Alexander requests release from basketball

By Gabe Taylor

In a sudden move, sophomore point guard Troy Alexander withdrew from his athletic scholarship prior to spring quarter at Santa Clara and will not be returning to the university.

The decision to transfer, according to Alexander, was primarily due to lack of playing time and will force the men's basketball team to find a backup for freshman point guard Robert Smith.

With the addition of Smith at the beginning of the 2009-2010 season, Alexander played just under eight minutes per game for the Broncos and started in only one contest. This was a significant drop in playing time for Alexander from the previous season.

In the 2008-2009 season, Alexander had a larger role on the team, playing an average of 15.2 minutes per game and starting seven times throughout the season.

Despite sitting down with Head Coach Kerry Keating to discuss Alexander's diminished role on the team, Alexander realized that he and Keating were struggling to see eye-to-eye.

"He felt one way about my play. He made his decision and I respect that as a coach," said Alexander. "I can't argue with that -- he's a coach -- but I feel like I could go somewhere else and contribute more."

Keating was unavailable for comment. However, in a statement on the Santa Clara Athletic Web site, Keating briefly addressed the issue.

"We appreciate Troy's effort as a Bronco during his time here, as he was an exemplary student, teammate and citizen. We respect his desire to play more and wish him success in his future."

In his two seasons at Santa Clara, Alexander averaged 1.2 ppg alongside 1.1 assists per game.

"It was frustrating for me to have to feel like I wasn't being allowed to give everything that I felt that I could offer," said Alexander, referring to his time as a member of the Broncos.

Alexander was clear that his teammates had no part in his final decision to transfer. According to Alexander, the players proved to be the opposite of problematic in the locker room and the relationships within the team were strong.

"I wish them all the best and I'm going to be keeping up with them throughout my life and I'm definitely going to remain close friends with all those guys," said Alexander.

Although basketball became an obstacle for Alexander, he remains grateful for what Santa Clara provided to him.

"I had the best friends and the best experience there school-wise," he said. "Everything outside of basketball I absolutely loved about Santa Clara. It was just unfortunate that basketball didn't really work out there for me."

Alexander is currently unsure of what college he will attend now that he has withdrawn from his scholarship, mentioning that he is not completely ready to make that decision yet.

"I'm just keeping my options open," said Alexander, adding that the move to a new basketball program will give him the opportunity to contribute at a higher level.

The Santa Clara will release an update on Troy Alexander's decision if, and when, more information is received.

Contact Gabe Taylor at gtaylor@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.