Moore High School senior Tristan Hankins started playing basketball as soon as he could walk. Born with a ball in his hands, Hankins has delivered some exciting moments during his time as a varsity basketball player for the Lions.

Head coach Gregg Hardin said Hankins is a smart player who is versatile and will play a big role for the Lions as they hunt for the gold ball this season.

“Tristan can play point or shooting guard. He has started for the Lions as a freshman and has a high basketball IQ,” said coach Hardin.

Coming into the new season, Hankins has continued to work on his game and improve in areas he felt needed some work. Already a polished player, Hankins said his focus is winning, which is why he wanted to come into the season physically ready to compete.

“I would say my passing, but my peers would say my scoring. Coming into this season I worked on my body a lot,” said Hankins.

That work ethic Hankins brings to the court is a combination of hard work being instilled with him at an early age, and a former teammate who left an impression on Hankins as a young varsity player.

“Darian Grant left an impression on me before he left for college. He just showed me how to work and develop my body and eat better,” said Hankins.

When you talk basketball with Hankins you quickly find out that he is all about the team and his teammates.

“I love how tough we are as a team. I get myself ready for games but just relaxing and watching film throughout the day,” Hankins said. “The teammate that keeps me laughing is either Tez Singer or Nate and I would say I’m the serious one.”

The ultimate goal for Hankins is to play in college and at the professional level, whether that is in the NBA or overseas. For now, Hankins is focused on helping his team win a title. A goal Hankins said they can accomplish for many reasons.

“Moore is a great place because of how much support you have from the community and players around and they are always going to push you to be a better version of yourself,” said Hankins.

Hankins said his favorite moment on the court came when he competed for a state championship with his teammates. That is the focus again this season and Hankins is ready to lead the team to the finals.