Prospect Spotlight: Alec Pell (2019)
LAKEWOOD — In the pursuit of basketball goals, being one of the most talented players on the court is rarely enough. Combine those talents with a high work ethic and the willingness to compete at all times, then you’re really…
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Continue ReadingLAKEWOOD — In the pursuit of basketball goals, being one of the most talented players on the court is rarely enough. Combine those talents with a high work ethic and the willingness to compete at all times, then you’re really starting to get somewhere.
We had seen the impressive numbers Alec Pell, a 6-4 combo guard for Colorado Chaos 15 Elite, had put up during the first two weeks of the spring grassroots season, then we saw him live Saturday at the Mile High Classic. Within the first few minutes of the game, Pell was sacrificing his body by diving on the court for loose balls. He worked relentlessly on the glass to clear rebounding lanes. He also displayed strong ball-handling ability, and deft touch around the rim, able to play four different positions on the court.
It’s needless to say that Pell, a transfer from Dallas who will attend Cherry Creek in the fall, has quickly fit in to the Chaos family in his first year with the program.
“It’s been really great,” Pell said. “It’s only been three tournaments, but we’ve connected with a team and learn to play with each other more. At the beginning of the season, we probably wouldn’t have been able to come back like did (Saturday), after having a lull in the second half. But we came back and we won, so it has been a really good experience so far.”
The game Pell was referring to came Saturday afternoon against a talented Elevation Flyers 15U squad, led by the backcourt duo of Sindou Cisse and Russell Grant IV. After Chaos had built a 17-point lead, the Flyers came storming back and tied the score late.
Pell showed physical and mental toughness late. With 45 seconds left and the game tied at 47, Pell drove to the basket and his shot bounced off the rim. But he didn’t give up on the play, diving and securing a loose ball and calling a timeout. On the ensuing possession, Carter Kiel hit a go-ahead 3-pointer on a beautiful driving feed from Justin Babb that gave Chaos the victory. Pell’s hustle play.
A two-sport standout who plays strong safety and running back in football, Pell says he likes to transfer his gridiron mindset onto the basketball court.
“From my football background, I try to always go 100 percent and go at it and try to get to every ball I can to help out the team” Pell said.
Pell believes he brings a versatile skill set to go along with his toughness.
“I have confidence in my outside shot, so if I need to knock one down I can,” he said. “If we ever need a putback or something, I know I can go get that too.”
Pell says he hasn’t garnered much recruiting interest yet for basketball, but that is likely to change soon. He is new to the Colorado basketball landscape, but he has already made an impression. As much for his energy, aggressiveness and toughness as for his considerable on-court tools.