Alex Gravelle, business finance senior, said he plans on bringing three years of college basketball experience and a great basketball IQ to the IU Southeast men’s basketball team.
Gravelle started his college basketball career at the University of Southern Indiana for his freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring to IU Southeast.
“I didn’t feel comfortable with the coaching staff there and wasn’t happy,” Gravelle said. “I came here because of former assistant coach Antwain Banks, and I’m from Louisville. It’s close to home,”
Gravelle said he has enjoyed his two years at IU Southeast because of his coaches and his teammates
“We have a family atmosphere, we go to movies together.” Gravelle said. “It’s a real good family atmosphere. I already knew 60 percent of the guys on the team. We are all like brothers.”
Gravelle said playing for head coach Wiley Brown has been a fun experience for Gravelle as well.
“We are really close, he’s the best coach I’ve ever had,” Gravelle said. “I learned to not take anything personal, he yells at you but then jokes with us.”
During the summer, Gravelle and Brown spend time playing golf together.
“I like playing golf, and I’m decent at it,” Gravelle said. “I’m the best golfer on the team. I’m better than the coaches too.”
Playing basketball at IU Southeast has allowed Gravelle to play his games closer to home.
Gravelle said his family and friends are able to come to his games.
Like many people in this area, Gravelle started playing basketball at an early age.
“My mom put a ball in my hand and I ran with it,” Gravelle said.
Gravelle has come a long way from his early days of playing basketball as a child.
In last year’s conference championship game, Gravelle scored 22 points against IU East, helping his team win their second Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship in a row.
During Gravelle’s high school days at Male High School in Louisville, he spent a few seasons playing against Rajon Rondo, who now plays for the Boston Celtics in the NBA.
This season brings high expectations for the IU Southeast men’s basketball team following last year’s successful season.
Gravelle said the Grenadiers have set their goals high for this season.
“We want to win the conference championship for the third year in a row and win the national championship,” Gravelle said.
A successful season from Gravelle can be credited to what drives him to succeed on the court.
“My reputation drives me,” Gravelle said. “I don’t want to be an unsuccessful person.”
Gravelle said he would like to be remembered as a guy who anyone could come and talk to, and a guy who got along with everyone during his time at IU Southeast.
By JUSTIN RAY
Staff Writer
jusray@ius.edu