Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Best Combo-Guards)
Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Best Combo-Guards)
IRVINE, CA—The Adidas Gauntlet (LA Session) was the place to be this weekend as all the elite Adidas sponsored teams (West Coast that is) competed. One of the eye-opening observations taken this weekend was the number of elite 2020 Adidas-affiliated prospects that reside on the West Coast. Led by Evan Mobley the class also consists of Dalen Terry, Jalen Green, Kyree Walker, as well as couple of super sleepers in 6-foot-9 Coleman Hawkins and 6-foot-9 Mitchell Puttkammer Saxen.
Jarod Lucas (Los Altos) Club Team: Compton Magic Elite
2019, CG, 6-foot-2, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Lucas is a scoring lead guard that has a high-level motor. He is relentless in transition where he can get to the rim, but his forte is his pull-up jump shot. His range extends out to 23-feet and he gets great lift on his shot. He can run the half court offense as well and has improved in the facilitating department. Continuing improvement in the area of finishing over length (runner/floater/off-hand finishes) will improve his overall game.
Nimari Burnett (Napa Christian) Club Team: Dream Vision 16U
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Burnett continues to put his stamp on each and every game. The high-motor shooting guard is tough to deal with in the open court due to his aggressive mindset. He is a scorer first and foremost and consistently finishes above the rim after slashing through contact. His jump shot is more of a set shot with interesting—almost two-handed-release. He hits enough of them to keep defenders honest, but the strengths of his game are his motor, athleticism, and a knack to score.
Rylan Jones (Olympus/UT) Club Team: Exum Elite Utah Prospects
2019, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Jones, a gritty point guard, has improved each and every season and is a well-oiled machine in terms of his ability to run a team. He shows a solid burst off the dribble, has uncanny vision, and his passes always lands in the shooter’s pocket. In transition he advances the ball and he can nail the jump shot either off the pull-up or off the catch. He can over penetrate at times, but overall his progress over this past season has been excellent.
Elijah Pepper (Selah/WA) Club Team: Team Lavine 17 Gold
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Pepper is best described as “college ready.” The chiseled shooting guard has “some” Mathew Delvadova in him. He has a nice burst off the dribble and can toss in the runner/floater. His jump shot is tight out to 22-feet and he gets it off quick. In terms of his mindset he is always engaged at the ends of the floor. He can run the offense in the half court set, play the high screen and roll game, and his passing is quite good.
Akil Edwards (St. Patrick – St. Vincent) Club Team: Team Lillard
2019, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Edwards is quick point guard who plays at a relentless pace. He needs to increase the percentage on his jump shot and learn to change speeds (plays fast), but overall he can make plays. His relentless pace in transition puts the defense on their heels and he is a fearless attacker at the rim. Defensively he slides his feet well and has active hands.
Isael Silva (Jesuit) Club Team: Team Lillard 16U
2021, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the more impressive young prospects I saw all weekend was Silva. The skilled point guard who plays the game well beyond his years impacts the game with his scoring and facilitating. His frame is ideal with long arms and overall good length. He can finish through contact and has the dexterity to finish with either hand. The ability to change speeds combined with a high IQ further describe this up-and-coming point guard.