Player profile: Alex Fudge
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Alex Fudge has been chomping at the bit to get on the basketball court like many high school players.
Staying out of the way of this global pandemic has stopped the likes of players like Fudge to showcase their skills on the hardwood. He wanted to continue the momentum of being offered by some of the nation’s top academic and basketball programs.
The latest schools to offer the 6-foot-8 junior forward since the quarantine started have been Georgia, LSU, Arizona State, Iona, and Vanderbilt.
“This break that we’re getting is a blessing in disguise,” said Fudge, who played with Team Parsons. “This is our time to get better. This is time for ourselves.”
Fudge had a solid summer playing for the Orlando-based summer team. He also gave college coaches the opportunity to see him during the NCAA approved College Basketball Academy in Arizona. This is when Fudge’s offered poured in currently at 22.
Like many, he has had to finish classes at home despite not being around his friends or on the court regularly. He also wrapped his second semester of college and is on course to get his Associate of Arts degree.
Fudge has also spent time on the hardwood working on his game. His ball-handling and shooting have been his primary focus.
“I have focused on ball handling,” Fudge said. “I want them (college coaches) to say, ‘We can see he can play on both ends of the floor.’”
This is not the first time Fudge has spent an extensive period of time off the floor this season. He attended a showcase and went to finish above the rim for a thunderous dunk. Unfortunately, he fractured his right wrist. It would require surgery.
Fudge was going to miss time on the court and was growing impatient. He finally was given the green light to return after some hard work and physical therapy. The season turned out pretty good.
Robert E. Lee captured the 5A District 3 championship over Westside. The Generals (23-5) were then eliminated from the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs by Rickards. Fudge averaged 16 points and nearly 10 rebounds a game on the season.
“At first, I was devastated,” he said about being sidelined. “I thought my junior year would be delayed. I had to work hard on my left hand.”
Fudge has been working hard on and off the court. He gets into the gym every chance he gets including impersonating Michael Jordan with a foul-line dunk, which has gone viral via social media.
He has excelled in the classroom as well as finishing his first year of college long before the age of 18. Fudge enjoys debating and would eventually and there is no question, he is becoming one of the rising prospects from around the country.
“I am blessed I can get in the gym and not have to worry about going to play a game,” Fudge said.
He will soon be on the floor to continue displaying his skills.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.