back.”
Chicago Christian’s Garrett Murphy (3) dribbles past Sandburg’s Liibo Debela (2) during the Reavis Thanksgiving Tournament in Burbank on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Hooks, who’s in his second year on varsity, wants to impact the game in a wide range of ways.
“He gives us a lot of flexibility,” Sandburg coach John Daniels said of Hooks. “He’s going to start some games and he’s going to come off the bench. He attacks the rim and does a really good job of rebounding and pushing the ball.
“He’s very positive and he’s just hungry.”
Hooks showed off his versatility by both protecting the rim and starting Sandburg’s transition.
Sandburg’s Will Johnson (3) puts up a shot against Chicago Christian during the Reavis Thanksgiving Tournament in Burbank on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“I feel like I’m a lengthy and athletic player out there,” he said. “I feel like I can run with any of my teammates out there. Our team is super fast and athletic.
“Our coaches gave us a great game plan to be able to play an amazing style that fits us.”
Nine of the players who scored against Chicago Christian were either starters or part of the rotation last season for Sandburg, including Hooks.
That familiarity and comfort with each other allowed Hooks to flourish.
“We’ve been playing together for four years now and I feel like we work together every day,” he said. “This is also my second year out there, so everything is just more exciting.
“Everything has just really come together.”
Sandburg’s Will Hooks (4) lays the ball up over a pair of players against Chicago Christian during the Reavis Thanksgiving Tournament in Burbank on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Hooks spends his time away from the game either hanging out with his friends or working out. He’s rarely stationary, and that shows on the basketball court.
“I like to play fast,” Hooks said. “What I love the most is winning, so wherever the coach puts me, in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, I’m going to do whatever our team needs to win.”
Growing up, he loved basketball, especially those Chicago Bulls teams with Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol. He took to the game, which brought out his already ebullient personality.
The flow and rhythm fits his open, playful manner.
“My personality is loud, maybe even a little silly,” Hooks said. “My lifestyle is more of just being free out there and trying to be loose.
“Whenever I’m doing something in real life, I’m just trying to put forward my best stuff.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
