Hakeem is a player who impacts winning in ways that extend beyond the box score, and those are players to build around. His motor and energy on the glass stand out as he keeps possessions alive and finishes plays through contact. Offensively, he moves well without the ball, finds scoring angles, and plays with soft touch inside after grabbing the rebound and going straight up. Defensively, he’s versatile. He defends multiple spots, alters shots, and sets the tone physically. South will lean on him heavily for a spark this season, and I expect for him to deliver in those minutes. He easily makes the jump onto the rankings after time on the watch list as a player to keep an eye on this season. 

Hakeem showcased his versatility as a scorer, proving he can score from all three levels with efficiency and confidence. He moved intelligently without the ball, coming off screens to get open and created high quality looks, while also demonstrating the ability to attack closeouts and finish in traffic. On the boards he used his athleticism, positioning, and timing to secure rebounds on both ends, giving his team additional possessions. Hakeem’s combination of scoring, rebounding and off ball awareness made him a consistent offensive threat and one of the more well rounded players on the floor

What we know: 

We just finally got to see Tisean in the Grandview fall league this week. We’re impressed with his ability to play hard the entire time, overwhelm guards with his length and activity and not be sped up. We want to see more of that. I want to see if there is more to his game and if he’s able to bring that intensity in a spot where there are other top player.  

What we’d like to see: 

We’d like to see more of him, honestly so him coming to the event is a positive. This is a great spot to get in front of our scouts and make plays happen. This is a place where other players will know who he is, what he brings to the table and have expectations of what he can be so it is about proving exactly who he wants to be. Showcases allow players to explore their game a bit all while making plays that propel him. I want to see if he’s able to score, rebound and start a break. See if he’s winning to box out and grab boards or make the extra pass. This is where he will make a ton of first imporessions so staying true to who he is and showing us what he will be at South can go a long way. 

Hakeem took advantage of the summer to sharpen his all around game, using his length and size to become an even more versatile threat. He showed growth as a stretch option, knocking down shots from the perimeter, while still maintaining his ability to score inside with strength and touch. His improved driving ability adds another layer to his offensive arsenal, making him a tough matchup for defenders. Heading into the season Hakeem looks poised to be a key inside out scorer who can create mismatches and give his team consistent production in multiple areas

Tisean Hakeem Tisean Hakeem 6'3" | SG Denver South | 2028 State CO is a name that stuck with us after standing out multiple times this past season. Defensively, he’s a pest who is constantly making plays with instincts and energy that separate him. He thrives in help-side situations, uses his athleticism to defend multiple positions, and is always hunting momentum-changing plays. Offensively, Hakeem is an off-ball guard who slashes, finishes nicely at the rim, and runs the lanes with purpose. He’s also a reliable release valve who knows how to complement other creators. As he continues to develop, expect Hakeem to emerge as a true X-factor with a shot at meaningful varsity minutes in Year 2.

Hakeem made a huge impact in both games Sunday and was a total game-changer on defense. Every time he checked in, you could instantly feel the shift where suddenly the other team couldn’t get anything going offensively. His on-ball defense was insane. He was up in guys’ faces, applying pressure, and making them super uncomfortable. Players were panicking, throwing wild passes and turning over the ball. On top of all that, Hakeem was rotating like a pro. Whenever a shot went up, he was already in motion, and with those long arms, he was grabbing boards over everyone. His timing, hustle, and absolute awareness was locked in all day

Hakeem is a must know name given his athleticism and upside as a perimeter shooter. Bringing above the rim capabilities dating back to last summer, the guard is much farther along in this respect than the vast majority of names within this class. 

Hakeem has bounce and defensive intangibles that should grant him opportunities early on in his career. A high impact off-ball scoring option, he can space the floor or get up for a lob depending on the circumstances. The guard’s high motor makes him a productive presence, flying around on help side contests or scrapping for loose balls. Hakeem shows upside as a highly productive off-ball guard, holding his own on both ends of the floor. No doubt that when the guard gets a crack at varsity minutes, he will carve out a niche to bolster the team on the margins. 

Hakeem brings bounce off of two feet, adept at getting up higher than the vast majority of opponents at this event. Working hard to secure rebounds on either end, Hakeem created numerous second chance opportunities for himself or teammates. His wide reach made him a multi positional defender, excellent matching against 1s and 2s. Hitting a few spot-up threes when provided the space, Hakeem is already an intriguing complementary option.