The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Alterique Gilbert

THE BASICS

School: Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 175 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Wolverines to a 30-2 record and the Class AAAAA state championship this past season. A 2016 McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic selection, Gilbert averaged 21.1 points and 6.1 assists while shooting better than 50 percent from 3-point range. He is rated as the nation’s No. 28 recruit in the Class of 2016 by ESPN and helped Miller Grove to a No. 17 ranking in the USA TODAY Super 25 Expert Rankings.

Academic excellence: Gilbert has maintained a 3.67 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, an area homeless shelter and as a mentor for children with incarcerated parents.

THE PRAISE

“I have had the pleasure of watching and coaching against Alterique Gilbert for the past four years,” said William Faulkner, head coach at B.E. Mays High. “He has been a class act as a player and person all of those years. He carries himself like every coach would want his players to handle themselves. He is a complete leader and gentleman and also a pleasure to be around. He understands what sportsmanship is and means and will help any player, teammate or opponent be the best that they can be.”

THE FUTURE: Gilbert has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Connecticut this fall.