Hillcrest Prep 6-foot-8, 225-pound senior forward Stephan Gabriel has decided to hold off on his college recruitment for 2018 and will enter the 2019 class instead.
It has been an interesting road for the New Jersey native. After moving to the state of Arizona in the fall and playing for AZ Compass Prep's national team, and then competing for Planet Athlete during the second half of the season, Gabriel recently landed at Hillcrest Prep, where he finished his senior season. Gabriel transferred to Hillcrest Prep, after deciding to reclassify to the 2019 class. He decided to not graduate this spring, and will finish his senior season next year for Hillcrest Prep.
Gabriel played this spring for Team Why Not (CA), a club program sponsored by NBA superstar Russell Westbrook. He was joined by Shadow Mountain HS star guard Javon Blacksher on the team. He had a strong performance throughout the spring, but has almost been a forgotten man among Arizona's top prospects, since most college coaches have either not seen him perform or are still trying to figure him out as a player. Gabriel is a 3/4 prospect that likes to play as a wing on the offensive end, but is best guarding 4's on the defensive end.
Currently, Gabriel has offers on the table for himself from Bradley University, Montana, Fairleigh Dickinson, Wagner and Maine. He is also receiving loads of division-I interest from numerous other schools, and hopes to land much more recruiting interest for himself the remainder of this spring and summer.
Gabriel is a unique prospect in the state, as very few prospects possess his combination of size, physical strength and athleticism. He plays well above the rim and is an absolute force.
I will continue to follow the recruitment of Gabriel closely this spring and summer, and bring you any updates regarding him as they develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Gabriel is a native of New Jersey and recently moved to the state for his senior season. He is a unique prospect in the state, as very few prospects possess his combination of size, physical strength and athleticism. He plays well above the rim and is a force on both ends of the floor. He has excellent work ethic and competes at a high level - playing very hard at all times and looking to make a play consistently. He is a 3/4 prospect currently that should be able to develop into a consistent wing prospect over time. He has a solid shooting stroke with range on his shot, but is at his best from mid-range currently. He has a good handle of the basketball and excellent explosion off the dribble. He is an excellent finisher, especially in the open floor where he attacks the rim hard. A good passer that looks to get teammates involved and pushes the ball up the floor in fast-break situations - leading the break. An active and strong rebounder that rebounds outside of his area. An excellent shotblocker with long arms and big hands. His level of intensity and eagerness can get him in foul trouble at times, so he will need to channel his energy in the right manner to stay on the floor. A sure-fire talent and an excellent sleeper prospect.
