Former WU star trades in jersey for a whistle
For four years before this season, Bear fans were accustomed to seeing a high-flying presence in a number 21 jersey soaring above the basketball court.
Things are looking a little different this season. With the junior class taking over the leadership on the court, number 21 now helps to lead from the sidelines.
Chris Alexander made the transition from player to coach at the start of this season after a career as one of the best players in school history. Alexander is second all-time in points at WU with 1,495 and in field goals with 614. He ranks fourth in career blocking with 135 blocked shots and is number nine on the rebound list with 547.
Alexander also left his mark on the UAA, being named to first team All-UAA for three years in a row, and UAA Player of the Year for the 1998-1999 season. He was named an honorable mention All-American for that season as well. He was named to first team All-Midwest Region for three straight years.
With his spectacular career as a player coming to a close, Alexander decided to stay with the program. As he works on finishing up his degree in chemical engineering, he is spending time helping out with his old team.
“I love the program, and I love my coaches,” said Alexander when asked why he took the job. “I’m very close with my coach and very close with the team.”
Alexander’s close relationship with the team makes his transition from player to coach a little difficult. The team he is coaching is nearly the same one he played with for the last two years. Players like Chris Jeffries, Dustin Tylka and Jarriot Rook started alongside Alexander, and while he was a leader on the court, he was also their teammate and friend.
“It’s kind of tough,” said Alexander. “I played with these guys for two years. Now, I’m kind of like a teammate with a whistle.”
Due to his status as “a teammate with a whistle,” Alexander focuses on playing with the guys in practice and giving advice when necessary.
“I just play with them and give them advice when I can,” said Alexander. “It’s hard to move into the position of authority figure.”
Alexander also sees his role as one of connecting players and coaches, something he feels his experiences allow him to do very well.
“Being so close to the team, I remember exactly what it felt like to be playing,” said Alexander. “But I also sit through the coaching meetings so I know where they’re coming from too. I think I help to bridge the gap. Coach Edwards and Coach O’Connell do a wonderful job, but being so young and close to the team gives us [Alexander and fellow Coach David Cerven] an advantage.”
“Being only one year removed, he knows where [the players] are coming from,” said Rook.
In his first season as a coach, Alexander said, he does not have any real personal goals. He is content to work towards the goals of the team, which include winning the UAA and of course, a national title.
“Everything that we do is as a part of the program,” said Alexander. “We know as a whole what the goal is, and all of my advice is product of that.”
While the team works towards that goal, Alexander admits that it hasn’t been easy to stay on the sidelines. The team he was once a part of is on the longest winning streak in school history and is currently ranked first in the nation. Part of him is definitely itching to take the court.
“I want to play,” said Alexander. “It’s tough to just sit and watch.”
It may be tough for him to watch, but he is still enjoying the job. One of his motivations for coaching, he said, is staying with the team.
“The best part about coaching is still being part of the team,” said Alexander. “It’s a family, It’s like being a part of a big family. My coach in high school made me feel that way and it’s been the same here. I still feel that way.”
“It’s really cool that he is willing to take time out of his life and help us out,” said Rook. “It’s nice just having him around.”
Alexander’s “family” hits the road this weekend as they take on conference opponents Brandeis on Friday and NYU on Sunday. The Bears have a shot at clinching the conference title if they defeat both teams, ensuring them a spot in the NCAA tournament.
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