By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team added its fifth player to the 2015-16 roster as head coach Steve Payne and the Golden Eagle team announced the signing of Whitefield Academy forward Courtney Alexander II.
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Alexander joins the Tech program after a successful high school career, including the past two seasons at Whitefield Academy. He joins an already deep recruiting class that includes freshman guard Tre Hansbrough and freshman center Micaiah Henry, also from Georgia, sophomore guard Hakeem Rogers from New Jersey and junior guard Markell Henderson from Oklahoma.
"We're thrilled to have Courtney in our program," Payne said. "He's a guy that we have been tracking for a long time and was heavily recruited by several other programs. He will bring a tremendous motor and high level of athleticism to our team right away. As he continues to grow in skill and knowledge for the game, he's just going to keep getting better and better.
"Courtney played for a great high school coach in Tyrone Johnson in a great program at Whitefield Academy. He also played for the Georgia Stars, which is a program we have had the fortune to receive several quality player from over the years.
"He's a gifted player and will continue to get better as time goes on. We can't wait for him to get on campus."
Courtney Alexander
6-7 – Forward – Mableton, Ga. – Whitefield Academy
Known for his athleticism around recruiting circles, Alexander had no trouble showing off his talent while playing for head coach Tyrone Johnson at Whitefield Academy, averaging over 12 points and 10 rebounds per game as a senior. The incoming forward also added over two assists, two steals and one and a half blocks per game his final year of high school ball, helping his team to a 22-10 record.
Alexander possesses a high basketball IQ, inheriting many of his skills and athletic ability from his father, Courtney Alexander Sr., who played three seasons in the NBA after starring in the NCAA. The 13th overall selection in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, his father spent two seasons at Virginia before transferring to Fresno State and leading the NCAA in scoring his senior year with 24.8 points per game.
Alexander on why he chose Tech:
Tennessee Tech has a beautiful campus and the Eblen Center was just incredible. It's a place that I could easily see myself playing for the next four years. The coaching staff and players were great as well. I got very good vibes from the team and think I'll fit in well. I just wanted to be a part of something special and I can see that happening at Tech.
Alexander on what he hopes to bring to the table next season:
I'll definitely be bringing athleticism, but also a very deep pride on defense. I just want to do whatever it takes to win. I plan to work hard every day, in practice and both on and off the court and just help Tech win as much as possible.
Alexander on what he's looking forward to most in his first year at Tech:
For me college and coming to Tennessee Tech will be a new beginning and I'm excited for that. High school was loads of fun, but having the chance to be a part of something as special as this team is great. I can't wait to get on the court.
Whitefield Academy head coach Tyrone Johnson on Alexander:
There are three unique strengths about Courtney that make him so special. One is just how much of an unbelievable athlete he is. He has elite level athleticism and possesses an unreal ability to come off the floor quickly. He moves his feet very well and has the skills to guard any position. He also runs the court like a deer.
His second great strength is his extremely high motor. He brings such a massive level of intensity to the floor and it's infectious. He's capable of affecting the game in so many ways just because of that.
The third thing about Courtney is that he has a very high basketball IQ and doesn't have to depend on his athleticism to beat you. Because of that, he is easy to train and he can apply his knowledge in clutch game-time situations.
There were quite a few things I loved about coaching Courtney, but the biggest was just his competitiveness. At the end of the day, he just wants to win. There's a difference between playing at a high level and winning the game, and he understands that. He is always working hard to please the coaching staff, but winning is the most important thing to him. We played in a very competitive conference and with the few games we couldn't win, he was hurt by each loss. I respect that so much.
Photo by Ty Freeman
