Recruiting Report: Alex Dotson (2019)
Leading the cohort of 2019 prospects from Purcell Marian is 6’4” point guard Alex Dotson (2019). By “leading,” we mean that Dotson doubles as the primary ball-handler and team captain.
“I’m actually looked at as one of the captains on the team,” Dotson said. “I’ve had that position since sophomore year.”
Dotson missed that season with a shoulder injury. But he was able to contribute with intangibles, although he describes himself as a leader-by-example type.
“I had surgery on my shoulder, so then I had to sit out for the season. But I still was one of the vocal leaders from the sidelines. I had to go to all the practices, I didn’t miss a day,” Dotson said.
Today, Dotson barks out directions from the top of the key with a healthy shoulder, as he protects the ball with size and surveys the floor.
“I’m a pass-first guy,” he said. “With the height, I feel that I have an advantage, because usually I’m going against smaller guards … I can always look over them.”
Dotson’s junior season averages came in at 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. To open up his game, the big ball-handler is working to attach a reliable jumper to his break-away quickness.
“My shot has improved drastically. I work-out in the gym at least three times a week. I work on my jump shot a lot, and I also work on my rebounding.”
Dotson’s size, athleticism, and court vision are all translatable skills to the college level. With a jumper, he’ll become a true difference-maker at the next level.
Malone, Georgetown, Army West Point, Miami (OH), Eastern Illinois, and Indiana State have all shown interest in Dotson throughout his career — Malone being the most recent after last weekend’s All In HoopFest in Louisville.
“I’ve met three of [Malone’s] coaches. I know one of the players there and I’m expected to be going to a camp there on the second,” Dotson explained.
Given what he’s telling us about college fit, next’s weeks campus visit will be important for Dotson.
“I want it to be an area where it’s not too rainy. I want it to be a good campus. And then I also want it to be, like for my classroom spaces, I don’t want it to be small. I want it to be a bigger environment,” Dotson said.
Besides hating the rain and campus feel, Dotson also mentioned that finding a school with his major will be important. He hasn’t decided what that major will be, however. He holds a 3.8 GPA with a 19 on the ACT. However, he is awaiting results from his second attempt on the ACT.
As far as those Division I programs who have talked to Dotson, Indiana State is still in contact. He went camping to Miami and Eastern Illinois. Then, Georgetown and Army came to Purcell to check him out this winter, where they held closed practices with the prospect.