Daniel Alexander

Daniel Alexander (born July 18, 1991) is an American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Texas A&M and Grand Canyon before splitting his first three years as a professional in Australia and the NBA G League. He won a SEABL championship with the Mount Gambier Pioneers in 2017 and an NBA G League championship with the Austin Spurs in 2018.

Early life Alexander was homeschooled growing up until middle school. While living in Washington, D.C., as a third grader, Alexander was inspired to play basketball after attending a Harlem Globetrotters game. He was a sneakerhead growing up and had numerous jerseys of his favorite NBA players. A member of the varsity from his freshman year, Alexander helped the team steadily improve each of his first three years. He subsequently signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for Texas A&M University in November 2009.

College career Texas A&M Alexander joined the Texas A&M Aggies for the 2010–11 season but was redshirted. He then played in one game to begin the 2012–13 season before deciding to transfer to Grand Canyon University.

Grand Canyon Due to NCAA transfer regulations, Alexander was unable to debut for the Grand Canyon Antelopes until December 2013. Despite missing half of the 2013–14 season, he led the team with 58 3-pointers and 34 blocks and he was named to the WAC All-Newcomer Team.

Alexander was a consistent starter for the Antelopes upon becoming eligible until roughly a month into the 2014–15 season when he had to adjust to the role of sixth man. In 29 games, he made seven starts and averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.

After graduating from Grand Canyon with a Film degree, Alexander initially did not plan on playing professional basketball but due to the connections he made while travelling with Athletes in Action, he received his first opportunity. He scored 30 points or more 13 times, including a 41-point game on May 27 against the Joondalup Wolves and a 43-point game on July 22 against the Willetton Tigers. He had 17 double-doubles, including a game with 38 points and 20 rebounds on June 25 against the Mandurah Magic. He also had one triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists on July 9 against the Perth Redbacks. The Lightning missed the playoffs after finishing 11th with a 7–19 record. Alexander appeared in all 26 games, averaging 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.

Northern Arizona Suns (2016–2017) In October 2016, Alexander joined the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA Development League after a successful tryout. He played in 15 games with four starts during the 2016–17 season before being waived by the Suns on February 5, 2017. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.

Mount Gambier Pioneers (2017) Alexander returned to Australia in 2017 to play for the Mount Gambier Pioneers of the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL). He led the team with 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, shooting at 55% as well as 83% from the free-throw line for the season. He helped the team finish with a 21–3 record and win the SEABL championship. He averaged 13.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in the playoffs. He was named player of the week for round 16 and earned All-SEABL First Team honors. He was also named the Pioneers' Team MVP.

Austin Spurs (2017–2018) In October 2017, Alexander joined the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League after a successful tryout. He played in 28 games during the 2017–18 regular season, averaging 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.1 minutes per game.

Lakeside Lightning (2018) Alexander returned to Australia for a third time in 2018, re-joining the Lakeside Lightning in the SBL. He scored 30 points or more seven times, including a 40-point game on June 9 against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns and a 43-point game on June 15 against the Cockburn Cougars. His league-leading 27.24 points per game in the regular season saw him earn the scoring title. The Lightning finished with a 15–11 record and lost in the quarter-finals. In 20 games, he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.

BC Luleå (2018) On July 27, 2018, Alexander signed with BC Luleå of the Swedish Basketligan for the 2018–19 season. On November 5, 2018, he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. He suffered a torn ACL and meniscus as well as cartilage damage.

Southland Sharks (2021) On January 15, 2021, Alexander signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2021 New Zealand NBL season. However, he was replaced on the roster on April 3, 2021, after advising the team he was unable to travel to New Zealand due to family circumstances.

Perry Lakes Hawks (2023) On January 27, 2023, Alexander signed with the Perry Lakes Hawks in Australia for the 2023 NBL1 West season. In 24 games, he averaged 18.96 points, 7.04 rebounds and 2.83 assists per game.

Personal life Alexander is the son of Dan and Lyn. He is the grandson of Clarence R. Autery, a highly decorated two-star Major General who served 30 years in the United States Air Force.

Alexander is a devout Christian. After graduating college, he took a youth pastor position at his childhood church.