'23 Jelani Hamilton talks Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech visits
Jelani Hamilton led his Austell (GA) Cumberland Christian team to the Big Shots Prep Nationals Gold championship. The 6-foot-6 junior led all scorers in his division with 22.3 points per game.
“I get downhill,” Hamilton told On3. “But lately, I have been shooting the three-ball really well. My offensive game is becoming more all-around. My playmaking and ball-handling have improved this season, and I am making the right decision and consistently making the right read. I watch a lot of Jayson Tatum with his playmaking and Jordan Clarkson with his ability to score.”
Coaches started prioritizing him this summer, playing with AOT on Nike’s 16u EYBL circuit. On3 caught up with Jelani Hamilton in an exclusive conversation about where his recruitment stands and talk visits.
“I would say I am hearing the most Georgia Tech, Alabama, Auburn, and Xavier right now,” Hamilton said. “I have taken unofficial visits to Georgia, Alabama, and Georgia Tech.”
Hamilton talks visits
Alabama: “They have a great culture. They are known as a football school, but their fanbase gives the same love to basketball players. Literally, as we were walking past their student section for the football game, they were showing us all kinds of love. It was great. The coaching staff is like a family there. They are including everyone, not letting anyone feel left out at any point.
“I love the way they play, always kick the ball ahead and take the first good look you have. If it is not there quick, pull the ball out and get into their actions in the half-court.”
Georgia Tech: “Being a local kid, they are going to reach out and get involved. They really talk a lot about player development and their culture. Coach (Josh) Pastner talks about that every time we talk.
“They want me as a scorer. They are telling me they want me to come in and be able to play instantly for them.”
Georgia: “Coach (Tom) Crean is a hard practice guy. I like that; if you practice hard, then it makes things easier in the game.”
“Of the schools who have not offered yet, I am hearing a good bit from Iowa State, Clemson, and Arizona State,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s take
“I am probably going to start taking my official visits during the Summer,” Hamilton said. “After school season, and before the EYBL. Right now, I’m focused on the season. After we finish, I will sit down and look at which schools will be getting the visits.
“I am going to look for a team who welcomes me, allows me to come in and play, to make an impact on the team. I need to feel comfortable with the coach and the staff that I can have conversations with them outside of basketball as well.”
On3’s take
Jelani Hamilton has a strong frame, broad shoulders, long arms, and great positional size. The first thing you notice about his game is the pace with which he plays. The 6-foot-6 guard plays primarily on the ball for his high school team. While he is not an elite athlete, and while he can play too upright at times, he can get to his spots, understanding angles and changes of speed. Hamilton gets into the paint and can absorb contact with his frame. He has a smooth shot that he confidently takes, with range, off the bounce or the catch. There are a lot of positive attributes to Hamilton’s game.