Adidas Nations: Carlton Bragg

Many of the USA underclassmen struggled this past weekend competing against their older peers at the Adidas Nations in California; however power forward Carlton Bragg did not fall into that category.  

Bragg is a 6’8” forward out of Cleveland, OH and he capped off a fantastic summer by turning in one of the most impressive underclassmen performances of the weekend. In three games Bragg averaged 11.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field, 60% from three, and 83% from the line. 

Carlton Bragg - Kelly Kline/Adidas

The sample size was small, but Bragg’s performance level increased throughout each game culminating with an 18 point, 4 rebound performance against the USA team featuring Jahlil Okafor, Kevon Looney, and Stanley Johnson. 

“I’ve been doing pretty well,” said Bragg. “I’ve progressed a lot, really, with all of the talent out here. It feels good, lots of great competition.”

In this game, Bragg had both his inside and outside game firing on all cylinders. He ran the court well and finished down low with several vicious right handed dunks. Bragg scored several times on post moves, but he also knocked down several mid-range jump shots and a three pointer.

“My motor, getting back and forth, and my inside game are my strongest areas,” said Bragg. “I’ve been working a lot on my outside game though.”

The work paid off as the long and athletic forward showcased his new and improved outside jump shot. Bragg’s shot mechanics and follow through looked good and even when he missed, his shot was right on target.  

He also displayed a set of intangible attributes that not many players possess. A high functioning motor and a joy for the game were evident when watching Bragg on and off the court. Despite a double digit deficit to the older USA team, Bragg still went 100% and when on the bench he was busy cheering on his teammates and shouting out encouragement. 

“Oh yeah,” said Bragg with a smile. “I’m always trying to get into the game on the court and the bench.”

Bragg wrapped up his sophomore year with a state championship at Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s and began the spring ranked20^th in his class. He slowly worked his way up the rankings after stellar play at the Pitt Jam Fest in April and the Spiece Run N Slam in May. 

He entered the summer at the number 12 spot, but after a dominant performance at the Adidas Invitational he will most likely see his ascent up the ranking list continue. 

While his overall ranking keeps increasing, so does the attention from college coaches. In June, Bragg took unofficial visits to Illinois and Ohio State and he wants to get to Indiana and Kentucky. 

If the past few months are any indication, Bragg is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. While some of his peers struggled this past weekend, Bragg stepped up to the challenge and went blow for blow with the top players in the senior class.