Standing 6’11” and weighing 295 pounds, Will Claiborne might be mistaken for a football player, but there is no doubt about it, basketball is most definitely his game.  He began his basketball career in his hometown of Slidell, where he played AAU travel ball for five years.  As a Junior and Senior, he played for Northshore High School, where he was named first team All-District twice and District MVP, catching the  eye of former LSUA Assistant Coach Kasey Apetri.

As a freshman at LSUA, Will was named the Red River Athletic Conference’s Freshman of the year.  Throughout his College Basketball career, he has remained open to learning, growing and being coached.  As a Junior, he was named Second Team All-Red River Athletic Conference and named to the NAIA All-National Championship Tournament Team.  He scored double figure points in four of the five NAIA Championship Tournament games.  He also was the second highest on the team to score double-doubles.  He is a solid free thrower, hitting 72.7% of his shots. And, as one would imagine of someone his height and solid build, Will was credited with 30 blocked shots his Junior season.  For his final season with the Generals, Will has contributed to the success of the 2018/2019 season in a big way. Thus far, he has scored 17 of 22 free throws, snagged 54 rebounds, notched five blocks and is ranked #31 in the division for offensive rebounds per game.

Will was born in New Orleans to Joel and Deautta Alexander, and he has five brothers and one sister.  In his free time, the quiet giant enjoys writing song lyrics and cooking.  His major is Kinesiology and upon graduation, he hopes to become either a physical therapist, basketball coach or professional basketball player.  But, if he could be a chef at an upscale restaurant, he would be happy with that, too.  Being part of the Generals team has taught him time management—how to balance school work with basketball. Most importantly, he feels his time with the team has taught him how to be a leader, mentor and an example.  He appreciates all of the opportunities the coaches have given him as well as the lessons he learned from the various coaching styles of former assistant coaches Jay Smith and Kasey Apetri, current assistant coaches Tyler Sobey, Jimmy Winslow, Kyle Thorne and head coach Larry Cordaro.

If you and your family have an opportunity to attend a game The Fort during the month of December, be sure and wish #15 a Happy Birthday month!