Colorado Springs, Colorado — Alex Lomax comes from a neighborhood where only the strong-minded can survive, the Binghampton neighborhood of Memphis. The area is notoriously known for its struggles with gun violence, drugs and poverty, but residents of Binghampton are proud to call it home.
Their rising star, Lomax, is staying in Memphis and playing for his high school coach Penny Hardaway. The 18-year-old is a role model for the area's youth, though he is still growing up himself.
Lomax began participating in the Team USA U18 Training Camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As his platform grows, so does the responsibility of being a role model, but the pressure does not faze him.
“I just want to thank God first because it’s a big opportunity for me, my community, Binghampton, and also the city of Memphis,” Lomax said. “It just shows that we got some talent in the city. And, the young guys can hopefully see what I’m doing and take it and run with it."
He could have gone down the wrong path, but his support system made sure he did not. His coaches, parents and the community made sure Lomax stayed focus and performed at a high level on the court and in the classroom.
"Hopefully everybody that is looking at me or a fan of (mine) or anything of that nature, I want you guys to be better than me and aspire to be better than me," Lomax said.
He admitted sometimes it surprises him to think about how far he has come.
“I just always kept hope,” Lomax said. “At one point, I never even thought I would even be the person I am today with this basketball, but I just always kept hope, and I never changed up. I always stayed the same.”
Lomax will continue to compete and train with the other players at training camp. In addition to learning play sets and competing for a spot on the final roster, he is also recruiting some players who have yet to decide where they will play at the next level, such as Trayce Jackson-Davis and Trendon Watford.
“I started my recruiting process a couple of days ago,” Lomax said. “It’s a lot of great talent here. I’m talking to them, and everybody is friendly, and I’m not going to force anybody, but it would be great to see some of these guys in a University of Memphis uniform. You know I’m on it, full steam ahead.”
Lomax would not give up his recruitment tactics and said he must keep that “concealed.” However, he is working hard trying to get guys to join him in Memphis.
USA U18 Training Camp will continue in Colorado Springs through June 4, 2018. Lomax will stay in Colorado until the final roster is made, then will return to Memphis and start summer school.
Memphis signee Alex Lomax gets up a shot during USA Basketball camp. The guard played high school basketball for now-Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway at East High School.
New Memphis guard Alex Lomax arrives at USA Basketball camp. Lomax played under Tiger head coach Penny Hardaway at East High School.
