Basketball News

August 15, 2012

OREGON CITY -- Clackamas sophomore Alex Loul, a 6'5" post signed a full ride scholarship to Bethany College in Lindsborg,   Kansas, a midwestern NAIA powerhouse program.

Loul came to CCC as a walk on 2010, developing into a   consistent low post scorer and high post shooter while improving on   defending and rebounding.  He averaged 6.6 ppg. 3.7 rpg,  this season,   shooting 48% FG, 40 % threes, 77% FT.  He had season highs of 23 points   and 12 rebounds this year.

Teammate Kirby Hawkins, Loul’s lifelong friend was   ecstatic for his childhood pal, saying, “He is so deserving; he's always been a great team mate, bringing energy, and being positive and   coachable. I will miss him, but he is going to do really well.

"We are all thrilled for him," said coach Wegner.   "He's been such a great kid and team mate. Fabulous attitude; just a joy to coach. We think NAIA  is a great fit for him. Alex had offers at a couple of really good NCAA D3 schools, but financially, it would have been tough on him. But this is full ride scholarship."

At Bethany, Loul's yearly educational costs of $29,000 will be completely covered. He joins a very fine college   basketball program, headed by Clair Oleen, a 33 year coaching veteran in   his 19th season at Bethany, where his teams have made three NAIA    national tournament appearances in the last decade and played in the   2003 national championship game. Loul, a 2.9 student, will pursue a   bachelor’s degree in sports psychology.

"This all happened so fast, I'm overwhelmed but really excited and appreciative," said Loul. "Coaches at Clackamas told me all spring and summer to just keep working on my game and taking care of my academics. I was just hoping for some kind of scholarship to make school affordable. Now it looks like I can get my bachelor's degree and be debt free starting out professionally; they already have me set up with a mentor in the profession. I want to thank all my coaches, team   mates, and instructors at CCC that helped me get to this point.   Clackamas has been great for me."

Alex has improved tremendously,” added assistant   coach Brian Stamme. “He’s a versatile scorer from all over the floor,   with good range. He’s really a nice combo 4/5 player, can really shoot   the 3 with a quick release, and stretch the defense. He is effective in   the high post as both a scorer and facilitator, and good in the block   with spin moves, a good hook shot, and step back jumpers. We think they are going to love him and he will keep improving.

"I'm sure he will make us proud and Bethany   thrilled," added assistant coach Paul Fiskum. "He's a solid, tough kid,   with a great attitude. A winner and a real team guy. Has worked very hard to improve all the time here and again in the off season this   spring.  He plays hard."

Loul will be leaving to begin school later in August.