It has been an interesting road for New Jersey native, 6-foot-8, 225-pound senior forward Stephan Gabriel. 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 has now landed at Hillcrest Prep, where he will finish 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.
Recently, Gabriel played in his first game for Hillcrest, and poured in 17 points and 11 rebounds,. before traveling with Hillcrest on the Grind Session to the state of Kentucky, where Gabriel turned in his best performance of the season. After finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds in a 80-71 win over Lincoln Academy (GA), Gabriel had his best performance - pouring in a game-high 26 points in a loss to Aspire Academy (KY), which featured nationally acclaimed prospect Charles Bassey.
As a result of Gabriel's performance, he received an offer from Bradley University after the event, and also generated serious interest from Wisconsin, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Illinois and Morehead State. Gabriel already possesses offers from Wagner, Fairleigh Dickinson and Maine.
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. He has excellent work ethic and competes at a high level - playing very hard at all times and looking to make a play consistently.
Gabriel will finish out the season with Hillcrest's National Team, and team up with outher top-rated prospects such as Kyree Walker (Arizona State commit), KJ Hymes (Nevada signee), Demarius Jacobs (Saint Louis commit), Dischon Thomas (Nevada commit) and 6-foot-11 sophomore post Damion Bradford. He will then look to return to the program next season as a 2019 prospect, setting himself up for a big recruiting year, beginning with this spring and summer.
I will continue to follow the recruitment of Gabriel closely this spring, 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.
