adidas Gauntlet Summer Championship 2018 report and analysis

By Christian Siagian

Ladera Ranch, Calif. -- The adidas summer AAU traveling series came to Southern California this week, featuring a tournament that brings its own special conditions compared to other events.  In other words, the players participating in the adidas Gauntlet Summer Championship typically have played a large number of games and have some form of fatigue, but they also are more familiar with their competition.  As such, the talented players are put in an environment that allows them to rise to the top.

At this point, there is movement among the top 100 players in the Class of 2019.  Players that have not progressed or replicated their performances from previous summers have dropped, while others that improve or even just remain consistent tend to go up the rankings.

Players such as Isaiah Mobley (top 60 to top 15) and Jaden McDaniels (top 100 to top 5) have moved up considerably, while the likes of Cassius Stanley (top 5 to top 30), Christian Brown (top 10 to top 30), and Trendon Watford (top 10 to top 40) have dropped a level.

As for the underclassman, only the Class of 2020 seemed particularly memorable, which is unusual, as normally the top-end sophomores (Class 2021) also would start to make their mark.  This year is decidedly different.

Below are some of the outstanding players from the event:

Matthew Hurt, PF, 6-9, 215 pounds, 2019
Firmly entrenched in the top 10 of the Class of 2019, Hurt has transformed himself from a spot-up stretch four into a player with playmaking and shot-making ability.  With his development, he now can play some small forward if his team wants to play a big lineup.  In addition, his progress is a good indicator of his ability to successfully make the jump to the collegiate level.

Tyrell Terry, PG, 6-2, 170 pounds, 2019
The Stanford commit is a great point guard who can efficiently run a team with his vision and foot speed. Even though his athleticism and strength are still developing, he can still regularly get to the basket and finish at this level.  He does not take every open jump shot available to him, which demonstrates that Terry at least knows his limitations.

Christian Brown, SF, 6-6, 200 pounds, 2019
Brown, after a breakout summer a year ago, has yet to improve his jump shot and playmaking ability. Despite above average athleticism, he often does not vary his approach to the basket. Right now his fearless, but predictable moves are well anticipated by larger interior defenders.

That being said, he can potentially be a great defender, especially when motivated by the presence of a high profile coach watching from the stands.

Isaiah Mobley, PF, 6-9, 220 pounds, 2019
Mobley is a leader, playing for the best team in the tournament, Compton Magic. Although not the most elite physically, he is ahead of many in terms of developing his basketball skills and possessing a winning mentality. In addition, his consistent shooting range, playmaking, decisions on the inside make him a perfect stretch power forward prospect in the mold of Robert Horry.

Johnny Juzang, SF, 6-7, 200 pounds, 2020
Even though Juzang is a junior (top 25), he is quite experienced at the AAU level. His size makes him a potentially great point guard who can guard a number of positions. At times, his playmaking ability makes one believe the transition to point guard is realistic. However, in order to complete such a position switch, he has to continue to improve his skill set, including both shooting and ballhandling.

Onyeka Okongwu, PF, 6-8, 215 pounds, 2019
Okongwu removed all doubt about his health by coming back strong this summer from an injury.  What is special about Okongwu is that he is a polished basketball player.  He always sets up his shot well, and defensively, he is good at tracking his opponent on the interior.  He would have even more upside if he were to trim down physically.

Evan Mobley, PF, 6-11, 205 pounds, 2020
Now a top 3 player in the junior class, Mobley is great at running on the break and scoring in a variety of ways. He is still on the slim side physically, but just like his older brother, he should be able to put on more weight.  Mobley has a lot of potential, but just needs time to develop his game by adding a few go-to inside moves to his repertoire.

Jalen Green, SG, 6-4, 170 pounds, 2020
Green, who is currently the number one player in his class, is clearly an elite physical talent, although he still could add more muscle.  Nevertheless, he consistently demonstrated his ability to separate from the competition -- on one occasion, for example, taking the ball from the baseline and powerfully dunking it against a zone defense.  His jump shot must improve for Green to be a complete basketball player.  Still, Green excels in transition, as he can either finish or push the ball and look to feed others.

Jaime Jaquez, SF, 6-6, 185 pounds, 2019
Even though he should play at small forward, Jaquez is strong enough to play some interior offense. The UCLA commit is versatile, has good leadership skills, and is ready to contribute at the collegiate level.  His shot is fairly consistent.  If he improves it more, he can move up to the elite level from his current top 75 ranking.

Trendon Watford, SF, 6-8, 224 pounds, 2019
With James Wiseman (number one player in his class) not playing, Watford had a chance to showcase his game.  However, his efforts turned primarily into iso ball. Two years ago, Watford's game definitely was ahead of his peers, but during this event, he looked a bit slower, especially when defended by some of the elite players in the tournament.

Chandler Lawson, SF, 6-8, 200 pounds, 2019
Like his teammate Watford, Lawson also started out highly ranked as a sophomore.  Although he has continued to maintain his strength, speed, and size advantages, he needs to improve his basketball moves to be considered an elite and complete basketball player.  That being said, even now he has the potential to be an elite defender with his physical skills.

Kyree Walker, SG, 6-4, 205 pounds, 2020
Walker also started out in the top 5 during his freshman year.  However, his place seems to be slipping, as he currently is a top 15 player. The Arizona State commit has enough basketball skills that he may still end up being a top-of-the-line guard in his class. However, his burst, which has never been his calling card, needs to improve, along with a more consistent jump shot.  On the defensive side, he is still a work in progress.

Max Agbonkpolo, SF, 6-7,  180 pounds, 2019
The USC commit is a top 60 player and is still developing physically.  He has the potential to be a versatile small forward, as he is a tall player who can shoot outside, but also has the experience to play inside.

Jalen Wilson, SF, 6-8, 210 pounds, 2019
Built like a Big Ten player, the Michigan commit has the physical attributes to contribute right away. He makes good cuts, and does a lot of good things wherever he is on the court.  Wilson makes sound decisions on the break, and has the energy and leadership skills of a winner.

Phillip Fuller, PG, 6-4, 165 pounds, 2019
Fuller has competed at the highest level of high school and AAU basketball for a long time, and his experience shows.  With good size to play either as a point guard or shooting guard, he could be more sure-handed in order to break through to the upper echelon of the guards in his class.