2027 prospect Alston showing interest in Purdue hoops
Among the many guard targets of Purdue basketball in the 2027 class, none are more touted than Second Baptist (Tx.) standout Reese Alston. The No. 5 player in the Rivals 150 and industry five-star was in action at the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team Minicamp in Westfield over the weekend, and spoke to GoldandBlack.com about his interest in the Boilermakers.
Alston showcased his all-around skillset in the three-day camp, surrounded by dozens of other highly-touted recruits competing for USA Basketball. The 6-3 point guard is a legitimate two-way player, being a three-level scorer on the offensive end, while having the defensive chops to make an impact on that end of the floor, as well. Alston has length to affect passing lanes, along with the mindset to create ball pressure and make it tough for opponents to bring the ball up the floor.
Being a true point guard is something that college coaches marvel at with Alston, as along with his scoring prowess, he showed the ability to be a facilitator over the weekend, too.
“How I’m a true point guard. My defense, I feel like they love how I have active hands, how I get into passing lanes, but mainly just how how much of a leader I am,” Alston said.
Offensively, the pick and roll is where Alston thrives, as he can attack off the dribble, pull up from the outside or get into the lane and create for others. Getting out in transition, or having the freedom to make reads in the pick and roll are where Alston feels most comfortable on the floor.
“I feel like those are easy reads I can make—not only for myself, but for my team. I feel like the pick and roll, hit the roll, hit the pop. Transition—score for myself or spray out to shooters or lobs, things like that,” Alston said.
That’s where Purdue sees him making an impact, should he wind up in West Lafayette, according to Alston.
“How they let their point guards work in their offense,” Alston said. “Just letting me work in transition. Like I said, pick and roll, things like that, and just getting out in space and getting up and down the floor.”
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The success of the program, and Matt Painter’s resume and recent history with guards also stand out to the 2027 five-star recruit.
“How much of a great coach, coach Painter is. The history that he’s had going to the Final Four, Sweet 16, things like that,” Alston said. “Coach Painter is definitely a great coach. Coached a lot of great guys like Jaden Ivey, Braden Smith. So, just a great coach, a great program, and a great staff. They have a great community over there.”
Alston took an official visit to West Lafayette in January, where he watched the Boilermakers take on Illinois. It was a good trip that helped him get a better understanding of how the program runs on the day-to-day.
“I got to see how they go throughout their day-to-day stuff. How much of a team they are in the locker room, how they pregame before the games, post games, stuff like that. So it was definitely a great visit. I had a great time up there.”
Purdue is among the top suitors for the Houston native, along with Wichita State, Texas, Houston, Kentucky, and SMU, as he told GoldandBlack.com. Alston has also taken official visits to Louisville and Wichita State, in addition to the Boilermakers.
