Scouting and Highlights: Gabe Brown (2018)
The 6’7″-6’8″ wing has been steadily improving since I last covered him early in the high school season. Given his combination of height, length, athleticism and skill, mid-major D1s should be all over him. This statement is backed by several offers, including several MAC and Horizon schools, and even a Big East offer from DePaul. Stellar play in the first live event of the EYBL circuit this past weekend should have more high-major scouts taking note of his high ceiling. In fact, he was so impressive this weekend that he’s been recognized by a variety of scouts and coaches across the country.
Here’s my take on Brown’s improving game:
Strengths:
Defense – He’s got all the physical tools to be a great perimeter defender. More importantly, however, he puts in the effort on the defensive side of the ball, which allows him to produce at a high level. His quickness and speed allow him to defend smaller guards while his length and leaping ability allow him to defend opponents who are bigger than him. He does a really good job closing with a high hand and gets a number of blocks on simple close-outs.
Athleticism – He has quick feet, a very good leaping ability and an overall explosiveness about him that make him a tough matchup on both ends of the floor. He’s capable of going up and finishing over opponents in traffic, as well as going up and grabbing a rebound or blocking a shot. His athleticism makes him lethal in transition.
Shooting – He’s a solid overall shooter. He can shoot off the dribble and off the catch, both from midrange as well as three. Part of the reason he has so much buzz surrounding his performance from this weekend’s EYBL event is because he shot 80% from the floor. Over the last few months, he has been developing himself into a much more consistent shooter.
Finishing – Thanks in part to his elite athleticism, he’s a very good finisher. He can finish over or through opponents; he’s capable of rising up and dunking in traffic. Not just a dunker, he has a soft touch on layups as well. His long arms help him avoid shot blockers and draw fouls if he can’t finish.
Areas For Development:
Strength – Filling out his lanky frame is perhaps the only thing Brown needs to improve physically. Adding muscle would take his game to the next level and make him even more versatile on the defensive end of the floor. Also, it would help him be able to make an immediate impact on whatever college squad he decides to be apart of.
Creating off the dribble – While his handles aren’t below average and his ability to create off the dribble isn’t bad, it is definitely an area he could improve upon. He can get away with simply shooting over opponents at the high school level, but at the college level he may not be able to. If he developed himself into a consistent playmaker off the bounce, even if he was only scoring, he would truly be an elite high-major talent.