Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 19, 1995 TAG: 9505190087
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Cory Alexander has seen the X-rays of his repaired right ankle. And, no, he doesn't have a screw loose.
Alexander, the victim of season-ending ankle injuries in his last two seasons at Virginia, is convinced he will be playing in the National Basketball Association next year.
``It's not only my opinion, but the opinion of 28 of 29 general managers in the NBA,'' said Alexander at his third - and what even he hopes to be the last - news conference of the year on Thursday.
``I've talked to [scout] Marty Blake. I've talked to pretty much all the teams. There's not really much question whether I'll be on somebody's team next year. The question is how high I'll be drafted.''
There seems to be little doubt in Alexander's mind that he will be one of close to 60 players selected in the NBA draft, which spans two rounds June 28.
``Some teams are honest and say they aren't going to talk to me because of my ankle,'' Alexander said. ``Some teams are very interested and say they want to see the medical reports.''
Although he could have returned to Virginia in 1995-96, there is no turning back for Alexander now that he has signed a trading-card contract and hired Texas-based George Bass as his agent.
Bass negotiated a contract for Charlotte Hornets forward Larry Johnson that once was the highest in professional team sports and also represents football players Michael Irvin and Bill Bates of the Dallas Cowboys.
``I feel if [Bass] can deal with Larry Johnson and Jerry Jones, he can handle me,'' Alexander said.
Alexander, who missed virtually the entire 1993-94 season after his right ankle was broken in the first game, suffered the same injury Feb. 8 against North Carolina State. He was leading the team in scoring and assists at the time.
Shortly after the second injury, Alexander underwent surgery in which two screws were inserted in the ankle. He was on crutches for eight weeks, but resumed playing pick-up basketball only this week.
``It feels pretty solid, but that could be a mental thing because I know I've got two screws in my ankle,'' he said. ``I was surprised because I felt it was a medical term, but it's actually a screw they put in there.''
He has been invited to a camp for draft-eligible players June 6-10 in Chicago.
``I may not play,'' he said. ``If my ankle is not feeling well, then I won't play. I wouldn't say it's 100 percent. I'd say it's 85 percent. I think it's strong, but I have to get used to playing again.''
Alexander, who will graduate Sunday with a degree in psychology, announced before the season that he would turn pro after the season and has never wavered from that position.
``If I had a choice of being a lottery pick or graduating, I would want to be a lottery pick because you can always come back and graduate,'' Alexander said. ``But [the degree] was a factor. I didn't have anything else I needed to take care of.''
Alexander said he discussed his decision with UVa coach Jeff Jones, who did not try to persuade him to change his mind.
by CNB