Alex English (Part 1)

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9 Mar 2024

Alex English (Part 1)

Alexander English, born on January 5, 1954, is a prominent figure in the world of basketball, known for his illustrious career as a player, coach, and businessman.
Hailing from South Carolina, English first made a name for himself on the basketball court while playing at the University of South Carolina. His talent and skills caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection in the second round of the 1976 NBA draft.
English's professional career truly blossomed with the Denver Nuggets in the 1980s, where he became a standout small forward. During his tenure with the Nuggets from 1979 to 1989, English played a pivotal role in leading the team to nine consecutive NBA playoff appearances, capturing two Midwest Division titles, and reaching the Western Conference Finals in 1985. Known for his scoring prowess, English averaged an impressive 21.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game over his 15-year NBA career, playing for four different teams.
English's scoring ability was unmatched during the 1980s, as he outscored every other NBA player in that decade. His remarkable performances earned him eight NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA Second Team honors. Additionally, English led the league in scoring during the 1982–83 season.

In recognition of his contributions to the Denver Nuggets franchise, English's jersey number 2 was retired by the team in 1992. Furthermore, his stellar career was immortalized when he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Following his retirement from playing, English remained involved in the basketball world, serving as an assistant coach for various NBA teams and working for the NBA itself. Additionally, he ventured into business endeavors, explored acting, and became an ambassador for the NBA.
Despite his diverse interests and pursuits, English has maintained strong ties with his alma mater, the University of South Carolina, where he currently serves on the board of trustees. Throughout his career, Alexander English has left an indelible mark on the basketball community, both on and off the court.

Alexander English's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, he faced challenges from a young age. At times, English and his siblings found themselves living with their grandmother while their parents worked in New York, a situation that required them to rely on their grandmother's care. During these times, English endured financial difficulties, often having to make do with just one meal a day.
Despite the adversity he faced, English's talent on the basketball court shone through during his time at Dreher High School in Columbia. His exceptional skills and dedication to the game caught the attention of his peers and coaches, setting the stage for his future success in basketball.
To honor his contributions to the school and the sport of basketball, Dreher High School retired English's number 22 jersey on January 31, 2020. This gesture recognized his impact on the school's basketball program and celebrated his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a basketball legend.

During his time at the University of South Carolina from 1972 to 1976, Alexander English left an indelible mark on the basketball program and the university as a whole. A talented and dedicated player, English started every game throughout his four-year collegiate career, demonstrating his commitment to excellence on the court.
English's impact went beyond his statistics, as he became a trailblazer for African-American athletes at the university, earning recognition as one of the first African-American sports stars in South Carolina's history. His stellar performance on the basketball court captured the attention of fans and pundits alike, solidifying his status as a standout player.

Throughout his collegiate career, English amassed impressive achievements, including scoring a record 1,972 points and becoming only the third player in the university's history to tally over 1,000 rebounds while shooting better than 50% from the field. His remarkable accomplishments earned him recognition on two independent All-America teams in 1975 and 1976, highlighting his status as one of the top players in college basketball.
Beyond his athletic achievements, English demonstrated a passion for learning and a diverse range of interests, including art, sculpture, literature, and poetry. He pursued his academic endeavors with the same level of dedication and excellence that he displayed on the basketball court, graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in English.
English's time at the university not only laid the foundation for his successful basketball career but also instilled in him a lifelong commitment to education, art, and cultural exploration. His contributions to the

Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 1976 NBA draft, Alexander English embarked on his professional basketball journey with high hopes and aspirations. However, his early days in the NBA were marked by challenges as he vied for playing time behind established wings like Bob Dandridge, Junior Bridgeman, and Brian Winters under the guidance of coach Don Nelson.
Despite facing stiff competition for minutes on the court, English remained determined and focused on proving himself as a valuable asset to the team. His breakthrough came during the 1978 NBA Playoffs, where he showcased his potential and ability to contribute significantly, particularly off the bench. During this postseason run, English made a notable impact, averaging 13.4 points per game, which ranked third highest among all Bucks players at the time.

English's stellar performance played a pivotal role in the Bucks' postseason success, helping the team advance past formidable opponents like the Phoenix Suns in the first round. Although the Bucks eventually fell to the Denver Nuggets in a hard-fought seven-game series during the Western Conference semifinals, English's contributions did not go unnoticed.
Despite the challenges he faced early in his NBA career, Alexander English's performance in the playoffs served as a testament to his talent and potential as a professional basketball player. His resilience and determination to succeed would later pave the way for a successful and illustrious career in the NBA, establishing him as one of the league's premier scorers and earning him widespread recognition and acclaim.