Adidas Gauntlet LA: Top So-Cal 17U Performers
Momentous Sports Center in Irvine played host to the Adidas Gauntlet’s west coast regional stop, drawing the top adidas-affiliated travel ball teams in the region for the three-day event.
There was a plethora of talent and plenty of top prospects on dispaly from the 17U level on down to the 15U level, and the following players were the local kids who turned heads.
Evan Mobley, Compton Magic
The younger of the talented Mobley brothers had his full arsenal on display over the weekend. The 6-foot-11 forward was a top five performer in three major statistical categories, pouring in 15.8 points, while grabbing 8.3 rebounds, and chipping in two blocks per game to help Compton Magic to a 3-1 record on the weekend. Mobley is super skilled and naturally gifted at his size. He’s quick off the floor for two handed dunks, contorts his body mid-air off of lob passes for nimble finishes and can face-up less mobile defenders and take them to the rack off the bounce.
Compton Magic forward Evan Mobley continues to prove he’s one of the top 2020 prospects in the country.Isaiah Mobley, Compton Magic
The elder Mobley wasn’t about to let his brother take all of the recognition. Isaiah, a versatile 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 14.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over his four games and showed that he’s willing and able to get down on the block and mix it up in the paint. Mobley was crashing to offensive and defensive glass with purpose and moving the ball ahead in transition – via the pass – faster than normal. Mobley benefitted off of those kick-ahead looks following up the play with offensive rebound put-backs.
Max Agbonkpolo, Pump-N-Run
Many of the mid and high major coaches were in town to get a glimpse of Agbonkpolo’s progress over the last year and he didn’t disappoint. The 6-foot-8 wing scored 15.3 points and grabbed 7.3 rebounds on the weekend and showed his improved touch from 3-point range, which has been a key component to his rise. The junior scored 24 points, including 4 of 6 from deep, in a close loss to Dream Vision in Friday night’s showcase game. Agbonkpolo’s event performance earned him scholarship offers from Arizona State and Washington.
Jake Kyman, Dream Vision
Kyman had his shot falling at the right time, helping lead Dream Vision to a 4-0 record while opening the eyes of the coaches court-side for his games. The 6-foot-7 junior averaged 15.8 points on the weekend, shooting 54.5 percent from the field overall and 45 percent (9-for-20) from 3-point range. Kyman has earned the right to be called a “shooter,” but also made sure to show his improved ability to attack the paint and finish in a variety of ways.
Ryan Langborg, Gamepoint
Langborg led his team to the Silver Division championship with a perimeter shooting barrage during Sunday’s bracket play. Langborg is another fast-rising recruit in the 2019 class, drawing a handful of college coaches watching his every move on the weekend. Those coaches were certainly pleased with how the 6-foot-4 shooting guard shot the ball, but were pleasantly surprised with how much he’s improved his ball skills and ability to create his own shot off the dribble.
Jonathan Salazar, Dream Vision
While many of the “looky-loo’s” were caught up in the hype of the Kyree Walker vs. Jalen Green match-up when Dream Vision and EBO took the floor, Salazar was the one taking over in the second half and leading Dream Vision to victory. The 6-foot-5 forward scored 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in that game and was one of two players, along with Isaiah Mobley, to average a double-double with 10.3 points and 10.5 rebounds.