10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Alex Ducas
Alex Ducas #89 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on September 30, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photo: Joshua Gateley/Getty Images
Alex Ducas is a two-way player for Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA
- Signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024
- Won gold with Australia at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup
- Finished second all-time in Saint Mary's program history with 278 three-pointers made
Alex Ducas is an Australian sharpshooter who transitioned from state leagues to college basketball stardom before entering the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024.
Key Details
Name: Alex Ducas
Age: 23
Team(s): Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City Blue
Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
Size: 6'7" (2.01m)
Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Playing style
Alex Ducas is renowned for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, which has been the cornerstone of his game throughout his career. His quick release and high shooting arc make him a constant threat from beyond the arc, forcing defenders to guard him closely on the perimeter. This shooting prowess opens up opportunities for both himself and his teammates, as opponents must respect his range.
While primarily known for his shooting, Ducas has developed into a well-rounded player. He possesses good size for his position, allowing him to see over smaller defenders and contribute on the boards. His basketball IQ and court vision have improved significantly during his college career, enabling him to make smart decisions with the ball and find open teammates when defences collapse on him.
Career
Alex Ducas began his basketball journey in his hometown of Geraldton, Western Australia, playing for the Geraldton Buccaneers in the State Basketball League (SBL) as a teenager. His talent quickly became apparent, and he was selected to join the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra, where he continued to develop his skills while competing in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) and later the NBL1.
In 2019, Ducas made the significant move to the United States to play college basketball for Saint Mary's College in California. Over his five-year collegiate career, Ducas steadily improved his game and became a key player for the Gaels. He set a program record by appearing in 150 games and finished second all-time in Saint Mary's history with 278 three-pointers made. His consistent performance and leadership on the court earned him second-team All-West Coast Conference honours in both 2022 and 2024.
Ducas's international career with the Australian national team began to flourish during his college years. He was part of the Australian squad that won gold at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level of international basketball.
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Ducas's sharpshooting and potential caught the eye of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He impressed during the NBA Summer League, showcasing his ability to space the floor and contribute in multiple facets of the game. This performance led to the Thunder signing Ducas to a two-way contract on July 16, 2024, allowing him to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.
As Ducas begins his professional career in the NBA, he faces the challenge of adapting to the increased speed and physicality of the league. However, his proven shooting ability and experience in high-level college and international competitions provide a solid foundation for his transition to the professional ranks.
Five Fast Facts
- Ducas holds the record for most games played (150) in Saint Mary's basketball program history.
- He finished second all-time at Saint Mary's with 278 three-pointers made.
- Ducas won a gold medal with Australia at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.
- He began his career in the Australian state leagues before moving to the United States for college.
- Ducas signed a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder after going undrafted in 2024.
Career Highlights Timeline
2016: Debuted for the Geraldton Buccaneers in the State Basketball League at age 15.
2017: Joined the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra.
2019: Won the SBL championship with the Geraldton Buccaneers.
2019: Began college career at Saint Mary's College.
2022: Named to the All-West Coast Conference Second Team.
2022: Won gold with Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.
2024: Again named to the All-West Coast Conference Second Team.
2024: Finished college career as Saint Mary's all-time leader in games played (150).
2024: Signed two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder after going undrafted.
Alex Ducas's journey from the coastal town of Geraldton to the NBA is a testament to his dedication and skill development. His exceptional shooting ability, combined with his size and basketball IQ, make him an intriguing prospect as he begins his professional career with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As Ducas transitions to the NBA, he brings with him a wealth of experience from his time in Australian state leagues, college basketball, and international competition. While he will face new challenges at the highest level of basketball, his proven track record as a sharpshooter and his continued growth as an all-around player suggest that he has the potential to carve out a meaningful role in the league.
Ducas's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring Australian basketball players and showcases the growing pipeline of talent from Down Under to the NBA. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, basketball fans will be eager to see how his game translates to the professional level and what impact he can make for the Thunder organisation.
