Wikipedia

Alex Starling

Alexander Starling (born February 6, 1989) is an American-Australian professional basketball player who last played for the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL). He played college basketball for Palm Beach State College and the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats before embarking on an Australian rules football career after being identified as an international prospect. He attempted to crack the ranks of the Australian Football League (AFL) between 2011 and 2014 before eventually returning to basketball and making a name for himself in the NBL1 Central in South Australia. He has won three NBL1 Central championships with three different teams and is a three-time league MVP winner. He debuted in the NBL in 2023 with the 36ers.

Alex Starling
Free agent
PositionForward
Personal information
Born (1989-02-06) February 6, 1989 (age 35)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
NationalityAmerican / Australian
Listed height199 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Listed weight99 kg (218 lb)
Career information
High schoolKillian (Miami, Florida)
College
NBA draft2011: undrafted
Playing career2014–present
Career history
2014Woodville Warriors
2015Warrnambool Seahawks
2016Southern Tigers
2017–2019North Adelaide Rockets
2021–2024South Adelaide Panthers
2023–2024Adelaide 36ers
Career highlights and awards
  • 3× Premier League / NBL1 Central champion (2014, 2016, 2022)
  • 2× Premier League / NBL1 Central Grand Final MVP (2014, 2022)
  • 3× Premier League / NBL1 Central MVP (2014, 2018, 2024)
  • 5× Premier League / NBL1 Central All-Star Five (2014, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024)
  • 5× Premier League / NBL1 Central Best Defensive Player (2017, 2019, 2022–2024)
  • Big V D1 All-Star Five (2015)
  • Second-team All-MEAC (2011)

Early life

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Starling was born in Miami, Florida.[1] He grew up in Richmond Heights and attended Leewood Elementary and Richmond Heights Middle School.[1]

Starling attended Miami Killian Senior High School. As a senior in 2006–07, he was named First Team All-Dade, Second Team All State, First Team All-District and Killian High School Male Athlete of the Year. He averaged 20.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.[2]

College career

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Starling played his first season of college basketball for Palm Beach State College, where he averaged 3.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 23 games in 2007–08.[3]

In April 2008, Starling signed a National Letter of Intent with Bethune–Cookman University.[2]

As a sophomore in 2008–09, Starling started in all 33 games he played for the Wildcats and averaged 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game.[4] He scored a season-high 18 points twice, first on debut and again in his seventh game. He had a season-high 15 rebounds in February 2009.[5]

As a junior in 2009–10, Starling again started in all 33 games he played and averaged 9.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.0 steals in 30.4 minutes per game.[4][6] He had a career-high 28 points and 14 rebounds in the third game of the season.[7][8]

As a senior in 2010–11, Starling again started in all 33 games he played and averaged 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game.[4][9] He scored a season-high 19 points in December 2010.[10] He earned second-team All-MEAC honors[11] and helped the Wildcats win their first-ever MEAC championship. In his final home game, he stole an inbound pass and hit a bank shot with two seconds remaining in overtime against Florida A&M that secured Bethune-Cookman's first 20-win season since 1976–77.[12]

In 99 career games for the Wildcats, Starling averaged 9.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 30.3 minutes per game.[4] As of 2018, he was the seventh all-time leading rebounder in Wildcats history.[12]

Australian rules football

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In May 2011, Starling was introduced to Australian rules football when the Sydney Swans of the Australian Football League (AFL) identified him as an international prospect. The following month, he attended an AFL Draft Combine in Redondo Beach, California.[1] In August 2011, he travelled to Sydney, Australia, for a three-week testing period.[13]

In January 2012, Starling signed an international scholarship with the Sydney Swans.[13][14][15] It was reportedly a two-year, $180,000 contract.[16] The scholarship allowed him to finish his four-year degree in Business Administration at Bethune–Cookman University[1] while also making several trips to Sydney in 2012 to train with the Swans.[13] The plan was for Starling to be recruited to the Swans' senior list as an international rookie in 2013,[13] but a lingering stress fracture in one of his legs saw him part ways with the Swans.[16]

In December 2013, Starling moved to Melbourne to join the Frankston Football Club of the Victorian Football League (VFL).[17] After the deal fell through over the summer, he moved to Adelaide in January 2014 to train with the Port Adelaide Magpies of the South Australian National Football League (SANFL); their parent organisation, the Port Adelaide Football Club of the AFL, was considering Starling for an international rookie spot.[18] After several months training with Port, the club committed its international rookie spot to Irishman Daniel Flynn and wanted Starling to prove himself via the Magpies. Starling declined the offer and instead turned his attention back to basketball.[19]

Basketball career

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In early 2014, Starling joined the Woodville Warriors of the South Australian Premier League and also began training with the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL).[18] With Woodville, he averaged 20.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game[20] and helped the team win the championship behind his 36 points in the grand final against the West Adelaide Bearcats.[21] He earned grand final MVP, league MVP and All-Star Five honors.[20]

In 2015, Starling played for the Warrnambool Seahawks of the Big V Division One.[20] He averaged 21.6 points and 12.7 rebounds to go with 20 double-doubles and one triple-double.[22] He was named team MVP[22] and earned league All-Star Five honors.[23] He was also a finalist for league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.[24]

In 2016, Starling returned to the Premier League to play for the Southern Tigers.[19] He helped the Tigers win the championship[25] and earned All-Star Five honors.[26]

Starling joined the North Adelaide Rockets for the 2017 Premier League season[27] and earned Best Defensive Player honors.[28] He returned to the Rockets in 2018 and once again earned league MVP and All-Star Five honors.[29][30] He averaged 22.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a league-leading 3.6 steals per game.[12] With the Rockets in 2019, he earned Best Defensive Player honors for the second time.[28]

In December 2019, Starling signed with the South Adelaide Panthers for the 2020 season.[31] The Premier League was rebranded as NBL1 Central in 2020,[32] but the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[33] He had also been touted to make his football debut in 2020 with the Gawler Central Football Club in regional South Australia.[34][35]

With the Panthers in 2021, Starling led the NBL1 Central in rebounds and steals.[36] In 12 games, he averaged 16.5 points, 13.17 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game.[37]

In 2022, Starling helped the Panthers win the championship while earning grand final MVP behind his 31 points and 18 rebounds against the Woodville Warriors.[38] He once again earned the league's Best Defensive Player award.[39] In 20 games, he averaged 20.15 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.15 assists, 2.75 steals and 1.35 blocks per game.[40]

Starling returned to the Panthers for a third season in 2023. He was the league's rebounding leader with 13.13 per game[41] and once again earned Best Defensive Player and All-Star Five honors.[42][43] In 16 games, he averaged 21.25 points, 13.38 rebounds, 3.44 assists, 2.69 steals and 1.19 blocks per game.[44]

On May 23, 2023, Starling signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the 2023–24 NBL season.[45][46][47] In 25 games, he averaged 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.[48]

In March 2024, Starling re-joined the South Adelaide Panthers for the 2024 NBL1 Central season.[49] He was named league MVP for a third time[50] alongside Best Defensive Player and All-Star Five.[51] He was also the league's steals leader with 2.8 per game.[52] With a career-high 23.1 points per game, he helped the Panthers finish with a league-best 15–3 record.[53] They reached the NBL1 Central Grand Final, where they lost 92–90 to the Forestville Eagles despite Starling's 24 points, 13 rebounds and three steals.[54]

On April 29, 2024, Starling re-signed with the 36ers for the 2024–25 NBL season.[55][56] On October 18, 2024, he was released by the 36ers to make way for injury replacement player Montrezl Harrell to sign with the club on a permanent contract.[57] He appeared in four games to start the season.[58]

Personal life

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Starling's mother is Jennifer Davis. He has an older sister and an older brother.[1]

In May 2023, Starling gained his Australian citizenship.[45][59]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Hi, My Name is Alex Starling..." usafl.com. February 5, 2012. Archived from the original on June 7, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Men's Basketball Inks Five during Late Signing Period". bcuathletics.com. April 17, 2008. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  3. ^ "Alexander Starling". njcaa.org. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d "Alexander Starling Stats". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  5. ^ "Alexander Starling Game Log 2008–09". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  6. ^ "Bethune-Cookman University Combined Team Statistics (as of Mar 11, 2010)" (PDF). Bethune–Cookman Wildcats. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 10, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  7. ^ "Bethune-Cookman 74, Edward Waters 55". ESPN.com. November 18, 2009. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  8. ^ "Alexander Starling Game Log 2009–10". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  9. ^ "Bethune-Cookman Season Statistics". Bethune–Cookman Wildcats. Archived from the original on November 16, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "Alexander Starling Game Log 2010–11". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  11. ^ "MEAC ANNOUNCES 2010-11 MEN'S BASKETBALL HONORS" (PDF). MEAC. March 3, 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 19, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c "Alumnus Alexander Starling Named MVP, Woollacott Winner". bcuathletics.com. July 23, 2018. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d "Swans sign US basketball talent". sydneyswans.com.au. January 25, 2012. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  14. ^ Cordy, Neil (January 25, 2012). "Sydney Swans recruit US college basketballer Alex Starling on international AFL scholarship". foxsports.com.au. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  15. ^ Cordy, Neil (January 25, 2012). "Swans sign US basketballer Alex Starling". heraldsun.com.au. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Eisenberg, Jeff (August 21, 2013). "Australian Football League raids U.S. for unique talent source … college basketball players". yahoo.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  17. ^ Amy, Paul (December 9, 2013). "Alex Starling goes from Florida to Frankston as new VFL recruit". heraldsun.com.au. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Turner, Matt (March 17, 2014). "American basketballer Alex Starling with 'Buddy-like' attributes trains with Port Adelaide". adelaidenow.com.au. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Turner, Matt (April 29, 2016). "Alex Starling turns back on footy, aims for unbeaten Premier League basketball season with Southern". heraldsun.com.au. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  20. ^ a b c McCullagh-Beasy, Justine (February 24, 2015). "Former AFL prospect Alex Starling set to kick off Seahawks' campaign". standard.net.au. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  21. ^ "Bethune–Cookman University Men's Basketball Record Book" (PDF). Bethune–Cookman Wildcats. p. 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 19, 2023.
  22. ^ a b Fawkes, Aidan (September 1, 2015). "Seahawks coach departs top job, American import crowned MVP". standard.net.au. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  23. ^ "2015 Big V Awards Winners!". bigv.com.au. September 20, 2015. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  24. ^ "2015 Big V Award Nominees". bigv.com.au. September 1, 2015. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  25. ^ "Southern Tigers crowned champions after a superb season". Premier League. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  26. ^ "All Star Five". Premier League. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  27. ^ "Rockets sign MVP Alex Starling for the 2017 Premier League season". facebook.com/NorthAdelaideRockets. November 11, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  28. ^ a b "Best Defensive Player". Premier League. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  29. ^ "Premier League Halls Woollacott Awards Evening". BasketballSA.com.au. July 23, 2018. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  30. ^ "Starling does it again in awards coup". botinagy.com. July 23, 2018. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  31. ^ "South Adelaide Basketball Club is pleased to announce the signing of Alex Starling to the Premier League Men's team for 2020 season!". facebook.com/SouthAdelaideBc. December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  32. ^ "NBL1 Central To Tip Off In 2020". NBL1.com.au. March 7, 2020. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  33. ^ "NBL1 Season Cancelled". NBL.com.au. March 24, 2020. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023.
  34. ^ "We are very excited to welcome Alex Starling to the GC family". facebook.com/GawlerCentralFC. December 3, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  35. ^ "Football: American import Alex Starling's journey to country football". adelaidenow.com.au. December 3, 2019. Retrieved April 18, 2023. Nearly 10 years after travelling to Australia to give AFL a crack, American Alex Starling will finally play a game of footy, but at country level with...
  36. ^ "Turnage and Morrell Crowned NBL1 Central MVPs". basketballsa.com.au. August 24, 2021. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023.
  37. ^ "Alex Starling – 2021 NBL1 Central". NBL1.com.au. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  38. ^ "NBL1 Central | 2022 Men's Grand Final". NBL1.com.au. September 3, 2022. Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  39. ^ "Congratulations to Alex Starling on winning the 2022 NBL1 Central Men's Defensive Player of the Year". facebook.com/nbl1central. August 14, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  40. ^ "Alexander Starling – 2022 NBL1 Central". NBL1.com.au. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023.
  41. ^ "Men's Rebounds Per Game 👉 Alexander Starling". facebook.com/BasketballSA. July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  42. ^ "Congratulations to Alexander Starling from @southadelaidebc on winning men's defensive player of the year at the #2023HallsWoollacott last night". facebook.com/BasketballSA. July 25, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  43. ^ "Congratulations to the following male athletes on being chosen in the 2023 #NBL1Central All Star 5️⃣ at the #2023HallsWoollacott last night". facebook.com/BasketballSA. July 25, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  44. ^ "Alexander Starling – 2023 NBL1 Central". NBL1.com.au. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023.
  45. ^ a b "'Aussie' Starling signs one-year deal". adelaide36ers.com. May 23, 2023. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023.
  46. ^ Hughes, Matt (May 23, 2023). "Former Warrnambool Seahawks import Alex Starling signs with NBL club Adelaide 36ers". standard.net.au. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023.
  47. ^ Slessor, Camron (May 24, 2023). "Basketballer Alex Starling signs with Adelaide 36ers after becoming an Australian citizen". abc.net.au. Archived from the original on May 24, 2023.
  48. ^ "Alex Starling". NBL.com.au. Archived from the original on March 22, 2024.
  49. ^ "NBL1 Central superstar returns to Panthers". NBL1.com.au. March 21, 2024. Archived from the original on March 22, 2024.
  50. ^ "Your #NBL1Central2024 Woollacott Medalist is Alex Starling from South Adelaide Panthers". facebook.com/nbl1central. July 21, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  51. ^ "2024 NBL1 Awards Tracker". NBL1.com.au. July 22, 2024. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024.
  52. ^ "#NBL1Central2024 Leaders in Steals Per Game". facebook.com/nbl1central. July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  53. ^ "Alex Starling wins NBL1 Central Woollacott Medal". NBL1.com.au. July 21, 2024. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024.
  54. ^ Prentice, Tristan (August 10, 2024). "Recap NBL1 Central | Men's Grand Final". NBL1.com.au. Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  55. ^ "Starling signs on for NBL25 season". adelaide36ers.com. April 29, 2024. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024.
  56. ^ Fletcher, Dale (April 30, 2024). "Next challenge awaits Starling for new season". adelaide36ers.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2024.
  57. ^ "Harrell to stay for NBL25 season". adelaide36ers.com. October 18, 2024. Archived from the original on October 18, 2024.
  58. ^ "Alex Starling". adelaide36ers.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2024.
  59. ^ Woods, Dan (May 23, 2023). "'Aussie' Starling: "This is Home"". NBL.com.au. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023.
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