Alabama’s Top Players Still Unsigned
We are so close to having college basketball in our lives again. If you were to tell me in May if we would get a season, I would have thought you were insane. But, the commitment to Alabama from J.D…
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Continue ReadingWe are so close to having college basketball in our lives again. If you were to tell me in May if we would get a season, I would have thought you were insane. But, the commitment to Alabama from J.D Davison makes it feel like it’s finally here again. I’m so excited to see who goes where and I figured we could use a little refresher to see who hasn’t committed yet. This year has been crazy and we are looking forward to bringing you coverage on these high school kids through their basketball journey. However, this first player may have a future in something other than basketball.
GaQuincy McKinstry GaQuincy McKinstry 6'1" | CG Pinson Valley | 2021 State AL – 6’1 SG – Pinson Valley
This kid is incredibly athletic. If you haven’t seen him play football, he’s a 5-star cornerback with offers from Alabama and Auburn among others. Not only is he one of the top recruits in the state in football, but he also is one of the top players for basketball. He’s stated that his goal is to be Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball in the state. No player has ever done that but, Mckinstry has a chance if he sets his mind to it. As I said, he is so athletic and can get to the basket in just a couple of effortless strides. He averaged 15 points 5 rebounds and 4 assists last season while having almost 70 steals. Just like in football this guy is can be a menace on defense. He can do it all in both sports and while I think his future is in football, he can absolutely get it done in either sport he chooses.
PJ Eason PJ Eason 6'9" | PF Dadeville | 2021 State AL – 6’9 C – Dadeville
Eason has already gotten an offer from Mississippi State and his stock is only rising. Just like Mckinstry, this big man is everywhere on defense. He’s just as capable intercepting passes as he is sending shots into the 4th row of the stands. He’s also got a very pretty jump shot for a center and he can definitely increase his stock even more with a more consistent 3 pointer. Eason is one of my favorite players to watch and can really mold his game into a dominant pick and roller while also being a solid pick and popper when needed.
Cameron Crawford Cameron Crawford 6'4" | SG Spain Park | 2021 State AL – 6’4 SG – Spain Park
Crawford is the guy I’m most looking forward to watching once high school games get started back up. Everything he does looks effortless. Rather it is a kick out to the corner or a chase-down block, he never looks tired, he gives 110% every time he plays. Crawford has such good athleticism and a high basketball I.Q. If he can add some ways to create space along with and a more confident jump shot, then he can easily be a top 3 recruit in the state. As it stands right now, he’s raised the interest of North Alabama, UAB, Wofford, and more. He’s definitely one to watch this season.
Landon Williams Landon Williams 6'8" | PF Alexandria | 2021 State AL – 6’8 PF – Alexandria
A threat to score wherever he is on the court, Williams could really show what he’s made of this season. He’s a tough forward who can finish in the paint just as well as he can on the outside. While he may not be the most athletically gifted player on this list. He can show some speed when turning to the basket. He also commands the paint more than most forwards. Williams could easily be a pick and pop center and an aggressive rebounder if he continues to perfect his game. I would love to see him start to pass the ball down court more when he rebounds, not too different from a player like Wes Unseld. If he can do that while perfecting his jump shot, the offers will come rolling in and we’ll hear a commitment sooner rather than later.
Taye Fields Taye Fields 6'3" | CG Lee-Huntsville | 2021 State AL – 6’5 PG – Lee-Huntsville
If the part about him being a 6’5 PG wasn’t good enough, what if I told you that Fields can score basically any way possible. He has a good looking stepback, a fantastic Euro step, a solid 3 point shot, and a great ability to finish with contact. Fields can do it all with the ball in his hands including, of course, passing. His passing is so smart and will continue to get better as he takes over this team. He was already a threat to put up triple-doubles every game, but now it seems that he’s grown an inch or two as well. If this is the case he could easily lead the state in triple-doubles. Do yourself a favor and look up some of the stuff he can do. Fields has drawn interest from UAB and UNA of note, with an offer from Mercer.