Stock Report: Prospects that raised their profile at adidas Gauntlet
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Some of the best prospects in the country took to the floor this past week at the adidas Gauntlet Finale. The stocks of Zion Williamson, Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes remain at an all-time high, but there were a few other prospects that improved their standing. Nate Hinton, Caleb Catto and Noah Kirkwood were just a few that caught our attention during the first July evaluation period at the kickoff event.
There was not a more discussed prospect in South Carolina at the adidas Gauntlet Finale than Hinton. A 6-foot-5 junkyard dog, Hinton finally had the chance to show off his entire arsenal of abilities. Running with the Team Loaded NC bunch, the Carolina native has never been seen as a good shooter but that didn’t stop him from repeatedly knocking down open jump shots while, at the same time, defending the opposing team’s best scoring weapon. This past week alone, Hinton grabbed offers from Pitt, Arkansas, Auburn, Indiana, UMass, VCU, Wichita State, Penn State and Virginia Tech.
A lightly recruited prospect from the state of Florida, Catto took advantage of the opportunity to go against five-star forward Zion Williamson and was on point with his play and production. A 6-foot-4 combo wing that can play the each spot on the perimeter, Catto does not lack for intellect, talent, ball skills or toughness. He seemingly made all of the right plays and every open shot. Finishing with 19 points and five rebounds, while knocking in five of his nine 3-point tries, Catto is due to see his stock improve in the coming weeks. Several of the mid-level in-state schools and Ivy League programs remain the most interested.
Headed to Northfield Mount Hermon for a prep year, Kirkwood could also be bringing a more heightened college recruitment with him. The 6-foot-7 forward was super impressive during his time in South Carolina, especially during his Thursday matinee session, where he was easily the best player on the floor, a game that showcased three Rivals150 prospects. He finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds while knocking in nine of his 14 from the field. Kirkwood is currently an Ivy League priority as Harvard, Yale and Penn would love to find a way to add the talented Canadian. However, the Brookwood Elite product spoke highly of Notre Dame, Texas and Vanderbilt, too, as many others are expected to enter the picture for the versatile forward.
Originally headed to Cal State Fullerton, Mitchell recently backed off his verbal and is likely to take a prep year on the East Coast this fall. If this were to occur, look for the once lightly recruited mid-major prospect to receive high-major offers. While he does not have an exact position on the floor, the 6-foot-5 Mitchell is the type of hard-nosed wing that can practically do whatever is asked from him. He is a solid shooter, athlete, passer and defender, and by throwing in his toughness and motor, what you have is the complete package. Friday morning, Mitchell went for 25 points, four rebounds, four steals and four assists in front of a throng of high-major coaches. Don’t be surprised when his recruitment hits the highest level this summer.
While others are attempting to better their recruitment, all that Bradley is trying to do is destroy his opponents, something that he came close to doing in each of his contests this past week. A 6-foot-5 small forward that can play on the ball, Bradley will head to California next fall and in doing so, become an immediate producer. Built like a Herculean figure and with an improving skillset and jump shot, Bradley was beyond superb in South Carolina. He averaged more than 26 points and eight rebounds as he tipped off the event with three straight double-doubles. Wired to compete, Bradley is already cemented inside our Rivals150; with more showings like the ones he had within the past few days, a top-50 ranking is not out of the realm of possibilities.
Each summer, a prospect or two from the state of Texas uncovers himself and enters into a high-major recruitment. This year, it seems as if that guy is Hunt. He tipped off the week with a 17-point and 10-rebound outing, and while he was not as productive as his first session, Hunt was still able to display the long-term potential that should entice many. Being recruited by Wichita State, Tulsa and Houston, do not be shocked for some of the local Big 12 programs to jump into the picture. He fits the mold of the new-age face-up power forward that can defend various spots but can also make a jump shot.
While the fans and coaches came to see Williamson, the SC Supreme 17-under squad boasts another well-followed prospect, that being James. A 6-foot-7 power forward that is best used on the perimeter and facing the basket, James had an excellent week, scoring in double figures four of his five outings, highlighted by his final contest where he finished with 26 points and eight rebounds. A strong, tough and fairly skilled forward, James is an underrated passer of the ball and an efficient scorer around the basket. While his biggest offers have come from Old Dominion, College of Charleston and Wofford, do not be surprised to see a few others jump into the mix for James in the coming weeks.