UCAA Game notebook: Hoops for Diabetes

UCAA Game notebook: Hoops for Diabetes

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

Atlanta, GA – There is more to life than hoops.

This was the message conveyed to those participating in the annual Underclassman All-American game: Hoops for Diabetes. The annual event features some of the rising underclassman from across the country, who were invited, to play in this event to bring awareness to a growing cause in this country, while they look to leave a mark just before their high school season.

Players from the class of 2027, 2028, and 2029 came into Atlanta’s Holy Innocents’ Episcopal gym, where they heard about life beyond the hardwood, financial literacy, and why they were playing in this game.

UCAAG was founded in 2011 by Horace Neysmith. A solid basketball figure in the basketball community across the country, especially in Georgia, Neysmith was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. He immediately made changes to his life and the Queens, NY native, with Jamaican roots, was able to eliminate his need for medication through diet and exercise. This enlightened the awareness and education needed in battling diabetes.

The Underclassman All-American Game was born from that journey, bringing together some of the nation’s top 8th grade, freshman, and sophomore basketball players to raise awareness of diabetes and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices among young athletes through basketball.

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 50% of the U.S. Population will be diabetic or pre-diabetic within the next seven years. All the proceeds from this game supports diabetes-focused organizations.

“This is one of the few times you are doing something that is not just basketball,” Neysmith said to the players in a pre-game gathering.

He thanked the players and parents for being apart of this event because they all make this event possible.

Neysmith added, “Remember, it is more than basketball. It is for the cause.”

Keith earned MVP honors

Tre Keith’s stock is on the rise.

In an era where college programs are looking for efficient guards with a knack of scoring the ball from inside and out, Keith is a good mix of both. He put those skills on display during the travel season. It carried over during his South team’s 120-109 win over the North. Keith was named the games Most Valuable Player.

Keith set the tone with his quickness getting to the basket mixing in mid-range jumpers. His explosive first-step helped setup open three-pointers too. He also showed the ability to hit spot up jumpers while moving in space. Keith finished with 19 points and 4 assists.

The Tri-Cities High product showed he can play on and off the ball at 6-foot-2. This summer alone he has picked up offers from Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia, South Florida, and Kennesaw State. His efficiency was noted during the 3SSB Circuit shooting 51% from the field, 43% from three-point range, and 90% from the free throw line.

Alston’s name sizzled this summer

Reece Alston didn’t just jump onto the basketball. He cemented himself as one of the most sought after prospects in the Class of 2027.

He showed exactly why he was the talk of the travel season. the 6-foot-2 point guard got off to a slow start in the game, but then started to show his capabilities. It started off with him hitting a mid-range jumpers. He followed it up with a transition basket. His court vision and awareness blossomed during this stretch of comfort deceiving a defender with his eyes before finding an unexpected player for an easy dunk. Alston’s North team lost 120-109. He ended the game with 10 points and 5 assists.

Alston has a smooth handle and electrifying quickness in the open court. He is a pace setter with a strong knack for scoring the ball. The buzz, for many in attendance, was to see what the Houston, TX native had to bring.

He holds offers from Arizona State, Florida State, Houston, Illinois, Manhattan, Nevada, Nicholls, Norfolk State, Purdue, Rhode Island, Sam Houston, SMU, Stanford, TCU, Seton Hall, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UCF, UT-Arlington, UTSA, Washington, Wichita State, and Kentucky.

His game is beginning to attract attention from the blue blood programs, as of late. Many saw the Second Baptist School product lead Cooz Elite to back-to-back Puma Pro 16 championships, which was coached by his father Rafer Alston.

Yes, that Alston.

Rafer Alston is a name basketball fans will remember from the late 90’s and the early 2000’s. He played 11 seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee, Toronto, Miami, Houston, Orlando, and New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets. The elder Alston, maybe, more remembered for his legendary nickname and style of play on the blacktop.

Alston, a Jamaica, NY native, grew a following on the blacktop as Skip 2 My Lou in NYC’s streetball scene. He danced with the ball and entertained many by outmaneuvering or dropping off jaw-dropping passes. His rise to legendary status was when AND1 Mixtape Tour showed off a grainy videotape of him playing and skipping up the floor dribbling the ball, hence his nickname. He played for legendary high school coach Ron Naclerio at Cardozo High, before heading to Ventura CC, Fresno CC, and Fresno State.

The younger Alston represents the last name well and is certainly carving out his own lane.

UCAA Game names to watch

2027 Rickie Moore Jr. is attracting attention due in large part to his skillset. He can shoot the ball well and it was evident during the game. The 6-foot-6 Charlotte, NC native showed depth and range. Georgia Tech, North Carolina A&T, High Point, Rutgers, Utah, and Wake Forest like Moore’s mix of size, strength, and skill.

2027 Jarvis Hayes Jr has been working all spring and summer. The Woodward Academy product played off the ball plenty during the game. He distributed the ball and found a number of teammates, especially a familiar face in game MVP Tre Keith. Hayes showed his natural ability to shoot the ball from all areas of the court. He looked comfortable doing both and is setting up to have a strong junior campaign. Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Missouri, Tulane, and Xavier have extended offers to the Atlanta native.

2028 Peter Julius displayed exceptional footwork around the basket. He played hard on both ends of the floor and was just an energy giver. His presence was overwhelming for defenders as he finished everything with two-hands over the rim. He earned MVP honors after scoring XX points. The 6-foot-9 Mount Bethel product is a power forward who helped the Georgia Stars 16U EYBL championship.

2029 Josh Sanders Is one of the more intriguing prospects in Georgia. At 6-foot-8, the Macon, Ga, native, is extremely skilled. He can play inside and out while also being able to handle the ball. His game is extending beyond the three-point line. He is the future of the Peach State. Now, the million dollar inquiry, where will he attend high school for the next four years.

2029 Jalil Hill was impressive because of his desire to play defense. The 6-foot-10 power forward, from Jacksonville, FL, is a rim protector. He contested anything close to the rim. His timing led to some altered shots or eventual blocks. He looks to finish everything above the rim and is not afraid to get physical. Look for more time in the gym and eventual on the floor. He will be something special down the road.