ESPN RISE MAGAZINE COVER 2009

For the 3rd year in a row a Texas D-1 Ambassador graces the cover of ESPN Rise's Regional Magazine cover. This year's honor goes to 2010 6'9" Daniel Alexander of Dripping Springs, TX. Daniel has committed to Texas A&M to play for the Aggies. National Signing Day is November 11th and I'll be there in Dripping Springs to share the moment with Daniel and his Family, Big Dan & Lynn Alexander of Dripping Springs. Daniel will be the first ever male basketball player from "Drip" to receive a scholarship at the Division One level. The article is really very cool. It speaks of Daniel's statement to his dad at 5 years old while living in Washington, DC after seeing the Harlem Globetrotters play of how one day he too wanted to play for the historically Black basketball team. Fairly prophetic, as we now see his accomplishments on the court being realized in a big way.

I've had the pleasure to coach Daniel in over 100 AAU games. Daniel has deep range. In fact, it's EXTREMELY comfortable NBA catch and shoot range. Daniel first made a national splash when he accompanied myself and several other Texas D-1 Ambassadors team mates to the prestigious Pangos All American Camp in Los Angeles which is run by Dinos Trigonis. It took all of 5 minutes for ESPNU & Scout.com correspondents to start gushing over his athleticism, shooting range and slick passing ability for a big man.

Above: With LeBron James, and Below: With Vince Carter

A month later in July, on center court in the Adidas Super 64 Tournament in Las Vegas, (against Derrick Favors one of the top recruits in 2009 )Daniel hit 7 three pointers running with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors vs. the Atlanta Celtics. This caused him to be a HOT commodity and his recruitment shot through the roof on the National Scene. All the big boys came calling including Arizona and Marquette. Texas never seriously recruited Daniel. Baylor did, but the Alexander Clan fell in love with the whole A&M experience. They'll also be able to make regular trips to see their son play which is a real plus.

Daniel was one of the top players in the country receiving an invite to Nike's LeBron James Academy in Akron, OH. He also was one of only 20 wing players in the Nation to be invited to Vince Carters Skills Academy in Orlando. I'm not sure who had more fun, myself or Daniel as we sat at a table with Vince, ate wings and watched the NBA Draft.

Overall, Daniel had a disappointing summer because of his nagging injuries. His back kept driving him crazy. There were glimpses of superior play though as he had a great game in the Texas D-1 Ambassadors Championship win vs. Georgia Blazers in Jeff Schneider's Atlantic Slam Tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC. Daniel is sometimes criticized for not being "tough enough" because he's a big guy who excels on the perimeter. Make no mistake about it though...He is TOUGH. After coaxing and prodding him all summer his "sore back" was finally diagnosed as a cracked vertebrae!

He's rehabbed now and ready to lead Dripping Springs into the 4A playoffs. Daniel is a great player, but he's even more outstanding as a person and as a team mate. He truly has been an Ambassador in every sense of the word for our basketball program. Daniel, welcome to the Texas D-1 Ambassadors Hall of Fame and best of luck on the next level!

Coach Max & The D-1 Ambassadors Family.

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Below: 2008 ESPN Rise Cover Boy 6'10" Cory Jefferson, Texas D-1 Ambassadors and Killeen High alum is now a freshman at Baylor University. He texted me a week ago, and all is going well. He's putting on weight and developing his offensive game. Baylor Assistant Mark Moorefield says, "Cory's like a sponge". Everyday he gets better and gives a 100% on the court and in the class room. Seems like just yesterday that Cory was a gangly 8th grader who could barely run up and down the court. Look at him now! Cory is the son of Ms Fancy Pace of Killeen, TX.

Below: Former Texas D-1 Ambassador and San Antonio Madison player 2007 6'8" Carlton Scott is now doing his thing at one of the Nation's most prestigious institutions, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Carlton battled various injuries throughout his career but has showed remarkable perseverence. Look for him to get big minutes this year in the rough and tumble Big East Conference. Carlton is the son of Mike & Cherita Scott of San Antonio, TX

Best of luck to all of these guys as they represent Central/South Texas at the highest level....Coach Max