By Horace Neysmith, Nothing But Net Magazine Contributor
The adidas Nations held in Houston, TX was one of the few remaining events left for the travel ball season, one always loaded with talent from stateside and abroad.
The top team at the event was The Path, constructed with the country’s top players in the Class of 2018, and featured the likes of Zion Williamson, among others.
His teammates EJ Montgomery, Immmanuel Quickley, Moses Brown, Romeo Langford, Jordan Brown, Quentin Grimes and Javonte Smart dominated the competition.
Williamson finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds in the championship game. Quickley had 15 points and eight assists. Brown added 12 points and nine boards.
Zion Williamson, 6’7″, 2018, Spartanburg Day (Spartanburg, SC): Since his rise on the national scene at the UnderClassman All-American Game, he has been a household name. His jaw-dropping athleticism and explosiveness has captured the attention of a legion of followers. He continued that trend here with his attacking style of play and relentless work on the glass.
Reggie Perry, 6’9″, 2018, Thomasville (Thomasville, GA): One of two players to average a double-double and MOP at the Pangos All-American Camp, he was a scoring threat in multiple areas. He has a good stroke to the line, can score on the block and is effective in transition as a finisher or passer.
Cole Anthony, 6’2″, 2019, Archbishop Molloy (Jamaica, NY): He was tough, getting into the paint where he can finish above and through contact. His jumper continues to improve, making him multidimensional scorer and allowing more forays to the basket for buckets.
Charles Bassey, 6’10”, 2019, St. Anthony’s (San Antonio, TX): It’s not often that bigs understand what, and who, they are. Don’t count him in that category. He rebounds on both ends with a willingness that’s refreshing to see. He shined at the UnderClassman All-American Game not long ago and will be a terror in the paint for the next two years.
Ashton Hagans, 6’3″, 2019, Newton County (Covington, GA): One of the few guards nationally that will guard 80-feet. He was consistent this summer, putting pressure on the defense and finding open teammates. Love his willingness to post and create on the block.
R.J. Hampton, 6’4″, 2020, Montverde Academy (Bradenton, FL): Seen as a shooting guard, he was called on to run the team and was solid in that role. When placed off the ball, he was dangerous as a consistent scoring threat.
Jalen Lecque, 6’4″, 2019, Christ School (Bronx, NY): Another player who was asked to play on the ball some, still he was at his best attacking and finishing over bigs at the rim. His explosiveness is next level.
Jaden Springer, 6’4″, 2020, Rocky River (Charlotte, NC): He was the youngest, and arguably, the hardest working player on the floor. His non-stop motor created scoring opportunities off steals, rebounds and attacking nature. Solid shooter from mid-range.
Makur Maker, 6’11”, 2020, Melbourne (Australia): I first saw him at the UnderClassman All-American Game and came away impressed with his abilities. This weekend, he confirmed my thoughts. He rebounds at a high level, blocks shots, runs the floor, showed a jumper to 18-feet, can drive the ball and finish plays around the rim. He made a convincing case for the top player in the Class of 2020.
Kody Stattmann, 6’6″, 2018, Queensland (Australia): This kid can flat shoot the ball. What I like even more was his ability to create space with the dribble for his shot and move without the ball. He had crafty finishes when attacking the basket and has sleepy bounce. Arizona and Virginia, among others, are in the recruiting hunt.
Michael Somutochukwu Uchendu, 6’9″, 2018, Bauru (Brazil): A big, and bruising bounder, he also set bone jarring screens, rebounded everything in his area and even went outside for a few. Loves to work in the trenches. One of only two players to average a double-double.
(Photo Credit: adidas Nations Global)
