Hadzialijagic is a tall, athletic big with a smooth jump shot who can truly stretch the floor. What stands out most to me is his footwork and craftiness when finding ways to get open. He’s a good rebounder who can also handle the ball and make plays for others. Alen has a full package to his game and is a player I’m excited to watch this season.

Alen on his expectations: “My expectations are first to get 20 wins again as well as a region championship and a region MVP. I also want to make a deep run at the U, which results in a championship. I want a run at 5A tournament MVP.”

This kid is skilled. He has a very distinct style of play, as he plays with so much ease. He can get to his spots out there on the floor. He has a very smooth fadeaway step-back “Dirk Shot”. Then you can catch him out on the perimeter shooting the ball with confidence. The footwork is not just good inside; it is good out on the perimeter. He has a solid jab game, and he can get his body out in front as he attacks the rim. Inside, he can go over both shoulders and finish.

Alen is playing with Fort Wayne fury wearing #59

Might be among the biggest sleepers in the class. He brings a solid skill set that includes great vision and passing. Alen does a great job of looking for open players and not forcing many shots. With the ability to step out and shoot the ball, Alen can stretch the floor but also battle inside. He is a player that you need to watch in person. Alen does a lot of the little things you need to win games.

Hadzialijagic describes himself as a point forward with a high basketball IQ and a versatile, European-style game. He believes he can play anywhere from the 1 through the 5, handle the ball, score, pass and create for teammates.

“I like to play unselfish basketball and make the right play,” Hadzialijagic said.

This offseason, he has focused on his post fades, inside jump shots and playing above the rim. His versatility is the part of his game he’s most excited to showcase.

Hadzialijagic also sees himself taking on a leadership role for Cyprus.

“I want to be someone my teammates can depend on and lead by example,” he said.

He’s also entering the season with plenty of confidence in his team.

“We’re the team to beat.”

Hadzialijagic said Cyprus expects to compete for a state championship.

The 2028 prospect is also beginning to generate college interest. He said he is hearing from several schools, hopes to visit Liberty University this fall, and knows Westminster plans to attend some Cyprus practices.

His goal for the season is to show college coaches that he can lead a team, make good decisions and make his teammates better.

Excited to watch this player enter his second season. He had a surprisingly good freshman year, and he proved to be consistent. This year, he could bring his numbers up and become a go-to player for Cyprus, a team that is going to be tough.

Watch out for Cyprus, as last year, we just got a sample size of what Alen is capable of. This season, you can expect him to be more confident and even showcase better footwork and quickness. It would be a surprise if he is among the leaders in rebounds in the state regardless of class, and he should be close to a double-double average this coming season.

This kid is likely to have a big time year especially playing with two solid guards he is going to get some one on ones and open looks. Big body that is elevating his skill level. Excited to see his sophomore production.

The freshman forward had a great freshman year showing. He is ready to double down and take Cyprus to a new level this coming season. With a few guards that take up a lot of attention Alen could be a great pick and pop anr a pick and slow roll type of player this coming season. Strength a quickness could be added to his game that could really prepare him to be a bigger producer this coming season.

The rising freshman has a chance to make a big statement here as Cyprus is playing with house money on how good they have played. A lot of that has to do with this new kid making a splash. He is a player to keep on your radar as a rising talent and he could be big in tonights game against Taylorsville as they usually sit in a zone.

He might not have been the best scoring player on the team or will be but this kid is something. He has potential and he is impressing right off the bat. Cyprus with a strong showing against a good Skyline team. Keep an eye on this young freshman.