One of the biggest breakout stars this grassroots season on the NY2LA Platinum Elite was Gilbert Flagel. The 6’5” 2026 wing shined all season playing with Drive Pro Select.
Over the course of the NY2LA season, Flagel was one of the top scorers. In the five tournaments from the Swish N’ Dish in April to the Final Chapter in July, he averaged 17.6 points per game while shooting 54.4% from the field and 40.3% from three. Much more than just a scorer, he also averaged 6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks. He only improved throughout the season averaging 20.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 69.4% from the field and 46.2% from three at Final Chapter in July to lead Drive Pro Select to a 4-0 tournament.
“My season with Drive Pro was great,” Flagel said about his grassroots season. “They really made me feel like I can be myself on the court and control the offense. I also love the guys that got to share the court with in my last aau season.”
Over the past few months, Flagel has started to see his recruitment build. This has included offers from a pair of division three programs in Central College and Simpson College. He is also receiving interest from a number of division two and three programs. For his future college, he is looking for a “great connection with the coaching staff but also good athletic facilities so I can get better every day.”
Just recently he took a visit to Simpson College. “My Simpson visit was great I really liked the athletic facilities they had there also had a great vibe there with the coaches.”
While his recruitment has started up, with his combination of skills and physical tools, he remains an under the radar target in the 2026 class. There are not many 6’5” wings who can match his consistent outside shooting, ability to create off the dribble, and three level scoring.