Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Biggest Surprises)
Francisco’s Finest: Adidas Gauntlet LA (Biggest Surprises)
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.
Mitchell Puttkammer Saxen (Ingraham/WA) Club Team: Team Lavine 16 Gold
2020, PF, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: The biggest surprise of the event in my humble opinion was the emergence of Washington native—Mitchell Puttkammer Saxen. The evolving “big” has long arms, broad shoulders, and surprisingly good ball skills for a player of his size. He possesses a soft touch out to the elbow, good feet, and his fundamentals are solid. He posts up wide on the block, keeps the ball high, and can convert with both hands. He needs lower body strength (has a tendency to buckle when bumped), but his upside is very promising.
Luis Riascos (San Gabriel Academy) Club Team: Dream Vision 16U
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Riascos isn’t exceptional at any part of the game, but he is solid in many aspects of the game. He can play both guard positions, has a ton of moxie, and he impacts the game at both ends of the floor. He attacks well in transition and is equally effective as a scorer or facilitator. Snatching rebounds and getting steals are also part of the evaluation. The development of a consistent jump shot will help elevate his stock.
Ben Ramirez (Beverly Hills) Club Team: EBO Gold 16U
2020, CG, 6-foot-0, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Ramirez caught our eye due to his quickness and competitive spirit. He can hit the 3-ball off the catch, but is equally effective off the dribble. He can break down defenders off the bounce and has a nice runner as well. He is a more of a combo-guard than a point guard and is similar to fellow classmate DJ Davis (Corona Centennial).
Jon’il Fugett (Denver/George Washington) Club Team: Chauncey Billups Elite
2018, PG, 6-foot, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Fugett is a quick on quick point guard who possesses terrific speed in transition. He changes speeds well and he gets where he needs to go—even while operating amongst the bigs. His jump shot is playable and he snaps passes to open shooters while attacking the defense. He can play somewhere in college.
Yassine Gharram (Foothills Christian) Club Team: Compton Magic 16U
2020, PG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the more underrated guards in So-Cal for his class is Gharram. He has ideal size with long arms and his quickness and speed are quite potent. He always plays with an edge at both ends of the floor and should evolve into a true lead guard with evolving leadership skills. He can shoot the deep ball, attack off the dribble, and his head is always on a swivel at both ends of the floor. Definitely an up-and-coming point guard in So-Cal.