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Derrick Alston
Derrick Alston
Derrick Alston
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Derrick Samuel Alston Sr. (born August 20, 1972) is an American basketball coach and former player who serves as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. In February 2023, Alston became the second head coach of the Montreal Alliance of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). He previously coached primarily in the NBA G League, including as the head coach of the Westchester Knicks.[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Born in The Bronx, New York, Alston played basketball at Hoboken High School in Hoboken, New Jersey.[2]

Professional career

[edit]

Alston, a power forward/center from Duquesne University, started off his professional career when he was selected 33rd overall in the 1994 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers for whom he played two seasons. He then played 2 games for the Atlanta Hawks in late 1996 before taking his game overseas.

Joining the New Zealand Breakers mid-season 2007–08, Alston made an immediate impact. Statwise, he reached the top 20 in the league for FG%, shooting at 56.0%, and offensive rebounds, while averaging 13.8 ppg and being instrumental in helping the Breakers reach the playoffs for the first time in club history.

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1994–95 Philadelphia 64 1 16.1 .465 .000 .492 3.4 0.5 0.6 0.5 4.7
1995–96 Philadelphia 73 41 22.1 .512 .333 .491 4.1 0.8 0.8 0.7 6.2
1996–97 Atlanta 2 0 5.5 .000 .000 .000 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Career 139 42 19.1 .489 .143 .487 3.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 5.4

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1990–91 Duquesne 28 25 28.8 .536 .000 .598 6.3 1.3 0.8 1.9 11.3
1991–92 Duquesne 28 - 32.8 .556 .000 .526 8.0 1.5 1.2 2.1 13.9
1992–93 Duquesne 28 27 34.3 .563 1.000 .574 9.3 1.1 1.4 2.1 19.9
1993–94 Duquesne 30 - 36.0 .578 .000 .601 7.3 1.4 1.6 1.8 21.3
Career 114 52 33.0 .561 .333 .576 7.7 1.3 1.2 2.0 16.7

Coaching career

[edit]

After retiring, in 2012, Alston joined the staff of the Houston Rockets and served as their Player Development Coach for two seasons 2012–2015.[3] On October 27, 2015, he was hired by the Westchester Knicks to be an assistant coach.[4]

In August 2014, Alston traveled to the Philippines as a SportsUnited Sports Envoy for the U.S. Department of State. In this function, he worked with Alison Feaster and Erik Spoelstra to conduct basketball clinics and events for more than 375 youth from underserved areas. In so doing, Alston helped contribute to SportsUnited's mission to advance the status of women and girls around the world and to show support to an important regional partner.[5]

In August 2019, he was named head coach of the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League.[6] He held the head coaching position until the end of the 2021–22 season.[7] On October 25, 2022, Alston was named an assistant coach of the NBA G League's College Park Skyhawks.[8]

In November 2023, Alston was named head coach of the Pioneros de Los Mochis of the Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacífico (CIBACOPA) ahead of the 2024 season.[9]

On November 1, 2024, Alston became an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd.[10]

Personal life

[edit]

Alston's son Derrick Alston Jr. was a college basketball player at Boise State,[11] before embarking on a career in professional basketball.[12] Alston also has a daughter named Avery.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Derrick Alston

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Derrick Alston (born August 20, 1972) is an American basketball coach and former professional player known for his tenure in the NBA and international leagues, as well as his contributions to player development in coaching roles. Born in , New York, he attended high school in , and played at , where he became the second all-time leading scorer and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2000. Alston was selected by the in the second round (33rd overall) of the after a standout college career at Duquesne, where he played from 1990 to 1994. His NBA playing career spanned three seasons, including two with the (1994–1996) and a brief stint with the (1996–1997), during which he appeared in 139 games, averaging 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Following his NBA tenure, Alston achieved success internationally, winning championships in three different leagues, the Korac Cup, and earning Finals MVP honors in the Spanish League in 1999. Transitioning to coaching, Alston served as an assistant with the from 2012 to 2015 before joining the of the in 2015, where he worked as an assistant and later until 2022. He continued his G League career as an assistant with the in the 2022–2023 season, served as for Pioneros de in (2023–2024) and the Montréal in the CEBL (2024), and is in his third season as an assistant coach for the in the 2025–2026 season, renowned for his leadership and role in developing over 16 players who earned NBA call-ups. Alston is also the father of professional basketball player Derrick Alston Jr., who plays in , and daughter Avery, a sophomore at .

Early life and education

Early life

Derrick Alston was born on August 20, 1972, in , . Alston spent his early years in the urban setting of the before relocating to , where he would later attend high school. This move marked a key transition in his youth, laying the groundwork for his involvement in organized during his teenage years.

High school career

Alston played at Hoboken High School in , where he honed his skills as a during his high school years. Graduating in 1990, Alston's performances there drew recruitment interest from colleges, culminating in his commitment to to continue his career. His time at Hoboken laid the foundation for his transition to collegiate athletics, showcasing the potential that led to his selection in the .

College career

Derrick Alston enrolled at in 1990, where he played forward for the Dukes men's team from 1990 to 1994 under coach John Carroll. As a in the 1990-91 season, Alston earned All-Atlantic 10 honors while contributing to a 13-15 overall record and a third-place conference finish in the A-10, averaging 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game with a .536 . His year in 1991-92 saw continued development, with averages of 13.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game at .556 shooting, helping the team to a 13-15 mark and sixth place in the A-10. In 1992-93, Duquesne transitioned to the Midwestern Collegiate Conference, where Alston received All-MCC recognition after posting career-high marks of 19.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game on .563 shooting, though the Dukes finished 13-15 overall and fifth in the conference. Returning to the A-10 in his senior season of 1993-94, Alston anchored the frontcourt, leading the conference in scoring at 21.3 points per game and field goal percentage at .578 while averaging 7.3 rebounds; he earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Tournament honors as the Dukes achieved a 17-13 record, tied for third in the conference, and advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Over his four-year career, Alston amassed 1,903 points and 879 rebounds in 114 games, averaging 16.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game with consistent efficiency above 53% from the field each season, establishing himself as one of Duquesne's most productive forwards and contributing to the program's resurgence in the early .

Professional playing career

NBA career

Derrick Alston was selected by the as the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the , following a standout at that showcased his rebounding prowess. In his rookie season of 1994–1995, Alston primarily served as a reserve off the bench, appearing in 64 games and averaging 16.1 minutes per game. He contributed 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, adapting to the professional level by providing defensive support and occasional scoring bursts, such as a career-high 22 points in 47 minutes against the on April 8, 1995. During the 1995–1996 season, Alston earned a larger role with the 76ers, starting 41 of his 73 games and increasing his averages to 6.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 22.1 minutes. His expanded minutes highlighted his growth as a versatile big man, including four double-doubles and standout performances like 23 points and 9 rebounds in a win over the Nets on January 12, 1996, and a personal best of 30 points with 10 rebounds against the on March 15, 1996. After two seasons with , Alston signed with the for the 1996–1997 season but saw extremely limited action, playing just 2 games for a total of 11 minutes with no points scored. Limited playing time and roster competition led to his waiver by the Hawks in December 1996, prompting his transition to international leagues. Overall, Alston's NBA tenure was marked by modest contributions as a depth player, totaling 139 games with averages of 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds, offering rebounding and energy in a challenging era for the 76ers.

International career

Following his brief NBA tenure, Alston transitioned to professional in Europe, signing with Efes Pilsen in in December 1996. With Efes Pilsen, he contributed to the team's 1996–97 Turkish National Championship victory and the 1997 Turkish National Cup win. In 1997–98, Alston joined TDK Manresa in Spain's , where he helped secure the Spanish National Championship and earned Finals MVP honors. He then moved to for the 1998–2000 seasons, winning another Spanish League title in 1998–99 and the 1999 Korac Cup; during this period, he also participated in the 1998 Spanish . From 2000–02 with Pamesa Valencia, Alston led the in steals (2.85 per game) and blocks (2.07 per game) in 2000–01, earning Defensive Player of the Year and selection to the 2001 . His Spanish stint continued with Real Madrid in 2002–03 and Caprabo Lleida (later Plus Pujol Lleida) from 2003–05, including another All-Star appearance in 2002. Alston's career extended to other , including a brief 2005–06 season with BCM in France's LNB Pro A and a 2006 stint with Ural Great Perm in Russia's PBL, where he averaged 18.5 points per game. He returned to for the 2006–07 season with before signing with the in the NBL for 2007–08. In the later stages of his playing career, Alston competed in Argentina's Liga Nacional de Básquet from 2008 to 2012, suiting up for multiple teams including (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12), Libertad de Sunchales (2009), Olímpico de La Banda (2009–10), and La Unión de Formosa (2010–11). He retired from professional around 2012 after over 15 years abroad, having demonstrated versatility as a / across diverse leagues and cultures.

Career statistics

NBA statistics

Derrick Alston appeared in 139 regular-season games over three NBA seasons with the and , averaging 5.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. The following table summarizes his per-game regular-season statistics by season:
SeasonTeamGPMPGFG%FT%RPGAPGPPG
1994–956416.1.465.4923.40.54.7
1995–967322.1.512.4914.10.86.2
1996–97ATL25.5.000.0002.00.00.0
Career13918.8.492.4913.80.75.4
Alston recorded the following regular-season totals:
SeasonTeamGPMINPTSREBASTFGFGAFTFTA
1994–956410322992193312025859120
1995–967316144523026119838756114
1996–97ATL2110400500
Career139265775152594318650115234
Alston did not appear in any NBA playoff games during his career. As a bench and , his efficiency was highlighted by a career of 49.2%, reflecting solid interior scoring on limited volume.

College statistics

Derrick Alston played for the Duquesne Dukes from 1990 to 1994, accumulating strong per-game averages in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking as a . His statistical output progressed steadily, reflecting his development into a dominant interior player, with a career peak in scoring during his senior year. The following table summarizes Alston's per-game statistics by season:
SeasonClassGPMPFG%3P%FT%PTSTRBASTBLKSTL
1990-91FR2828.8.536.59811.36.31.31.90.8
1991-92SO2832.8.556.000.52613.98.01.52.11.2
1992-93JR2834.3.5631.000.57419.99.31.12.11.4
1993-94SR3036.0.578.000.60121.37.31.41.81.6
GP = Games Played; MP = Minutes Per Game; FG% = Field Goal Percentage; 3P% = 3-Point Percentage; FT% = Free Throw Percentage; PTS = Points Per Game; TRB = Total Rebounds Per Game; AST = Assists Per Game; BLK = Blocks Per Game; STL = Steals Per Game. Over his four-year career, Alston appeared in 114 games, totaling 1,903 points, 879 rebounds, 150 assists, and 229 blocks while playing 3,765 minutes. In Atlantic 10 Conference play, he ranked notably in key categories, including 13th in scoring (13.9 PPG) and 4th in rebounding (8.0 RPG) as a sophomore in 1991-92, and 2nd in scoring (21.3 PPG) and 7th in rebounding (7.3 RPG) during his senior year in 1993-94. These conference performances underscored his impact, contributing to his selection to the First-team All-Atlantic 10 in 1994. Alston's progression showed marked improvement: as a freshman in 1990-91, he averaged 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game; by his junior year in 1992-93, those figures rose to 19.9 points and a career-high 9.3 rebounds; his senior season in 1993-94 peaked at 21.3 , highlighting his scoring efficiency and rebounding prowess in the . No advanced metrics such as are available from official records for his college era.

Coaching career

Early coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional basketball after the 2011-12 season in , Derrick Alston transitioned into with the Houston Rockets, where he began his career as a player development coach in September 2012. In this role, Alston focused on enhancing the skills of younger and reserve players through individualized training sessions, drawing on his extensive international playing experience across multiple leagues to inform his development techniques. Alston's responsibilities included conducting late-night gym workouts and skill-building drills for team members, contributing to the overall player improvement and team culture during the Rockets' playoff-contending years. He notably worked closely with star center on conditioning and fundamentals, as part of collaborative sessions that also involved Rockets legend . These efforts supported the development of reserves and rookies, aligning with Alston's emphasis on holistic growth to prepare players for NBA demands. Alston served in this position until September 2015, establishing a foundation in player development that highlighted his leadership and professionalism before advancing to further coaching opportunities.

Head coaching positions

Alston began his head coaching career with the of the in August 2019, succeeding Mike Miller after serving as an assistant with the team. In his first season (2019–20), the Knicks compiled a 17–24 record, finishing fifth in the Atlantic Division before the season was cancelled due to the . The 2020–21 campaign, played in a bubble format at Disney World, saw Westchester post a 7–8 mark, placing 11th overall with no postseason berth. Alston's tenure concluded in the 2021–22 season with a 17–15 record and an eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference, again missing the playoffs despite a competitive showing that included several close games against top teams. Over three seasons, he emphasized player development, contributing to over 16 NBA call-ups during his broader G League career, drawing from his own professional playing experience to foster growth in young talent. In February 2023, Alston was appointed of the Montréal in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), replacing Vincent Lavandier following the team's inaugural 4–16 season. Under Alston, the improved to a 7–13 record in 2023, nearly doubling their win total and finishing fifth in the East Division, though they did not qualify for the ; standout performances included earning CEBL Second Team All-Star honors. Retained for 2024, Alston guided the team to a 6–14 regular-season finish, again placing fifth in the East, but earned a playoff spot as one of the top non-qualifiers via tiebreakers. In the conference semi-finals, Montréal fell 1–0 to the , with Chris Smith named to the CEBL Second Team All-Star; the late-season surge, including two straight wins to close the regular season, highlighted resilience amid roster adjustments. Alston's tenure as of the concluded after the 2024 season. Alston's approach focused on fundamentals and leveraging his international playing background to promote player versatility and growth in a fast-paced league. Alston took on a concurrent head coaching role with Pioneros de in Mexico's CIBACOPA league in November 2023, marking his entry into international professional head coaching. During the 2024 season, which ran from April to June, Pioneros finished the regular season with a 14–22 record, securing eighth place and a playoff spot; they advanced with a first-round victory before being eliminated in the quarterfinals. This stint overlapped with his duties, requiring transitions between leagues and roster management challenges, such as integrating import players and adapting to varying competitive styles. Alston's experience navigating these demands underscored his emphasis on disciplined fundamentals and player-centric development to build team cohesion across borders.

Assistant coaching roles

Alston served as an assistant coach for the of the from 2015 to 2019, contributing to player development initiatives during his tenure with the ' affiliate. In this role, he focused on enhancing team performance through targeted coaching, drawing from his prior experience as a player development coach with the . Following a period that included head coaching positions, Alston returned to the as an assistant coach for the , the ' affiliate, from 2022 to 2023. His work emphasized collaborative staff efforts in preparing players for higher-level competition. Since 2024, Alston has been an assistant coach for the , the ' G League affiliate, entering his second season in this capacity as of the 2025-26 campaign. Throughout his assistant roles in the G League, Alston has been recognized for his player development expertise, having coached over 16 players who earned NBA call-ups. Alston's coaching philosophy evolved from international head coaching stints in and , where he adapted strategies to diverse leagues, to a focused emphasis on G League player pathways and tactical support in assistant positions. His prior head coaching experience has enhanced his ability to integrate into assistant staffs, providing seasoned insights on game preparation and talent nurturing.

Personal life

Family

Derrick Alston is the father of two children. His son, Derrick Alston Jr., born on September 17, 1997, played for the from 2017 to 2021, earning recognition as a key contributor during his senior year, before transitioning to professional overseas, where he currently plays for in Italy's . His daughter, Avery Alston, attended , where she was a sophomore majoring in English with a pre-law concentration.

Other pursuits

Beyond his professional basketball career, Derrick Alston has engaged in philanthropic efforts focused on youth development through international clinics. In the summer of 2014, Alston participated in SportsUnited programs organized by the U.S. Department of State, collaborating with and former WNBA player to conduct clinics and events for over 375 underprivileged youth in the . These activities aimed to promote sports diplomacy, cultural exchange, and personal growth among participants from underserved communities, aligning with Alston's commitment to giving back through .

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/alstode01.html
  2. https://wisconsin.gleague.nba.com/basketball-operations-staff-derrick-alston
  3. https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/derrick-alston/profile/bfh/
  4. https://www.alliancemontreal.ca/derrick-alston-sr-back-as-alliance-head-coach-for-2024-season
  5. https://www.legendsofbasketball.com/alumni/derrick-alston/
  6. https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/derrick-alston/profile/bfh/
  7. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/derrick-alston-1.html
  8. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/duquesne/men/1991.html
  9. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/duquesne/men/1992.html
  10. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/duquesne/men/1993.html
  11. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/duquesne/men/1994.html
  12. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/alstode01/gamelog/1995
  13. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/alstode01/gamelog/1996
  14. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/alstode01/gamelog/1997
  15. https://basketball.latinbasket.com/player/Derrick-Alston/852
  16. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/derrick-alston-1.html
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/atlantic-10/men/1994-leaders.html
  18. https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-alston-742b5257
  19. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/with-midnight-jam-sessions-big-easy-is-lost-on-5238774.php
  20. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/rockets-report-dream-tells-team-to-just-play-and-5422861.php
  21. https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2019/8/25/20826208/derrick-alston-named-head-coach-of-westchester-knicks
  22. https://cdn-gleague.nba.com/sites/1612709919/2021/12/120221-GN-College-Park-H.pdf
  23. https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/teams/WES/2021.html
  24. https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/teams/WES/2022.html
  25. https://www.alliancemontreal.ca/alston-sr-named-head-coach-of-montreal-alliance
  26. https://www.cebl.ca/derrick-alston-sr-back-as-alliance-head-coach-for-2024-season
  27. https://cfjctoday.com/2024/07/28/cebl-roundup-alliance-win-second-straight-with-80-78-decision-over-surging-bandits/
  28. https://www.cebl.ca/standings
  29. https://www.usbasket.com/CEBL/news/914531/CEBLs-All-Time-Winningest-Head-Coach-Small-Hired-by-Alliance
  30. https://www.alliancemontreal.ca/en-ca/bio-derrickalstonsr
  31. https://canchalatina.com/2023/11/30/derrick-alston-sera-el-entrenador-de-pioneros-de-los-mochis-para-la-cibacopa-2024/
  32. https://cibacopa.mx/noticias/culmina-la-temporada-2024-para-pioneros/
  33. https://cultmtl.com/2024/06/montreal-alliance-secure-their-first-win-of-the-2024-cebl-season/
  34. https://2ways10days.com/for-westchester-knicks-head-coach-derrick-alston-success-is-in-the-details-af25fe96a8d3
  35. https://basketball.realgm.com/gleague/teams/Westchester-Knicks/40/staff-members/Historical/player
  36. https://cpskyhawks.gleague.nba.com/news/college-park-skyhawks-announce-coaching-staff-for-2022-23-season
  37. https://wisconsin.gleague.nba.com/news/wisconsin-herd-announces-coaching-staff-for-2024-25-season
  38. https://wisconsin.gleague.nba.com/news/wisconsinherdannounces2025-26coachingstaff
  39. https://www.latinbasket.com/Mexico/news/840928/Los-Mochis-hire-coach-Derrick-Alston
  40. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066628/derrick-alston-jr
  41. https://broncosports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/derrick-alston-jr/4234
  42. https://www.virtus.it/en/news/derrick-alston-jrs-official-presentation-virtus-is-the-right-place-to-grow-and-improve/
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