Stone Cold: Europe's discovery of Alex Stein
Image: imago images / Majerus
Former NCAA II All-American coming off monster year in Luxembourg
His surname means "stone" in German but that's about the extent to which Alex Stein connects to bricks. He certainly does an amazing job avoiding them on the basketball court, as his 61/43/87 shooting splits from his rookie overseas season with Luxembourg Total League outfit Residence Walferdange suggest. But to those who closely follow smaller school US collegiate basketball, Stein's rock-solid performance hardly came as a surprise.
After a successful college career at NCAA2 University of Southern Indiana, where he was an honorable mention NCAA II All-American in 2019, Stein wanted to test his ability in the NBA G League and was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers affiliate, the Canton Charge. Not having seen much playing time in his rookie year and sitting out the next season due to the Covid-19 pandemic and roster changes in the G League, Stein was looking to try out his patented mid range jump shot somewhere in Europe.
One SCOUTORY recommendation later, Alex found a home in Walferdange, Luxembourg with Coach Alexis Kreps. Although his skills will allow him to play at a higher level than the entry level Total League, the year off and a limited body of work in the G League didn't allow for many other opportunities. While he intends to play at a higher level next year, Alex said, "I loved my first year overseas in Luxembourg, it was an easy transition from the U.S. because most people speak English here".
The only thing left for Stein to do was show Europe that he belonged. Safe to say he did that by earning league MVP and averaging a staggering 31.9 points per game and leading his team to the #1 seed in the Total League Playoffs. "Alex is the best player I've ever seen play here," said Residence head coach Alexis Kreps.
The 6'3''/190cm combo learned a lot in his first season and hopes to carry it over to next season, wherever he may end up: "I learned to live outside of my comfort zone overseas. Although most people spoke English, the culture is a lot different than in America. This year has definitely helped me grow more as a person off the court." Stein will take some time after the season with his agent to figure out where the next stop on his basketball tour will be. After his incredible season, he will definitely have options. We could very well imagine him in a league like LEB Gold Spain where fundamental basketball is appreciated, sharpshooters traditionally excel and physical parameters are a bit more of an afterthought.
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