Prospects emerge at Adidas Memorial Day in Atlanta
EMERSON, Ga. --- The Adidas Memorial Day Classic came to the Atlanta area this weekend and gave teams one last shot to earn a bid to play in the Adidas Gauntlet Finale in South Carolina during July. The stage gave some Class of 2018 prospects another chance to prove they can play at the highest level, but we also learned more about some really talented prospects out of 2020 class.
Recruitment: Alabama, Auburn, Samford, UAB, Wichita State, Georgia and New Mexico State have been involved.
His weekend: Team Carroll advanced to the championship game of the 17-under division, and Wood played a big part in that. The 6-foot-6 wing shot the ball very well from deep and always seemed to find a way to get a bucket when his team needed it.
Prediction: Wood’s recruitment doesn’t appear to be too hot right now, but he’ll have the eyes of high-major coaches on him this summer. July is a very important month for him to prove to coaches he can play at the highest level. Auburn could be the school to watch here.
Recruitment: Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia, Xavier, UAB, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, Florida Gulf Coast.
His weekend: Ezikpe once again had a big weekend for AC Georgia, and this time led his team to a championship win, which earns them a birth in the Adidas Gauntlet Finale in South Carolina the first weekend in July. Ezikpe is a highly skilled offensive player that will be a mismatch at power forward for opposing defenders.
Prediction: We said it last week, but expect him to collect some high-major offers this summer. Size may be a little bit of a concern for high-majors, but his offensive skill will intrigue plenty of them.
Recruitment: FAU, FIU, North Florida and Boston University are involved.
His weekend: Placer has an incredible feel for the game and is a very good passer. He’s also a very good shooter and is really good at using the glass when he gets into the paint. Athleticism may be a concern for some, but he uses change of pace moves to get wherever he wants on the court.
Prediction: Clemson and Wake Forest have shown interest so far. Given the constant need for point guards, expect him to get a long look from high-major programs this summer, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he convinces one to offer based on his play Saturday.
His weekend: Kessler made a strong case this weekend that he just might be the best long-term prospect in Georgia’s 2020 class. Already 6-foot-9, he’s knockdown shooter from three-point range, very skilled at posting up on the block, and can protect the rim. His only weaknesses at this point are strength-related, which can be fixed with time.
Prediction: Kessler comes from a pretty good bloodline as his brother (Houston), father (Chad), and uncle (Alec) all played basketball at Georgia. Expect the Bulldogs and a long list of other high-majors to be involved in this one by the end of July.
Recruitment: Offers from Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Virginia, and Virginia Tech with early interest from Duke and North Carolina.
His weekend: Odom started off the weekend strong, but an ankle injury caused him to sit a couple games. He came back for the semifinal game and, despite being hobbled, still showed exactly he’s a high-major prospect with his ability to score at all three levels.
Prediction: He’ll be right there with Kessler as one of the more highly recruited prospects out of Georgia in the 2020 class.
His weekend: On the very first possession of the game Saturday morning, Chaplin called for a lob and quickly rose up to catch it for an impressive finish. That’s a pretty good snapshot of his game. He’s an explosive athlete and does his damage at the rim. If his shot catches up, he could be an elite prospect.
Prediction: It’s only a matter of time before he adds some high-major interest and offers.
His weekend: Harvey is a really good all-around player, but his on-ball defense is the best part of his game. He ripped the ball away from his man whenever he really wanted to on Saturday morning. Offensively, his shot is raw, but he’s very smooth and crafty attacking the basket.
Prediction: With his size and versatility, look for him to be one of the more highly recruited guards in Georgia’s 2019 class.