Tristan Alvarez 5’11 157 2023 Centreville High School (VA) / Virginia Playmakers 2023 Black UA Rise
Tristan has powerful legs and blow-by quickness that more than compliments his perimeter shot-making skills. A very good shooter he can create off the bounce or knockdown spot-ups off the ball at an impressive rate. Tristan uses short, quick dribbles and slices up defenses with a quick and sudden change of speeds and directions. He is a terrific passer, does a great job finding cutters and creating shot opportunities for teammates. He uses hard jabs and quick rips and can attack space with convincing quickness in either direction.
Tristan is a very good shooter off the dribble and he can pull up and get his shot off in the blink of an eye often leaving defenders staggering backward already struggling to stay in front of him. His use of hesitations accompanied by his explosive bursts and great quickness makes him so effective in isolations. Does a great job using step-backs and change of direction to set up the drive or to create space for the jumper. Understands when to continue to the rim or end the drive and shoot off the pullup or pass and never gets bottled up in traffic. Tristan is a crafty finisher at the rim and his strong frame allows him to play through contact and he does a nice job scoring over the length with the floater. He is an energy-giving and tough defender who can shut down the best of ball handlers with quick, active hands and feet. Can defend baseline to baseline with relentless pressure and not get beat. Off the ball, his anticipation skills and quick pursuit makes him a threat to pick off passes and turn them into fast-break layups. His quickness allows him to play off his man making him appear to be open and then explode to intercept passes in passing lanes.
Tristan is a high IQ and supremely gifted athlete. He demonstrates a great feel on both ends of the floor and is attack-minded always putting pressure on opponents. Tristan impacts the game in so many ways and doesn’t always need to dominate the ball to do so. He can create scoring for teammates and his defensive talents allow him to change games on that end of the ball as well. The consummate floor general he excels in the classroom as well sporting a 3.4 GPA. A really solid prospect.