Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Uprising
LAS VEGAS, NV.- The 2nd day in the third week of the evaluation period for Division 1 coaches took Frank Burlison and I to the Cashmen Center for the Adidas Uprising Championships.
Compton Magic took home the Creator’s Cup with a thrilling 55-53 victory New England Playaz. Jules Bernard, the slashing wing from Los Angeles Windward sank two clutch free throws to break the tie and to withstand an outstanding performance from 6-foot-8 senior Nathan Laszewski—which you will learn more about below.
Francisco’s Finest
Best in the nation?
Zion Williamson (South Carolina Supreme)
Joel’s Take: Not sure if I ever scouted someone like Williamson…power, explosiveness, ultra-skilled and yet finesse is part of the package too. Unique prospect
Worth the Hype
Ashton Hagans (Game Elite)
Joel’s Take: Hagans, who will be taking his point guard skills to Oak Hill Academy, is a terrific prospect….Size, skill, explosive, and high-level vision
It’s all up to him
LaMelo Ball (Big Ballers)
Joel’s Take: Arguably the most skilled guard in the country in his class, but a lack of assertiveness and ill-advised shot selection could hold him back. Then again….he’s still 15.
Ready for college
Devon Dotson (South Carolina Supreme)
Joel’s Take: Zion Williamson dominated the game, but Devon Dotson definitely got the better Immanuel Quickly (BBC). Dotson played with much more purpose and efficiency.
Scratching the surface
Jaylen Clark (Compton Magic)
Joel’s Take: Multi-skilled perimeter player who may mold into a point guard someday. Terrific passer and a explosive athlete.
Supreme Stretch 4s
Patrick McCaffery (Iowa Barnstormers)
Joel’s Take: This 6-foot-8ish stretch 4-man can drain deep 3s or jab step you for the thunderous throw down.
Nathan Laszewski (New England Playaz)
Joel’s Take: It’s not surprising that he is being recruited by many High-Majors. High IQ combined with savvy, athleticism, and a willowy frame……The best is yet to come.
Best Motor
Christian Brown (Game Elite)
Joel’s Take: The 6-foot-6 high motor 4-man is relentless in the paint and extremely bouncy.
Best Slasher
Jules Bernard (Compton Magic)
Joel’s Take: The 6-foot-5 wing tends to pound it too much and he could expand his game with adding passing to his offensive repertoire, but he plays hard and is the ultimate bucket getter.