Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Best Prospects)
Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Best Prospects)
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.
Dalen Terry (Phoenix/Corona Del Sol) Club Team: Compton Magic 16U
2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Class of 2020 out west is impressive with the likes of Ziaire Williams, Evan Mobley, Josh Christopher, Jalen Green, and Kyree Walker. Well, you might as well add Terry to the list and he may have more long-term potential than some on this list. The willowy wing-type can slash his way to the rim, knock in deep jump shots, and he handles pressure well off the dribble. He handed out some impressive passes as well. Once his strength kicks in, he could be an elite national player in the country.
Evan Mobley (Rancho Christian) Club Team: Compton Magic Elite
2020, PF, 6-foot-10, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: At this stage, Mobley is arguably the No. 1 prospect in the West and should be a Top 5 player in the nation for his class. The rangy 4-man has wing skills, a soft shooting touch, and he’s extremely quick off the floor. Not saying he is the next Kevin Garnett or Kevin Durant, but his skill set is a combination of the two of them at the same stage.
Jalen Green (San Joaquin Memorial) Club Team: EBO 17U
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Green is regarded as one of the Top 5 prospects in the country and from an athletic standpoint, that is true. However, as a player he has much to improve upon—and that is obviously ok. He is as explosive as any player in the country and just glides from one end to the other. He gets nice lift on his jump shot, but his shot is erratic. In addition, his ball handling is too loose (needs to keep it low and tighter versus aggressive defenders). He will give it up in transition and he shows a nice feel for finding teammates off the bounce as well.
Max Agbonkpolo (Santa Margarita) Club Team: Pump-N-Run 17
2019, WF, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Agbonkpolo is that prototypical wing that has the frame and the athleticism. His jump shot has improved immensely in the past year, especially off the catch. He is tough to deal with in transition due to his athleticism and length. However, he needs to be much more assertive in the areas of rebounding, decision-making and defending.
Mathew Van Komen (Pleasant Grove/UT) Club Team: Exum Elite Utah Prospects
2019, C, 7-foot, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: Van Komen is extremely agile 7-footer with good hands, nimble feet, and solid fundamentals. He keeps the ball high and possesses a nice touch out to the elbow. He can rebound in and out of his area and he runs well in transition. He needs to play with a lower base (bend knees) and wider while operating on the block, but his progress has been good. Adding strength (gets pushed off the block) and continued skill development (15-feet and in) will elevate his stock.