OTR Hoops: Alabama Breakout Players Part III – February 16, 2024
This is the third installment of a weekly recap of impactful players at each level of basketball, 1A though 7A, in the hoops hotbed of Alabama. Each week a player from each classification will be highlighted based on his performance throughout the 2023-2024 season.
By: David Hinds
1A- Jalen Chandler – 6’6 – SF – Covenant Christian – 2025 (Pictured Above)
Chandler possesses prototypical size for a college wing and has the natural athleticism to match. At this point in his development, he overwhelms opposing players with his next-level athleticism and length. Jalen excels in the fast break where he is capable of pushing the ball himself or finishing plays above the rim in transition. He excels on the defensive end where he can really let his explosiveness shine with weakside blocks and suffocating on-ball defense. There are several schools prioritizing Jalen and I expect that list to grow as the spring/summer season approaches.
2A- Ian Senn – 6’2 – PG – Ariton – 2024
Senn is a freak athlete. Standing at 6’2 with a 40-inch vertical he makes plays that will leave your jaw on the floor. Ian is more than just an incredible athlete though as he has a silky-smooth mid-range game that is hard to contest with the elevation he achieves on his jumper. His range extends to the three-point line where he has become a much more respectable shooter. Ian is deadly in transition where he is crafty with euro-steps and floaters to complement his otherworldly bounce.
3A- Slate Gilbert – 6’5 – SG – Winfield – 2026
Gilbert is a young guard prospect that has shown the ability to put the ball in the hoop at will. Already possessing above-average size at the shooting guard position, Slate is among the leaders in 3A basketball for scoring at over 22ppg. He achieves a large amount of these points from the perimeter where he is able to simply rise and shoot over most defenders. He is also showing the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts.
4A- Andrew Dudley – 6’5 – SF – New Hope – 2025
Andrew Dudley fits the profile of the highly coveted 3&D archetype. With good size and a well-developed frame Andrew is able to contain nearly any matchup on the defensive end. On the offensive end Andrew is at his best stretching the floor and is most dangerous from the corners. He is not the flashiest player in the world but does the dirty work and is capable of playing well above the rim on both ends of the floor. Every good team needs a player like Andrew. With the modern college game falling in love with 3&D prospects, Andrew will have significant interest from the next level.
5A- Jayden Williams – 6’6 – PG – Ramsay – 2025
Jayden Williams may just have the highest ceiling in all of 5A basketball. Jayden is a tall 6’6 jumbo playmaker from the point of attack that loves to get to the basket. Jayden is looking to dunk anything in the paint and is incredibly hard to contain. He has added much more to his offensive arsenal and is now deadly off the dribble with his pullup and is a threat to spot up well beyond the three-point line. Jayden’s natural length and athleticism translates to the less glamorous end of the floor where he frequently takes on the challenge of the opposing teams best perimeter option. His defensive versatility is a true weapon, and it won’t be long before offers start racking up for Jayden.
6A- Ian Johnigan – 6’2 – SG – Helena – 2024
Ian Johnigan has a legitimate claim to be the top long-distance shooter in the entire state. Ian can get hot in a hurry and has a picturesque jumper that he can get off in the blink of an eye. Ian is comfortable coming off screens, spotting up for kickouts, or even pulling up from deep off the dribble. He is efficient from all three levels of the floor and is just a sound offensive player overall. The Ole Miss legacy comes from strong basketball bloodlines and is looking to parlay his postseason success into additional college opportunities.
7A- Colben Landrew – 6’5 – SG – Thompson – 2026
Colben Landrew might be the best dual-sport athlete in the state possessing SEC offers in both basketball and football. It’s undetermined which sport he will prioritize in college but there is no denying his skills on the hardwood. Colben is an off-ball guard with excellent positional size and strength. Despite his plus size he actually has a great deal of finesse to his game with crafty finishes from both hands. Colben has a good handle with several go-to moves to create space or blow by defenders. His athleticism is so much greater than the majority of his opponents that he can get by on that alone but there is also quite a bit of well-developed skill to his game. Colben is one of the brightest prospects in the state regardless of class.
David Hinds has been an Evaluator for On the Radar Hoops since 2024. He is the Program Director/17u HC of the Rocket City Suns and is the Head JV/Assistant Varsity Coach at St. John Paul II Catholic HS in Huntsville, Alabama. You can reach him at rocketcitysuns@gmail.com and follow him on twitter @CoachHindsRCS.
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