Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Best Glue-Types)
Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Best Glue-Types)
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.
Nick Bowden Jr. (St. Bernard) Club Team: Compton Magic 16U
2020, SG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Bowden is a sharp shooting combo-guard who makes plays at both ends of the floor. He doesn’t possess a prototypical D1 frame or athleticism, but he plays with a high motor and he’s skilled. He can get to the rim by changing speeds and he has a high IQ for the game. However, the his forte is shooting, especially off the catch and his range extends to 22-feet.
Sedrick Altman (Colony) Club Team: Dream Vision
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Altman is the quintessential glue-type due to his ability to impact the game in a number of ways. He is an exceptional athlete with long arms and he plays with assertiveness in mind. He is relentless in transition as well as off the dribble. He can finish over length and his initial burst is exceptional. Since the regular season he has shown improvement in his jump shot and decision making.
Isaiah Johnson (Crean Lutheran) Club Team: Dream Vision 16U
2020, PF, 6-foot-6, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Speaking of players who have continued to improve since the regular season—look no further than Johnson. The rangy undersized 4-man with long arms and improved bounce can slam it home in transition, hit open shots out to 15-feet, and he rebounds at a high level. He needs to improve his ball skills in the open court, but due to his motor and improved feel for the game, he should be a D1 recruit in the near future.
Kyle Owens (Crespi) Club Team: Pump N Run 17
2019, PF/WF, 6-foot-6, 205 pounds
Joel’s Take: Owens had an exceptional weekend. If you play at Crespi (Russell White) you going to learn how to defend and develop into an all-around player—just ask London Perrantes (Cleveland Cavaliers), DeAnthony Melton (USC), and Brandon Williams (Arizona). Owens is a different player than all those three players, but the lengthy lefty impacts the game with his ability to rebound at a high level and improved 3-point shot. He never forces the issue and always makes the right basketball play.
Bryce Pope (Torrey Pines) Club Team: Gamepoint
2019, WF, 6-foot-4, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Pope is big-bodied wing with a knack to score. He comes from a very good program in San Diego and plays for an exceptional coach in John Olive. Pope is a scorer and is tough to stop due to his strength and feel for the game. He impacts the game with his IQ (makes good decisions) and overall energetic mindset. He isn’t overly quick or bouncy but he gets to where he needs to go with the ball.