Colorado Springs, Colorado – Memphis’ nickname is the Bluff City; however, it is only 337 feet above sea level and has no bearings on an athlete’s endurance. Unlike in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where many of the players at the Team USA U18 camp found themselves gasping for air and looking for fluids to stay hydrated.
Alex Lomax was stretching on the sidelines when he wasn’t playing trying to prevent cramps. Despite running the offense and getting back on defense fighting through hard screens, Lomax had to compete against the 6,035 feet elevation as well. He admits it was challenging but welcomes the adversity.
“It’s one of the most difficult times I’ve been in,” Lomax said. “Not breathing right, cramping up, getting very stiff every ten minutes. It’s a different climate, but we just gotta get used to it and fight through it.”
He describes the two session workouts spanning a total of five hours per day as “mentally tough.” The players work out from 9:30 a.m. to Noon and then from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Lomax has participated in a variety of different basketball tournaments and workouts throughout his career but says this one tops the cake.
“No, this is by far the toughest I’ve been a part of,” Lomax said. “And, I’m so glad and thankful for the opportunity, and I’m just ready to work.”
The players participated in scrimmages that consisted of two teams and roughly ten minutes sessions. Lomax and his teammates were coached by Notre Dame’s Mike Brey. As they ran through different sets, Lomax had to switch on defense and guard some of the biggest guys in the camp. Despite being a 6-foot guard, he displayed locked down defense on all his opponents.
“Yeah, yeah that’s just a part of my game. It don’t matter who you are. I feel like I can compete with anybody,” Lomax said. “All my coaches and family just did a great job installing that in me. So, I don’t care who you are. I feel like I can stay in front of anybody and if not, I’ll keep trying. It doesn’t matter.”
Not only did Lomax show his defensive skill set, he also displayed high-level offense as well. He was knocking down all his attempted three-pointers. Lomax said he wants to keep up his consistency and continue being a two-way player on the court.
“It’s just coming in the gym early and just getting the rhythm,” Lomax said. “Just knocking down the shots when it matters, which is when everybody is watching and when you’re scrimmaging. I made my shots today. Hopefully, I just stay consistent with it.”
Lomax’s game is catching the attention of the coaches here like Mike Brey and Bill Self. They are praising his game and telling him to continue to do what he’s been doing so far in Colorado Springs.
“A lot of coaches keep telling me to keep playing defense 94-feet and keep giving my effort. They love it. I’m just gonna do whatever the coaches tell me because that’s who I’m trying to impress,” Lomax said.
Team USA U18 Training Camp will continue over the weekend with the roster being cut down by Sunday, June 3, 2018. Additionally, the final roster will be decided by Tuesday, June 5, 2018.
Memphis signee Alex Lomax drives past a defender at USA Basketball camp. Lomax called out plays and ran the offense as a floor general.
