A Scout’s Take: FAB 48 (2019 Standouts)
A Scout’s Take: FAB 48 (2019 Standouts)
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Although Hal Pastner and UAA Finals had a lot of talent within their gyms, the FAB 48, directed by Gary Charles, Dinos Trigonis, and Grant Rice, continue to be the cream of the crop of Las Vegas Grassroots hoops. From the beginning (Compton Magic taking down Team Takeover in a thriller) to DC Premier claming the championship over The Truth, the Fab 48 delivered in a big time way.
Cole Anthony (Oak Hill Academy/VA) Club Team: PSA Cardinals
2019, PG, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anthony has been a house hold name since middle school due to his innate talent and of course his father Greg (former NBA player and NBA TV analyst). Anthony is the most explosive point guard in the class. His 1st step is blinding and he has the hops and body control to finish over the “bigs’ in the paint. His passing is high-level in the open court, but for his game to go to a new level, his jump shot needs to get more consistent.
Makhi Mitchell (Bishop McNamara/VA) Club Team: DC Premier
2019, 6-foot-9, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Mitchell brothers remind me a bit of the Collins’ twins (Jason and Jarron) that dominated So-Cal basketball back in the early 90s. The Mitchell twins, like the Collins’ twins, don’t have quick feet or great bounce, but they know how to play. Makhi knows how to carve out space, shows solid foot work, and he is a no nonsense competitor. He impacts in other areas including rebounding, physical post defense, and astute passing.
Vernon Carey (NSU University School/FL) Club Team: E1T1
2019, PF/WF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: After Las Vegas it became apparent to me that Carey is the safe bet when it comes to to deciding the No. 1 player in the country. He possesses a big frame with long arms, soft hands, and his footwork is impeccable. His touch is soft from the paint out to 22-feet and he is efficient as well. He has the best combination of size, skill, and mindset.
Drew Timme (JJ Pearce/TX) Club Team: Drive Nation EYBL
2019, 6-foot-9, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: The most skilled 4-man I witnessed this summer was Timme. The face-up power forward is a nightmare to defend from the elbow. He has a nice burst off the dribble, knows how to use his body to carve out space, and he is a skilled finisher. Impeccable footwork and a hot motor are other descriptions of this elite high-major.
DJ Carton (Bettandorf/IA) Club Team: Quad City Elite
2019, PG, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: The chiseled lefty, who is headed to Ohio State is a true game manager. He has a quick 1st step and has the strength and bounce to finish in the lane. He can take on the contact and has excellent body control. Snapping passes to open shooters or dropping off the clever assist in the lane is part of the package as well. However, the development of his jump shot will be the key in taking his game to another level.
Jahmius Ramsey (IMG Academy/FL) Club Team: Drive Nation EYBL
2019, CG, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Ramsey’s toughness shouldn’t be in question after playing in this event with a brace on his nose. He has a strong frame, good length, and he affects the game in multiple ways. His burst is strong and decisive and he has the skill to finish with either hand through contact. He can knock in the mid-range jump shot and he has the vision to snap passes to the open man, both in transition as well as in the half court set.