Best of the Best from Vegas: FAB48 recap (Part 1)
LAS VEGAS, NV.- After heading north to evaluate the talents of the Adidas Uprising circuit, it was back to the FAB48 to take in the likes of 2020 standout 6-foot-2 Nico Mannion, 6-foot-9 Darius Bazley, and the big man in the middle 6-foot-10 junior Kofi Cockburn.
This report will be chock full of information as it pertains to the best talents of the day as the final summer evaluation period comes to an end in Sin City.
Francisco’s Finest (Part 1)
Most Outstanding
Darius Bazley (Meanstreets 17U)
Joel’s Take: The Syracuse commit has some Lamar Odom to his game. He is an ultra-skilled left hander who impacts the game with his rim protection, playmaking ability (scoring or facilitating), and explosiveness.
On the Rise
Precious Achiuwa (New Heights NYC 17U)
Joel’s Take: Is there a faster rising 4-man in the nation than the 6-foot-8 Achiuwa. The skilled forward has a feathery stroke from deep, a developing face-up game, and he possesses that prototypical Division 1 frame wth broad shoulders and long arms.
Nico Mannion (Earl Watson Elite 16U)
Joel’s Take: Mannion is the catalyst for Earl Watson Elite’s success. The 6-foot-2 point guard prospect puts the defense on their heels with his pressure and he is equally adept at either exploding to the rim or setting up a teammate. Jump shot is on the come.
Beast in the East
Kofi Cockburn (NY Renaissance 17U)
Joel’s Take: Nike South Beach had no answer for Cockburn as few do. The massive 6-foot-10 junior center carves out space with the best and has solid hands. Finishes through contact as well as any “Big” I’ve seen this summer.
A Knack to score
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (The Truth 16U)
Joel’s Take: Jaquez Jr. is one of the better scorers in Southern California regardless of class. The knock on the 6-foot-6 junior Jaquez Jr. has been the inconsistency of his jump shot, but it’s fair to say that is an area he has improved this summer. The bottom line there are just kids who have a knack to get buckets and he is one of those guys.
Mr. Takeover
Riley Battin (Earl Watson Elite 17U)
Joel’s Take: Yes, the 6-foot-8 Battin is the most fundamentally sound “Big” in the west, but it was mindset that separated him vs a physical WER1 squad. Battin took the punishment and maneuvered his way around them with precision and heart. #Winner
Mr. Motor
Payton Moore (Splash City 17U)
Joel’s Take: One of the fastest risers in So-Cal basketball this summer. Is he a 1, 2, or a 3? Not sure what he is, but in this era of position-less basketball he makes plays with is motor and athleticism.
Smooth as they come
Michael Devoe (Nike South Beach 17U)
Joel’s Take: As a West Coast scout it’s great to come to Las Vegas and take in the talents of players like Devoe. In-n-out dribbles, changes speeds, and impeccable vision describes this smooth customer. Never gets sped up which is a mature trait amongst developing point guards.