Hoophall Classic: Michigan State, Alabama, others should be thrilled

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Which teams should be most excited by the final day of action at the Hoophall Classic? Eric Bossi has the list.

HOOPHALL: Commitment predictions | Teams that should be excited (Sunday)

Jaren Jackson of La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere should provide immediate help to a Michigan State squad that has been a bit thin up front during the 2016-17 season.

Ranked No. 10 0verall in the class of 2017, the 6-foot-11 Jackson got out of the gates a little slow. However, he was firing on all cylinders late and even hit a couple of difficult threes late during his 21-point, nine-rebound and two-block effort in La Lu's two-point loss to Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon.

When it comes to talking Alabama recruits, five-star combo guard Collin Sexton has gotten the bulk of the attention. However, 6-foot-5 shooting guard John Petty who ranks No. 28 nationally, has made a strong case for a return to five-star status with his play this winter.

At the HoopHall, Petty strung together a triple double of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a win. He's shooting the ball very well from deep at this point. His size at the two and playmaking ability should serve him well. Crimson Tide fans should feel good about their excitement level over the future of Alabama hoops.

Kansas-bound Billy Preston, a fluid athlete and recent McDonald's All-American, played with a good motor and was a monster on the glass. He didn't finish as well as usual around the basket but had an impressive 17-point and 16-rebound outing.

Lindell Wigginton is capable of putting up points in a hurry. He is a natural scorer and looks as if he's going to continue that in Ames. Ranked No. 31 overall nationally, the native of Canada was good for 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. He's probably more natural off the ball right now but his ability to nail catch-and-shoot attempts, combined with his strength around the rim, make him a versatile scorer and playmaker.

Matt Coleman began his Monday by committing to Shaka Smart and the Longhorns and the No. 35 player in the class finished it with 15 points, four assists and two rebounds. Coleman should be the type of pass-first floor general that the Longhorns need. His jumper has always been the biggest question mark but he looked confident on pull-ups from mid-range on Monday.

Burly power forward Cody Riley's tough play on the low block and on the glass helped Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon in the comeback win over La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere. Riley set the tone with his toughness and football body while finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Bruin fans have gotten used to highly skilled players in Westwood but Riley will bring in a dose of physicality and rugged post play.

Riley's teammate at Sierra Canyon, four-star point guard Remy Martin was a little wild early. However, once he settled down he made things happen and just missed a triple-double with 18 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Martin plays a hair on fire style and has athleticism that allows him to make exciting plays. What will be most appreciated in Tempe, though, are his guts in late game situations and fiery leadership.

There's not much left to say about the nation's No.1 player, Michael Porter Jr. He was electric in a 37-point, five-rebound and four-assist effort. What was most exciting, though, was the cat Porter Jr. let out of the bag. After the game, he indicated that there is a good possibility that his younger brother, Jontay Porter, graduates early to join him at Washington. Currently ranked No. 38 overall in the class of 2018, Jontay Porter is a strong and skilled post player who rebounds and hits jump shots. He had 13 points and seven rebounds on Monday.

Finally, Oregon State fans have to be excited about the arrival of assistant coach Stevie Thompson's son, Ethan Thompson. The No. 49 player in the class of 2017, Thompson has always been a smooth scorer with a potent jumper. However, it's his developing play as a distributor that is most exciting. Thompson was good for 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds.