Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Summer Championships (Biggest Standouts)
Photo Credit: USA Today
Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Summer Championships (Biggest Standouts)
LADERA RANCH, CA—The Adidas Summer Championships decided to locate their event in South Orange County at a beautiful complex in Ladera Ranch—and it didn’t disappoint. The usual suspects stood out in their respective games like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Akok Akok, James Wiseman, and Oscar Tshiebwe. However, there were other lesser known prospects that put their name on the recruitng map with their moments. Are first installment will look at the standouts and then will venture into tapping into the pool of surprises.
Oscar Tshiebwe (ITPS)
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Tshiebwe is a long-armed 4-man who impacts the game at both ends of the floor. Due to his length and excellent timing, his rim protection was noticeable. On the other end of the floor he displayed a soft touch out to the elbow and a live motor.
Josh Nickleberry (Game Elite)
2019, CG, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Nickleberry is a streaky shooter, but his shot shows solid mechanics and he gets excellent lift on his shot. In the open court he can slash his way to the rim or drop off the nifty dime. He cuts well in the half court and has a knack and feel for this game. Consistency on his jump shot will be the catalyst for his effectiveness at the next level.
Orlando Robinson (Las Vegas Knicks)
2019, PF, 6-foot-8, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: The long-armed Robinson outplayed Makur Makur—who is apparently transferring to Orange Lutheran (Orange, Ca.). Robinson needs to gain strength and play with more balance while operating on the block, but he can finish with either hand, exhibits solid ball skills, and his touch to the elbow is solid.
Mathew Van Komen (Exum Elite)
2019, C, 7-foot-2, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: Van Komen has been on the radar since the 8th grade due to his obvious height and overall length. He has excellent instincts, good feet, and overall shows excellent mobility for a 7-footer. The Utah commit is quick off the floor and has a surprisingly soft touch in and around the paint. Once he gains strength in his base (playing wide), his impact will be a game-changer.
Akok Akok (Mass Rivals)
2020, PF, 6-foot-9, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: This prospect is what the NBA is looking at in terms of 4-men. He can stick the 3-point shot, runs extremely well in transtion, and his timing at both ends is exceptional. The rim-protecting 4-man plays with a hot motor and possesses all the physical tools and skill to be in the NBA someday.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (EBO)
2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
Joel’s Take: Jaquez Jr. teamed up with 2020 sensation Jalen Green to form one of the better scoring duos in the AAU circuit. Jaquez Jr. plays hard all the time and is always in attack mode. He can knock in the 3-point shot or explode to the rim and his crossover is a potent move. His shot can be streaky and that aspect of his game will need to improve.
Isaiah Mobley (Compton Magic)
2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Joel’s Take: Mobley doesn’t have great lift, but he has excellent length and he has the savvy to score in a number of ways in the paint. His ball skills allow him to play point forward and he is a high-level passer.