[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2024 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Trey Alexander
Frame: 6’4″ 185 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Creighton Bluejays
2024 Draft Age: 21
Stats via www.basketball-reference.com

Offense

Alexander is a talented shot-creator in the mid-range area. He uses his size to put opposing guards on his back to get off a clean pull-up look and reach his spots, primarily around the right elbow. When attacked off ball screens, Alexander often snakes the screen to get off an open shot, with most teams playing in drop coverage vs Creighton. He has shown the ability to rise over defenders and knock down contested looks due to his size and high release. Alexander often uses a right-hand floater near the rim. He is shooting 50.4 percent on twos outside the rim while being assisted on 9.1 percent of these 131 attempts, according to www.barttorvik.com. 

Surprisingly, this mid-range success has not translated behind the arc for Alexander at 29.2 percent on 120 attempts while being assisted on 82.9 percent of his makes. Alexander can struggle to create separation from behind the arc, as it may be harder to use his size or probe around the perimeter and get a clean look from three. With most of his makes coming from assists, Alexander’s shot diet is the more significant cause of his low percentage—not that he can’t shoot. His handle can be loose, leading to defenders plucking the ball from him when he probes around or breaks down the man in front of him. Cleaning it up should lead to cleaner looks and, in theory, more makes for Alexander. There is also optimism for Alexander to have better shooting splits at the next level due to his free throw shooting. He is currently shooting 81.3 percent on 75 attempts. 

Alexander has improved his finishing around the rim at 54.5 percent on 99 attempts while being assisted on 18.5 percent. He’s not an above-the-rim finisher, and his lack of burst affects his shot quality. Too often, Alexander can’t blow by his man, leading to contested shots at the rim. Alexander, however, is very comfortable in transition, as he does a good job running the floor. He has had several powerful flushes over guards at the rim in transition. 

Alexander has taken significant strides as a facilitator this year. With the departure of current Gonzaga point guard Ryan Nembhard, Coach Greg McDermott has given Alexander the keys to the offense, and the results have been noticeable. He has developed excellent chemistry with his center, Ryan Kalkbrenner, using his size and probing to draw the defense’s attention and hit him rolling to the rim. Alexander does a great job finding Kalkbrenner in the post.

He’s also improved in getting the ball to shooters in the corners and is especially adept at passing with his right hand. Alexander still leaves plays on the table and isn’t perfect right now. He is prone to miss movement shooters or make passes with anticipation. He pushes the ball well in transition and hits teammates as they leak out. With an increase in usage rate (from 20.5 to 26.4), his assists have climbed from 2.6 to 4.7 (with an assist percentage jump from 15.0 to 23.9). Greater usage has also led to more turnovers, from 1.5 to 2.5 (with a jump in turnover percentage of 13.1 to 15.2).

Defense

Alexander’s biggest strength defensively is his on-ball defense. He is active and uses his size to match up with the opposing team’s best perimeter player. He does a good job absorbing contact on drives and staying upright. He uses his 6’10” wingspan to bother ball handlers and make it tougher for them to get to their spots. He can get beat in space because he isn’t a quick athlete. His footwork is sloppy, which causes his feet to get tangled up compared to shifter players. He has the length to bother some smaller wings, but due to his average athleticism, he is best just guarding opposing guards. As a pick-and-roll defender, Alexander often gets stuck in ball screens, which doesn’t hurt Creighton as much since they are often in drop coverage themselves with Kalkbrenner, but he frequently bails out Alexander in these actions. 

Help defense isn’t necessarily a strength of Alexander’s. He does a fine job staying with his man off the ball until he is put through screens. His footwork issues can lead to his man blowing by him on closeouts with a simple pump fake or jab step. He will jump the occasional pass when one pass away, but most of his turnovers come from plucking ball handlers on the ball. He averages 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, with a 1.7 steal and 1.4 block percentage. 

Looking Ahead

Alexander is a talented shot-maker with plus size who has taken an encouraging jump as a facilitator in an expanded role with Creighton. He has to continue developing his vision, but improved consistency in his handle should help him create better opportunities for not only his teammates but also himself. He must improve as an on-ball shooter from behind the arc at the next level, as he is expected to be an average to below-average defender.

Alexander projects as a shotmaking guard off the bench for an NBA team looking for an off-ball guard. His ceiling will be determined by how much he can progress as a facilitator and three-point shooter. Alexander might be a top-45 pick with some first-round upside if he continues his hot streak in ACC play.