At the age of 12, Kurt Alexander did not think that he would ever be playing basketball at the collegiate level. In fact, he barely knew the sport. Ten years later, the 6-foot-tall, senior guard holds a presence on the court.
Born in the Cayman Islands, Alexander spent his childhood playing soccer. When his family moved to Toronto in 2002, Alexander saw basketball for the first time.
“I saw people playing basketball and then just started getting into it,” Alexander said.
Alexander started playing basketball in high school and then spent two years at Iowa Central Community College.
“I got better as time went on,” Alexander said. “Then I had two good years at junior college.”
While at Iowa Central CC, he was a two-time All-Iowa Region 11 first-team performer and averaged a league-high of 18.6 points in his final season. For the 2010-11 season, Alexander transferred to Drake and played in all 31 games. Now in his second season, Alexander has settled in with the team and school.
“It was a good transition,” Alexander said. “The coaching staff really helped.”
Bulldog teammate Karl Madison thinks that in addition to being a great player, Alexander brings a lot of energy to the game.
“During practice, he gets guys going,” the redshirt freshman Madison said. “He’s a winner.”
Head coach Mark Phelps agreed that part of what makes Alexander a solid player is the energy that he can bring off the bench.
“Kurt has the ability, when things break down at the point guard spot, to get his shot,” Phelps said.
His winning attitude and consistency have contributed to the Bulldog’s 13-9 record, including scoring 17 points in Drake’s triple-overtime victory against Wichita State last Saturday. He also added six points in the final overtime period.
“He has really stepped forward and played at a very high level, especially lately,” Phelps said.
After graduation, Alexander said that he would like to play professionally, possibly overseas.
“I would like to be a pretty good professional basketball player, make money and support my family,” Alexander said.
Alexander and his teammates remain focused on the season. Right now, the team is tied for third place in the Missouri Valley Conference with this Saturday’s opponent, Missouri State. Madison said that the team needs Madison to continue playing at a high level.
“He just needs to keep doing what he’s been doing,” Madison said.
Alexander has been providing a steady presence off the bench. In the Bulldogs’ win over Iowa State, he contributed 10 points and a career-high four assists.
“His scoring can help tremendously,” Madison said.
After getting to know the campus, Alexander said that he feels as if he’s been accepted as part of the community.
“People know you, and that feels good,” Alexander said. “It makes playing easier because it’s like I’m playing for the community.”
With what he has done these past two seasons, people have certainly gotten to know and to appreciate Alexander. His winning attitude, consistency and dedication will hopefully help the Bulldogs as they aim for a strong finish.
“We have very high aspirations for what we can accomplish this season,” Phelps said. “Kurt will be a key piece in that pursuit.”
