A Scout’s Take: FAB 48 (2019 Surprises)
A Scout’s Take: FAB 48 (2019 Surprises)
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Although Hal Pastner and UAA Finals had a lot of talent within their gyms, the FAB 48, directed by Gary Charles, Dinos Trigonis, and Grant Rice, continue to be the cream of the crop of Las Vegas Grassroots hoops. From the beginning (Compton Magic taking down Team Takeover in a thriller) to DC Premier claming the championship over The Truth, the Fab 48 delivered in a big time way.
Tyson Garff (Davis/UT) Club Team: Exum Elite
2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Garff is a multi-positional perimeter player that impacts the game in a variety of ways. He has a high basketball IQ due to his passing acumen and he plays hard at both ends of the floor. He showed a solid 1st step to the basket and he can finish with either hand. His length and skill allows him to finish over the “bigs” and he does a nice job of utilzing his frame to convert baskets through contact. In a nutshell, he can run an offense in the half court set and score from all three levels.
Jalen Graham (Mountain Pointe/AZ) Club Team: Team Why Not
2019, PF, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy post from Arizona knows how to convert buckets in the paint. He has long arms, soft hands, and nimble feet. His methodical foot work in the paint gets defenders off balance and he has some bounce too. He can knock in the elbow jump shot and his rim protection was intimidating as well.
Julian Rishwain (Sherman Oaks/Notre Dame) Club Team: Belmont Shore
2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Rishwain is what we like to call “a fearless gunner” in the scouting world. He has super long arms and an impeccable shot from deep. Playing for Belmont Shore, Dinos Trigonis had the ball in his hands and for the most part handled the pressure well and was able to his get his shot off versus pressure.
Jovan Blacksher (Shadow Mountain/AZ) Club Team: Team Why Not
2019, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: The term “quick” or “fast” gets thrown around a bunch nowadays, but it definitely applies to Blackshear. The recent Grand Canyon commit gets up down the floor in a blink-of-an-eye. He is a nifty finisher in the paint and he can knock in the deep 3-point shot. In the half court set he has the burst to get by opponents and his vision is solid, particularly in a drive-and-kick situation. Defensively, he slides his feet well and he has active hands.
Jaelen House (Shadow Mountain/AZ) Club Team: Team Why Not
2019, CG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: House can get as erratic as it gets, but this kid is a fighter. He blitzes up and down the court trying to make plays event if there not available. He attacks relentlessly, can finish in traffic despite his slight frame, and he can knock in the occasional jump shot. Defensively, he attacks ball handlers, gets into passing lanes, and numerous steals are the result. If he can play at a better pace, change speeds for example, he could play in college somewhere.