All-State boys basketball teams generally are reserved for experienced seniors, with perhaps a junior here and there.

Alphonzo Billups is an exception to that largely because of his exceptional talent.

The Varina High School sophomore made the Virginia High School League’s Class 5 All-State Team in just his first season in the Blue Devils lineup.

“The sky is the limit for ‘Fats,’ ” said Varina Coach Kenneth Randolph of his 10th grade prodigy.

Let’s pause here. Before going any further, how is a wafer-thin, 6-foot-6, 175-pound player nicknamed “Fats?”

“I was a fat little baby, and it just carried on,” said Billups, who is the son of Antonio Atkins, a former Armstrong High School basketball player, and Lawana Hinnant.

Varina hoops has taken off as one of the area’s hottest programs. The Eastern Henrico squad won the State 5A title in 2018 and reached the semifinals in 2019.

Billups made varsity as a freshman but saw limited action.

“I learned a lot, though,” he said.

But despite the recent successes, there were serious concerns entering this past season. Three front-line seniors had graduated from the 2018 team and three other standouts transferred to other schools.

“Someone had to step up,” said Coach Randolph, a former assistant who succeeded Andrew Lacey this season as head coach.

Clearly, Billups rose to the occasion and then some.

“I think I’m most proud of how we proved everyone wrong,” he said. “We bounced back.”

While thin in build, Billups produced some “fat” statistics — 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots per game.

As for All-State honors, Billups said, “I didn’t expect all that, but I thought I’d have a real good season. I knew I had a big role to fill.”

His well-rounded skills helped Varina post a 19-5 record in what was thought to be a rebuilding year.

Billups wasn’t alone in standing tall. Christian Carden and Amari Baylor also enjoyed breakout seasons as 10th-graders.

Two of Varina’s losses were in the postseason to Henrico High School in the Region 5B final and to Green Run High School of Virginia Beach in the state quarterfinals.

Billups, who turned 16 earlier this month, had his best games against the toughest opponents on the schedule. No stage was too bright for the varsity newcomer.

“I haven’t seen anyone like him in quite some time,” Coach Randolph said. “He has tremendous upside.”

His talents are no secret. College recruitment is well underway. Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, Providence College and the University of Virginia are on a list of suitors that surely will grow.

Billups said his “favorite college team — for now — is Duke” that, like Varina, also is called the Blue Devils.

He was invited to attend the Duke at Virginia game this past winter in Charlottesville. Athletes cannot make official recruiting visits until their junior year.

“My phone has been blowing up since November,” Coach Randolph said. “Virginia really loves him. U.Va. coaches came to watch several of our games.”

Coach Randolph believes Billups will grow to be about 6-foot-9, but he’s much more than a back-to-basket post player. In fact, he’s listed as a “wing” on the Varina roster.

This season he had numerous two-hand dunks — a rarity for a sophomore. But he also showed outside shooting range and ball-handling skills.

“I think I can play every position,” he said.

Billups isn’t the only athlete in the family. His brother, Raevon Atkins, was a standout football linebacker this past season for Henrico High School.

During the last five hoops seasons, Varina is a combined 108-22. That record may even glow more as Billups and others continue to grow.

All things considered, don’t expect any Blue Devils to drop-off. “Fat” chance of that happening.