Three best players we saw from Alabama at the HoopSeen Tip-Off
We saw an undefeated team from Alabama with two of the best shooters at the HoopSeen Tip-Off, a freak athlete and a peek ahead at who’s next. We feature our three best players from Alabama from the weekend.
Riley Leonard, GCPC (pictured above): An absolute flame-thrower from three, the 6-foot-5 class of 2021 wing from Fairhope, Alabama was one of the best shooters in the entire HoopSeen Tip-Off. He helped pilot his squad to a 4-0 record at the event. Leonard is instant offense from the wing. When Leonard had his feet under him, he was automatic from three. Athletically, he attacked the rim with confidence and scored against defenders. Overall, it was a terrific weekend of work. He was one of the best juniors in the event, too. We’re looking forward to seeing more of him into the rest of the travel season. - Justin Young
Hunter Ivey, GCPC: Like Leonard, Ivey let it fly from three and knocked down shots at a consistent clip. Ivey, also a Fairhope product, played well off of Leonard’s game. You couldn’t contain both players at the same time. The class of 2022 guard had a great showing at the 17U division. He’s confident with his scoring and smart enough to know when and where to get his buckets. We were impressed with his consistency and toughness throughout the event. We had a lot of good sophomores at the Tip-Off and Ivey was one of the very best. - Justin Young
Jamari Smith, Game Elite JB: From our Fall Preview camp to now our HoopSeen Tip-Off, Game Elite JB’s Jamari Smiths athleticism and motor has impressed our team of scouts. Who doesn’t love a player that plays with a sense of recklessness on any given night. That’s what you get when Smith takes the floor. He’s built his body up to withstand punishment, and in fact, he’s turned it into a weapon. Every drive is violent in nature and his dunks have the potential to break a rim. Imagine Mike Alstott with a basketball in his hands. Scary right? What’s scarier is that there’s still room to grow as he works to have his skill level match his physical attributes. Smith will have you gasping for air before he catches his second wind. Players that don’t like competing will hate him. - Tai Young