A few years ago, 2017 Pelham (AL) power forward Alex Reese barely stood over 6-foot tall. He played on the perimeter and helped handle the basketball for his team as a guard. However, things quickly changed over the summer prior to his freshman year.

Reese had a huge growth spurt where he grew roughly six inches. Eventually, the Alabama native would grow to 6-foot-8, and the rest is history. He is now emerging as one of the most intriguing big men in the 2017 class. College coaches are impressed with his mixture of size and skill, as well as his shooting ability. The scary thing is, Reese is nowhere near his potential. His rise is just beginning.

“I never thought I would be where I am now before my growth spurt. Not at all,” Reese told HoopSeen.com.

His emergence was surprising to college coaches, too. Regional coaches were surprised to hear of a kid like Reese literally ‘sprouting’ up. He is now becoming a priority guy for several programs.

“I have offers from UAB, Murray State, Auburn, Alabama, New Mexico State, Kansas State, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Mississippi State, and Clemson.”

Michigan, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Kansas are also showing interest.

The talented sophomore has proved he is deserving of a national name. Reese leads Southeast Elite with 15.5 points and 7.4 rebounds a game on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit. He recently added a new milestone under his belt, too.

Reese was named to Team USA’s U16 Junior National Team. The talented group of young prospects will meet this summer, in hopes of winning a gold medal in the future.

“I’m honored [to be named to Team USA]. I’ve always wanted to represent the USA playing basketball. It’s very exciting.”

As if his recruitment and overall game wasn’t enough, the invitation signifies Reese’s rise to the top – and he’s not done yet. His game will only improve as the next few years progress. In turn, his recruitment will also continue to heat up.

From a scrawny little sub 6-footer to now one of the most eye-catching big men the South has to offer, the best basketball is on the horizon for this Birmingham-area product.

It is the rise of Reese.