Below: Alexander with Coach Max at Vince Carter's Nike Skills Academy in Orlando, FL in late June.
I had a chance to speak to 2010 Dripping Springs, TX star Daniel Alexander yesterday to see how his back was doing. Alexander had an inconsistent summer, while dealing with a troublesome back problem. We all chalked it up to being a pulled muscle and to be honest there were times I prodded Daniel that he'd have to become tougher to really excel at the level of play in the Big XII after his commitment to the Texas A&M Aggies.
I've got to tell you, Daniel has proven me wrong. He toughed out tournament games at the Top 20 Hoop City Classic in Kansas City and gamely attempted to play in a game at the Duel in the Desert. The pain was excruciating. We were fortunate to have a medical doctor with us on the trip, in Conner Kemper's dad Dr. Jim Kemper who prescribed Daniel some pain medication.
After returning to Austin Daniel's father informed me that he was diagnosed with a fracture on his 5th vertabrae! It will require a back brace for another 5-6 weeks, with physical therapy beginning after a couple more weeks of complete rest.
I'd like to wish Daniel all the best in his upcoming senior campaign before he heads off to Texas A&M. Alexander has a a rare athleticism and smooth perimeter stroke for a player that is 6'8". When he is hot he can fill it up beyond NBA range. His career has been filled with accolades, including winning the 2008 Jonathan Bender Underclassman Award at Rick Barrett's Philadelphia Midnight Madness as well as the Vince Carter Skills Academy and LeBron James skills Academy.
From all the Aggies out there, the Austin basketball community, and to his brothers in the Texas D-1 Ambassadors organization, Daniel we pray that you heal 100%. God Bless.
Coach Max
