Adidas Gauntlet ATL Standouts (Part 1)
It was the second live period of the spring, and after having their regional qualifier the first weekend, Adidas brought the entire Gauntlet to Atlanta this past weekend. There were games all over the Atlanta area, and as always there were hundreds of division one college coaches in attendance. We were able to watch teams from all over the country, and there were quite a few standouts throughout the event. Check it out, and let us know who we missed!
Jamon Battle | 6’5” WG | Team Loaded 804 17U
Battle continues to impress after being the standout guy for Loaded 804 as they won the Silver Tournament in the first live period in DC. He had multiple 20 point games, including 25 point 8 rebound game to open the event against Southern Kings. He has a college ready frame and high major athleticism, so when he gets downhill it’s very hard to stop him from finishing, and while he’s a better slasher than shooter he will still make you pay if you leave him open, which keeps defenses honest. He picked up an offer from Austin Peay, his ninth so far.
Robbie Beran | 6’7” F | Team Richmond Garner Road 17U
Along with Battle, Beran has seen his recruitment pick up early in the spring, especially with high academic schools from up and down the east coast. In their win over Birmingham Panthers, he finished with 18 points including 2 shots from behind the arc. Every time I see the kid he looks like he’s still growing, as he’s now pushing 6’8” with long arms, and he has a cannon from deep in transition. He’s also able to use his length on the defensive end and in the paint to score over smaller players.
David Wingett | 6’4” F | Team Loaded NC 17U
One of the best available seniors in the event, Wingett shot the lights out on Saturday and was the talk of the event for schools with a scholarship still available. He has good feel for a wing, he can shoot the basketball from anywhere on the court and he played physical and hard on both ends of the floor. He picked up recent offers from Eastern Michigan and South Dakota State, and he needs to be on your radar if you’re looking for an available wing who can shoot it.
Evan Mobley | 6’10” C | Compton Magic 17U
The 2020 big man had some moments that just screamed “future pro.” The first play I saw Mobley make, he caught in the short corner and ripped toward the baseline where he was cut off and double teamed. He took a power dribble back, and while I thought he was going to finesse finish or try to get fouled, he powered up through about three defenders and dunked it viciously with two hands. He finished well in the paint, runs the floor with ease and he’s a good rim protector with a very high ceiling.
Kyle Rode | 6’6” WF | Indiana Elite 17U
Rode had an impressive game in Indiana Elite’s final win over Team Loaded NC, as he poured in 22 points including four three-pointers. The stocky 6’6” wing has a ratchet from deep, as the Adidas Gauntlet website says he’s shooting 43.3% from deep and averaging 17 points per game through two sessions. He has a high IQ, a quick trigger from deep and a lot of confidence when he shoots the basketball. He has a lot of mid majors on him and there’s no surprise there as he is buckets in bunches.
Akol Arop | 6’6” F | Omaha Sports Academy 17U
Arop is an undersized four man that can guard multiple positions and is extremely athletic around the rim. He isn’t the most skilled guy, but he has a high motor, can play inside and out and is an efficient scorer and rebounder that doesn’t try to do too much. His athleticism is impressive, as he’s explosive and has great hang time, and the fact that he gets most of his buckets around the rim and on put backs gives his team a huge lift. His energy and motor mixed with his high flying ability makes him a lot of fun to watch.
Oscar Tshiebwe | 6’8” PF | ITPS 17U
One of the most productive players on the circuit, the big man who plays at Kennedy Catholic in Pittsburgh is averaging an impressive double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds. While there are bigger named big men on multiple circuits, Tshiebwe may be the one with the highest motor in the entire country. He pursues every rebound that’s both in and out of his area, he finishes with authority above the rim and he’s improving his touch from the line and the midrange. His insane motor and impressive, strong frame makes him so productive in the paint on both ends of the floor.