Trey Alexander has been one of the best players in the Big East for the past two seasons. The 21-year-old combo guard entered the NBA draft in April and hopes to hear his name called in a few weeks. Let’s dive into Alexander’s game and fit within the 2024 NBA draft.
Trey Alexander 2024 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Alexander spent his entire three-year college career at Creighton. He elevated his play each season and became well-known for his prolific scoring ability. As a freshman Alexander averaged 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, on .422/.281/.818 shooting splits. Creighton earned a nine seed in the NCAA tournament; they won their first-round matchup against San Diego St before losing to the eventual champion Kansas in the round of 32. Alexander had two big-time performances including a 18-point five-assist game against SDSU and a 14-point nine-assist outing against Kansas.
As a sophomore, Alexander saw more individual and team success. Alexander averaged 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, on .447/.410/.824 shooting splits while Creighton earned a six seed in the tournament. Creighton would win their first three tournament games before narrowly losing in the Elite Eight to the five-seeded San Diego St. In the tournament, Alexander averaged 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Alexander’s junior year was his best yet averaging 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 points, on .446/.339/.824 shooting splits. Notably, these contributions earned Alexander an All-Big-East team selection. Creighton also got a three-seed in the NCAA tournament. This was the culmination of Creighton’s core led by Alexander, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Baylor Scheierman. Creighton would win their first two tournament games before losing to the two-seeded Tennessee in a close Sweet-Sixteen game. In the tournament, Alexander averaged 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, on .348/.467/.929 shooting splits.
Strengths
Alexander is a crafty combo guard capable of creating shots for himself and others. Alexander loves to operate in the pick-and-roll. As a scorer, this helps him get quality looks from mid-range and at the rim. Notably, last year 39 percent of Alexander’s shots were mid-range jumpers which he shot a solid 47 percent on. Additionally, he is a smart passer who perfectly dissects opposing defenses, especially in pick-and-roll actions. This allows Alexander to seamlessly set his teammates up for open looks. Alexander’s skill set as both a shot creator and playmaker makes him an intriguing prospect.
Alexander shot 41 percent from three as a sophomore while these numbers aren’t consistent with his college career they are a promising sign for his shooting potential. Interestingly Alexander is a willing shooter especially off the catch averaging 3.8 three-point attempts in his career, this season 80 percent of his three-point attempts were unassisted. If Alexander develops as a consistent catch-and-shoot threat he would be the complete package offensively. Alexander has a six-foot-ten wingspan and averaged 1.1 steals per game. While Alexander wasn’t a highly impactful defender this gives teams hope that his defense can develop at the next level. Lastly, Alexander is a great rebounder for his size averaging 4.2 rebounds in his career and 5.7 as a junior. This knack for rebounding and hustle will help Alexander stay on the court.
Weaknesses
Alexander is a wiry six-foot-four, 187 pounds which isn’t an ideal build for the NBA. Adjusting to the increased physicality and surviving on defense will be challenging. While Alexander has the wingspan to be a positive defender he didn’t show a ton on that end of the floor in college. Alexander doesn’t have elite lateral quickness and struggles with defensive positioning.
At the combine, Alexander posted a 32-inch vertical which brings similar concerns about his viability as a defender and finisher. Furthermore, Alexander’s three-point shooting inconsistencies are a clear weak point. A career 35.8 percent outside shooter, Alexander’s three-point shooting dropped off from 41 percent as a sophomore to 33 percent as a junior. Shooting has never been more important for guards. Becoming a consistent catch-and-shoot threat would allow Alexander to have a clearer role in the NBA. If he doesn’t develop a three-point shoot it’s hard to imagine him craving out a consistent role.
NBA Comparison
Alexander’s playmaking abilities and affinity for mid-range jumpers make him similar to Andrew Nembhard. The Pacers combo guard has found a quality role as an efficient shot-creator and playmaker. Nembhard serves as a blueprint for what Alexander’s role and production could be if he pans out.
2024 NBA Draft Projection
Alexander projects to be a middle-second-round pick.
