Alexus Foyle

For every NBA prospect certain about their near future (getting drafted in the first or second round), there are at least 10 others trying to claw their way just to try and get noticed.

So while professional basketball's future stars displayed their talents during April's invitational pre-draft workouts, 24-year-old Alexus Foyle was attending classes at Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

And he didn't mind the least bit.

Foyle, a senior at BYU-Hawaii who is scheduled to graduate with a degree in exercise and sports science, knows the road to the NBA isn't always a narrow one. But he sure knows how to make the best out of every situation.

Growing up in the small city of Canouan, St. Vincent (an island in the Caribbean), Foyle's high school did not have a basketball program, resorting to soccer and cricket. But once he learned the game at age 19, he excelled immediately.

"I used to play just once a week," Foyle said. "Then all of a sudden, I started going seven days a week. I started loving basketball. I was the tallest guy on the court. So, that was an advantage for me. That made me want to play more."

Foyle then took his limited "dribble-ball, shoot-ball" knowledge of the game to the College of the Desert in Palm Springs, Ca. There, he immediately made the game his own. He averaged over 20 points and 12 rebounds per game and earned himself a full-ride scholarship to BYUH. He received offers from almost every Division II school in the nation as well as several prestigious Div. I schools. But he chose BYUH because of the atmosphere as well as its disciplinary reputation.

"It was a good fit," Foyle said. "I chose BYUH over any other school because 1), Hawaii is like home. I was comfortable there. And 2), the school had a lot of rules and regulations. So I was able to focus on just school and basketball."

With just four years of basketball experience under his belt (two at an organized level), Foyle was able to adapt his game to the higher level. In his junior season, he averaged 20.3 points per game - good enough for tops in the Pacific West Conference and fifth in school history. He also received high honors, including PacWest Conference Player of the Year, All-Conference First team and Honorable Mention All American by the NCAA Division II Bulletin.

"He really works hard," said BYUH head coach Ken Wagner. "Anytime you're starting from scratch it's hard. He's very young. But I really thought he developed quickly. He's an All-American, he's an MVP. He's such a great athlete."

Despite the astounding numbers, Foyle eclipsed his junior-year performance with even-greater numbers his senior year. Leading the Seasiders to a 19-4 record, Foyle led his team to a Conference title as well as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Div. II tournament.

Foyle ended his college career placing second in the nation in scoring (26.7). With a strong inside game, packed with speed and athleticism, Foyle is regarded as arguably the best player in the state. And with the ability to play both forward positions, as well as shooting guard and center, he's earned the nickname "Flex" for his flexibility.

He even has the potential to take his game to the next level. So why isn't he considered an NBA lottery pick?

"Nobody ever got to see me because I was in Hawaii," Foyle said. "It was a great school. I couldn't ask for a better atmosphere to be in. I got a good education. But I was never seen."

Foyle added his Division II status may have hurt him as well. But it shouldn't matter, according to him.

"Most of the talent is at Div. I. But there's also a lot of talent in Div. II," said Foyle, who scored 27 and 24 points respectively against New Mexico State and Tulsa - a pair of D-I schools. "I just don't think it's that much of a difference. If you're good, you're good. It doesn't matter what school you go to. You should get the same look as anybody out there. Because talent is talent."

Nevertheless, Foyle anticipates not getting drafted but plans to continue working hard this summer. He's currently participating in the summer Pro-Am League, playing alongside several NBA talent.

Foyle also continues to study the game, watching old films and seeing how players play from a mental standpoint.

"I like to see how they respond to certain things," Foyle said. "If they're winning by a lot or if they're down by a little. Because a lot of basketball is mental. It's just as important how you react as how you play."

Foyle hopes to put together a solid summer season and land a workout with an NBA team. But more importantly, Foyle has youth on his side and plans to take as much time as he needs in order to succeed.

"But in a sense, I'm happy it happened like this," Foyle said. "Because it just made me a stronger person. And it just tells me: 'Hey, this is what I have to do.' I love pressure. I respond to pressure. I just have to prove myself again. And I'm going to do it.

"Right now, I'm a situation to prove myself," he added. "I'm in the summer pro league. And it's like they're saying to me: 'Let me see what you can do'. And with that, I'm saying 'Give me a chance to show you who Alexus Foyle is'. Right now, I'm one step away from being a professional player. I know I'll be there someday. Maybe this year, maybe next year. But I know before my career is done, I will be playing at the next level. I'll be there."

- Chris Navalta for AFE