Illinois State basketball signee Gregg Alexander has all the statistics that come with highly decorated Division I prospects, but it wasnt the math that made the Lincoln. Ill., prep star attractive to ISU head coach Tom Richardson.
Rather, it was heart and determination that led the Redbirds to sign Alexander to a national letter of intent, Wednesday, the first-day of the week-long NCAA Division I November signing period.
I like the fact that Gregg has been a prolific scorer, but it was his fierce competitive nature and the fact that he just plays so hard that most endeared him to me, Richardson said. He hates to lose and because of that, and his skill, he doesnt lose very often.
In fact, Lincoln has posted a record of 72-15 during Alexanders career with a trip to the Class AA Elite Eight during his sophomore campaign.
Alexander, a 6-4, 190-pound wing player, enters his senior campaign with 1,399 career points, which ranks fourth at Lincoln High School, a tradition-rich program, whose scoring chart is topped by former Kentucky standout Chuck Verderber.
Last season, Alexander scored 24.6 points per game, while pulling down 5.3 rebounds. He shot 42% from the field, 33 % outside the arc and 83% from the free throw line. Twice during the campaign, he tallied a career-high 41 points.
Hes a tremendous scorer, Richardson said. He can be a bomber one minute, then he can be a driver. Hes a mixture of offensive talent and he does a real nice job of getting himself to the free throw line.
Alexander was a first-team All-Central State Eight player each of the last two seasons while playing under his father, Neil.
He has the instincts you often see in a coachs son, Richardson said. Hes smart and he has very good hands. He has come up through a very good high school program.
Last season, Alexander was the Springfield Journal-Register Player of the Year and an all-area selection by the Bloomington Pantagraph and the Decatur Herald & Review. He also pulled down IBCA Third-Team All-State honors and was a special mention by the Chicago Tribune.
Richardson said Alexander is the only signee he expects to announce today.
