The classy Alexander wasn't sure what kind of reception he would receive when he returned to Queen's.
After three years as point guard for St. John's, he returned to the opposing team with the goal of defeating the home team.
Red Storm fans gave him a nice surprise, praising Alexander with a huge ovation during pregame introductions.
“It felt good,” Alexander said after Tuesday night's 86-70 loss to Butler and his old team. “Just being able to play at Carnesecca one last time knowing there's still love here.” “When they make the starting five and they’re all rooting for me, it’s just love.”
Alexander got off to a strong start, scoring 11 points in the first half.
However, after the break there was no score, and St. John's pulled away and won easily.
Despite the loss, Alexander bounced back from a shaky year last winter to have a strong senior season at Butler.
He helped the Bulldogs get off to a strong start, winning 10 of their first 14 games.
At Butler, Alexander is surrounded by shooters, giving him space to break through and create chances for his teammates.
This season, he is averaging 10.7 points, 5.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals.
When Mike Anderson was fired and Rick Pitino was hired last March, it wasn't impossible for Alexander to return.
Pitino was willing to keep him.
However, in the end both sides agreed that it would be better to go their separate ways.
Alexander did not want to look back at what might have happened.
“I had no malice or malice. I just quit because I wanted a change,” he said. “I wanted to take my talents to Butler. Rick Pitino is a great guy and a great coach. … It wasn't personal.
“I just played the game like any other game.”
There were few familiar faces on the St. John's sideline for Alexander.
Assistant coach Van Macon remains, but only two players from last year's team are still on the team: Joel Soriano and Drissa Traore.
Over the horns, Alexander and Soriano exchanged a few friendly words.
He wished the star center all the best.
“My love for the boys I was with last year at St. John's will always be there,” Alexander said. “I know Jordan [Dingle], I know some people on the team. I felt love for all of them. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. ”
