Job Alexander (193-G-97) is a 23 year old 193 cm guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin that is taking part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine. He began his basketball career at Marquette University High School. He then played at Trinidad State Junior College (JUCO) from 2016-2018 playing a total of 59 games averaging 7.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 68.1% as a freshman and 12.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 68.0% in his second year. He then transferred to Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo University (NCAA) where he played from 2018-2020 playing a total of 59 games averaging 5.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 46.3%, FT: 49.0% as a junior and 4.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.4apg as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Job thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

At the moment I am in Milwaukee, WI where I was born. Basketball life has pretty much been pro runs at 7am about 5 days a week to compete and sharpen my game so I would consider that great.

Before we get to basketball, please talk how you got the name Job. This is a name I have never heard before and I’m sure your parents had a special reason for naming you like this.

It is a name that my parents liked from the bible and got inspired by an older cousin of mine.

You finished school in 2020 and are still looking for that first pro gig. Despite COVID being active, did you find a normal job during the day while working on your craft at night?

For the most part I did not seek a normal job and I am currently working a basketball ball camp for younger kids as a way to get some side money.

How big is your urge to become a professional player? Is the chip on your shoulder big having played JUCO?

Becoming a professional player is something I have dreamed about since a young kid but it became real my senior year in high school when I put together a path for me to make it. I turned down some division 2 scholarships to go JUCO and prove I could play at the highest level. That being said, the chip has always been on my shoulder.

Let’s talk a little about COPVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

The biggest challenge was finding places to play 5v5. For the most part I always had access to weights and a court but due to regulations that was probably the longest I went in my life without playing full court. I also used this time to do more core work and spend more time stretching.

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

It really put things into perspective and not to take anything for granted. I got to spend a lot of time with my family as well which has limited since I started playing basketball in college.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

I’m very excited because I haven’t played in a game since my last college game and I understand how big of an opportunity this is. Very eager to start my professional career and knowing that GM’s and coaches will be at the event, I couldn’t ask for more.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents or teammates play there?

This will only be my second time being out of the country and I do not know much about basketball and Germany besides Dirk. I do not think I know anyone that has played in Germany.

How did you get in contact with Howard Hoops Combine founder Ron Howard? Did you find him or did he find you?

My coach at Cal Poly my senior year (John Smith) put us in contact right after the season ended.

Ron Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

I look at him as a mentor just as much as I do an agent. What most stood out to me about him was that he played overseas 9+ years himself which is not true of most agents or even athletes for that matter.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I think my best comparison is Jrue Holiday based off him being a big guard and playmaker. My size and athleticism also allows me to be a very versatile and elite on-ball defender. I also like the Jrue Holiday comparison because I feel he can do everything on the court his team needs him to do whether it be score, make plays, or defend.

Talk a little about your game. You are a player that can fill up the stat sheet with ease. Would you call yourself a very versatile player?

Versatile is one of the first words that comes to mind because I’ve been asked to do so many things on the court. I have always played point guard growing up so handles and vision is natural. Growing to be 6’4, athletic with long arms I spent a decent amount of time on the wing as well. I like both positions because without the ball I can get out in transition where I thrive, and I can still make plays from anywhere on the court. In the half court I thrive in pick and roll. I use my size advantage to come off screens on good angles to attack. With my defender compromised I have a great feel on when to score it and when to read where the help is coming from to find open teammates.

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? Do you feel like you could be that lock down defender at the professional level?

I take a lot of pride on the defensive end and I think it stems from playing king of the court (3 dribbles) so much. The only way to get the ball is to get a stop without fouling and without help defense. I take that same mentality when I am play on-ball defense in the game which is that I have to get a stop and the advantage is that I will have help in the game. With my height, instincts and crazy wingspan (6’9′) I know I can be a lockdown defender at the professional level.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

Working on extending my range and getting shots off faster to space the floor even more.

You began your college career at Trinidad State Junior College (JUCO). Every player that I have interviewed that played JUCO have stated that JUCO was very tough, but an experience they would never have traded for anything. Was it the same for you?

JUCO basketball definitely tested my love for the game of basketball and exposed my mental toughness and determination. Trinidad State like most JUCOS is in the middle of nowhere and I rarely got to go home. This time at Trinidad made me a better basketball player and taught me how to grind for whatever I want. I would not trade this time in my life for anything.

You really improved your three points shooting in JUCO. What was the biggest reason for such a huge rise in shooting percentage?

I would say the biggest reason was that me and my juco coach (Mike Folda) would get shots up in the morning before I had class the fall semester my sophomore year and continued throughout the season. We would warm up on midrange and then catch and shoot threes (stand still and relocated).

You then played two seasons with Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo University (NCAA) playing 57 NCAA games. What kind of experience was it playing in the NCAA and how do you feel did your game grow in those two years?

Playing at the D1 level means playing against a lot of taller and more athletic players. My game grew because the better defense, detailed scouts, and just overall talent forces players to become more methodical on the court. In the two years I learned to really think the game through even playing at a fast pace

Was your 15/6/6 game in the 71-45 blow out over Riverside one of your strongest personal games in the NCAA?

In the blowout against Riverside I remember starting off the game scoring right away which had me playing aggressive and stuffing the stat sheet.

How did head coach John Smith groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Smith helped me with my preparation for games, practices, and longevity. He stressed the importance of dedicating more time to film of both myself and upcoming teams. He also helped my before and after basketball practices with jump rope and stretch routines.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Junior Ballard?

Me and JR have played a lot of one on ones but I probably won the one you are talking about.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

I played against Malik Monk back in AAU but most recently played Malachi Flynn when he was on San Diego State.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Harrison Cleary (AAU)
Jr Ballard (Cal Poly)
Colby Rogers (Cal Poly)
Donovan Fields (Cal Poly)
Nolan Wright (H.S)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

All-Time:Current:
LebronLebron
JordanKD
KobeHarden
MagicCurry

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Lebron James

What was the last movie that you saw?

Space Jam 2

Thanks Job for the chat.