Daniel Alexander (basketball)
Personal information | |
---|---|
Born | July 18, 1991 |
Nationality | American |
Listed height | 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) |
Listed weight | 98 kg (216 lb) |
Career information | |
High school | Dripping Springs (Dripping Springs, Texas) |
College |
|
NBA draft | 2015: undrafted |
Playing career | 2016–present |
Position | Power forward |
Career history | |
2016 | Lakeside Lightning |
2016–2017 | Northern Arizona Suns |
2017 | Mount Gambier Pioneers |
2017–2018 | Austin Spurs |
2018 | Lakeside Lightning |
2018 | BC Luleå |
2023 | Perry Lakes Hawks |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Daniel Alexander (born July 18, 1991) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Perry Lakes Hawks of the NBL1 West. He played college basketball for Texas A&M and Grand Canyon before splitting his first three years as a professional in Australia and the NBA G League. He won a SEABL championship with the Mount Gambier Pioneers in 2017 and an NBA G League championship with the Austin Spurs in 2018.
Early life
Alexander was homeschooled growing up until middle school.[1] While living in Washington, D.C., as a third grader, Alexander was inspired to play basketball after attending a Harlem Globetrotters game.[2] He was a sneakerhead growing up and had numerous jerseys of his favorite NBA players.[2] Prior to reaching high school, he was a regular in adult pickup games around Austin, Texas.[2]
High school career
Alexander attended Dripping Springs High School in Dripping Springs, Texas.[3] A member of the varsity from his freshman year, Alexander helped the team steadily improve each of his first three years.[2] As a junior in 2008–09, he earned district MVP honors after averaging 19.6 points and 12 rebounds per game.[3]
In the off-season between his junior and senior years, Alexander was the No. 89-ranked prospect in the country by Rivals.com and was featured on the cover of ESPN Rise. He also attended the LeBron James Skills Academy and the Vince Carter Skills Academy.[4][5] He subsequently signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for Texas A&M University in November 2009.[4] At the time, he was considered "a guard in a forward's body" due to his ball handling and passing capabilities.[2]
As a senior in 2009–10, Alexander was named First-Team All-District and led the team to the regional semifinals.[3] He was also nominated for the McDonald's All-American Game.[6]
College career
Texas A&M
Alexander joined the Texas A&M Aggies for the 2010–11 season but was redshirted.[3][6] He would go on to endure four coaching changes over four years, which he revealed soured his college experience.[6]
Alexander made his debut for the Aggies in the 2011–12 season,[3] going on to play in 28 games with four starts and averaging 2.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11.0 minutes per game.[7] He then played in one game to begin the 2012–13 season before deciding to transfer to Grand Canyon University.[3][8]
Grand Canyon
Due to NCAA transfer regulations, Alexander was unable to debut for the Grand Canyon Antelopes until December 2013.[3][8][9][10] Despite missing half of the 2013–14 season, he led the team with 58 3-pointers and 34 blocks and he was named to the WAC All-Newcomer Team.[3] In 22 games, he made 21 starts and averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 blocks in 33.0 minutes per game.[3] He scored a career-high 22 points on February 22 against Idaho.[11]
Alexander was a consistent starter for the Antelopes upon becoming eligible until roughly a month into the 2014–15 season when he had to adjust to the role of sixth man.[12] In 29 games, he made seven starts and averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.[3] He scored a season-high 19 points on January 29 against Kansas City.[13]
After graduating from Grand Canyon with a Film degree, Alexander initially did not plan on playing professional basketball but due to the connections he made while travelling with Athletes in Action, he received his first opportunity.[6]
Professional career
Lakeside Lightning (2016)
Alexander began his professional career in Australia in 2016 with the Lakeside Lightning of the State Basketball League (SBL).[14] He scored 30 points or more 13 times, including a 41-point game on May 27 against the Joondalup Wolves and a 43-point game on July 22 against the Willetton Tigers. He had 17 double-doubles, including a game with 38 points and 20 rebounds on June 25 against the Mandurah Magic. He also had one triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists on July 9 against the Perth Redbacks.[15] The Lightning missed the playoffs after finishing 11th with a 7–19 record.[16][17][18] Alexander appeared in all 26 games, averaging 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.[15] He was subsequently named in the SBL All-Star Five.[19]
Northern Arizona Suns (2016–2017)
In October 2016, Alexander joined the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA Development League after a successful tryout.[20] He played in 15 games with four starts during the 2016–17 season before being waived by the Suns on February 5, 2017.[21] He averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.[22]
Mount Gambier Pioneers (2017)
Alexander returned to Australia in 2017 to play for the Mount Gambier Pioneers of the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).[23] He led the team with 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game,[24] shooting at 55% as well as 83% from the free-throw line for the season.[25] He helped the team finish with a 21–3 record and win the SEABL championship. He averaged 13.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in the playoffs.[25] In the grand final, he had 15 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.[26] He was named player of the week for round 16[27] and earned All-SEABL First Team honors.[28] He was also named the Pioneers' Team MVP.[29]
Austin Spurs (2017–2018)
In October 2017, Alexander joined the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League after a successful tryout.[30] He played in 28 games during the 2017–18 regular season, averaging 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game.[22] He played in two games during the Spurs' playoff run[22] as the team won the NBA G League championship.[31]
Lakeside Lightning (2018)
Alexander returned to Australia for a third time in 2018, re-joining the Lakeside Lightning in the SBL.[32] He scored 30 points or more seven times, including a 40-point game on June 9 against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns and a 43-point game on June 15 against the Cockburn Cougars.[33] His league-leading 27.24 points per game in the regular season saw him earn the scoring title.[34] The Lightning finished with a 15–11 record and lost in the quarter-finals.[35] In 20 games, he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.[33] He was subsequently named in the All-SBL First Team.[36]
BC Luleå (2018)
On July 27, 2018, Alexander signed with BC Luleå of the Swedish Basketligan for the 2018–19 season.[37] On November 5, 2018, he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.[38] He suffered a torn ACL and meniscus as well as cartilage damage.[1] He averaged 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in nine league games. He also appeared in two FIBA Europe Cup games.[39]
Southland Sharks (2021)
On January 15, 2021, Alexander signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2021 New Zealand NBL season.[40] However, he was replaced on the roster on April 3, 2021, after advising the team he was unable to travel to New Zealand due to family circumstances.[41]
Perry Lakes Hawks (2023)
On January 27, 2023, Alexander signed with the Perry Lakes Hawks in Australia for the 2023 NBL1 West season.[42][43] In 24 games, he averaged 18.96 points, 7.04 rebounds and 2.83 assists per game.[44]
Personal life
Alexander is the son of Dan and Lyn.[2] He is the grandson of Clarence R. Autery, a highly decorated two-star Major General who served 30 years in the United States Air Force.[24]
Alexander is a devout Christian.[8] After graduating college, he took a youth pastor position at his childhood church.[6]
References
- ^ a b "Where are they now Wednesday? Featuring Daniel Alexander". YouTube. Austin Spurs. October 18, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Remsberg, Matt (November 11, 2009). "This go-to player gets his kicks giving back". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Daniel Alexander". gculopes.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "Turgeon Lands Nationally-Ranked Recruiting Class". 12thman.com. November 11, 2009. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023.
- ^ Biancardi, Paul (June 29, 2009). "Richmond, Thomas star at skills camp". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Week 8 Men's SBL Player Column – Daniel Alexander". SBL.asn.au. May 5, 2016. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Daniel Alexander". 12thman.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c Nelson, Cooper (December 9, 2013). "High-flyer Dan Alexander remains grounded in matters that matter". gcu.edu. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ Cohen, Jared (July 13, 2014). "GCU's Alexander learned about life outside basketball while being forced to sit". sports360az.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Grand Canyon enters 2nd season in D-I with Majerle". usatoday.com. November 13, 2014. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Idaho gets past Grand Canyon 83-77". ESPN.com. February 22, 2014. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ Obert, Richard (March 6, 2015). "Different paths have strengthened GCU seniors". azcentral.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Alexander, Braun lead Grand Canyon past UMKC, 78-57". ESPN.com. January 29, 2015. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Men's SBL Season Preview – Lakeside Lightning". SBL.asn.au. March 18, 2016. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "Player statistics for Daniel Alexander – 2016 SBL". SBL.asn.au. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Alexander, youngsters impress Oatman despite heartbreaking Lightning losses". SBL.asn.au. July 28, 2016. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Youthful Lightning look to surge up SBL ladder". SBL.asn.au. February 28, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "2017 Men's SBL season preview". SBL.asn.au. March 17, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "MSBL Allstar 5 & Defensive 5 2016". facebook.com/WABasketball. September 17, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Northern Arizona Suns Set Training Camp Roster". dleague.nba.com. October 31, 2016. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Suns Waive Forward Daniel Alexander". dleague.nba.com. February 5, 2017. Archived from the original on March 4, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Daniel Alexander". gleague.nba.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "2016/17 SEASON PREVIEW: MT. GAMBIER". seabl.com.au. March 17, 2017. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "Daniel Alexander Reflects on Veterans Appreciation Night". gleague.nba.com. November 7, 2017. Archived from the original on December 5, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "REPORT CARD: MT GAMBIER PIONEERS". seabl.com.au. September 21, 2017. Archived from the original on March 19, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Pioneers vs Rangers". fibalivestats.com. September 2, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "ROUND 16 PLAYER OF THE WEEK- DANIEL ALEXANDER". seabl.com.au. July 25, 2017. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "2017 SEABL AWARD WINNERS". seabl.com.au. August 13, 2017. Archived from the original on September 20, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "American import named Pioneers' best". borderwatch.com.au. September 7, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Austin Spurs announce 2017-18 training camp roster". projectspurs.com. October 23, 2017. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Austin Spurs Win 2018 NBA G League Championship". NBA.com. April 10, 2018. Archived from the original on April 12, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "LIGHTNING KEEN TO KEEP PUSHING THE PACE". SBL.asn.au. April 6, 2018. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "Player statistics for Daniel Alexander – 2018 SBL". SBL.asn.au. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "2018 SBL Statistical Awards". SBL.asn.au. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "2019 MEN'S SBL SEASON PREVIEW". SBL.asn.au. March 15, 2019. Archived from the original on March 15, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "2018 SBL AWARD WINNERS". SBL.asn.au. September 9, 2018. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ Sjöstrand, Simon (July 27, 2018). "BC Luleå värvar ny amerikan". aftonbladet.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Säsongen är över för Daniel Alexander". bclulea.se (in Swedish). November 5, 2018. Archived from the original on November 12, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "BC Lulea Stats 2018-2019". eurobasket.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Stars align for Alexander & Sharks". sharksbasketball.co.nz. January 15, 2021. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Josh Cunningham to replace fellow American". sharksbasketball.co.nz. April 3, 2021. Archived from the original on April 3, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "NBL1 West Player Announcement". facebook.com/perrylakeshawks. January 27, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ "Perry Lakes Hawks sign Daniel Alexander". australiabasket.com. January 27, 2023. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023.
- ^ "Daniel Alexander". NBL1.com.au. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023.