Though he knew he was slumping, he’s an ultra-competitive player who still looked at himself as the star of the team, not a backup. And he didn’t understand what coach Scott Nagy was trying to accomplish.
“It definitely was difficult,” Alstork said. “Being the way I am, you’re going to take it personally. In my mind, I’m thinking, ‘What’s the coach saying? I’m not one of the best players?’ ”
But the Thurgood Marshall High School product looks back at his benching as a wakeup call that was sorely needed — and not just as a player.
He’s the son of an ordained minister and said he’s been rededicating himself as a Christian since the start of the school year with the help of point guard and roommate Justin Mitchell and Athletes in Action staffer Morris Michalski, who works with area college players and supplied the two with Bibles.
But as he was getting off to a hot start, including a 39-point performance in the team’s third game, Alstork began putting his faith on a back burner.
“I think that’s why I went through the slump. I started in the Bible, then played a few good games and faded away (spiritually),” he said.
“I’ll be the first to admit, I’m glad it happened because it helped me realize that me and God need to continue to grow our relationship, no matter if I’m playing the best basketball of my life or the worst basketball in my life. The person I am has to remain the same.”
Alstork is again showing why he was a preseason second-team All-Horizon League pick. He’s led the Raiders in scoring in their last six games while also applying himself defensively.
He’s averaged 21.8 points in that stretch and a team-best 18.5 for the season.
Mitchell said the two players frequently share with each other about what they’re learning from the Bible, and he’s not surprised at Alstork’s ability to bounce back.
“As a person, he’s changed so much — his attitude, the way he approaches people, the way he responds to anything negative. He just tries to ignore it and block it out. I’m proud of him,” Mitchell said.
“As a basketball player, he’s a leader on our team. He’s just got to continue to do what he does — move the ball and lock in on defense. When he’s locked in on defense, it makes his offense that much better. He’s harder to guard.”
That’s been Nagy’s theme all season — a commitment to defense first.
But as much as he’d like to see Alstork become a well-rounded player, the coach puts a bigger emphasis on being a well-rounded individual.
“I think he’s got some good people in his life that are giving him good advice and working with him on the spiritual side of things,” Nagy said. “Regardless of how he turns out basketball-wise, I’m more interested in how he turns out as a person.”
THURSDAY’S GAME
Wright State (17-9, 8-5 Horizon League) at Youngstown State (10-7, 4-10), 7:45 p.m., ESPN3, 106.5
About the Author