Considering he’s already one of the all-time greats of South Australian basketball, what’s left for Alex Starling to achieve?
In a 10-year stretch, the former Adelaide 36er is a three-time Woollacott Medallist (MVP), five-time Best Defensive Player, a three-time Premier League / NBL1 Central champion, two-time Finals MVP and five-time All-Star Five member.
Nearing 36-years-old and with a resume that already cements him as a legendary state basketball player (winning both the Woollacott and Best Defensive Player last season), NBL1 Media asked what motivates him to dominate year in and year out.
“To be honest, nothing. And I've won every individual award three times over, but who's counting?” Starling said.
“It’s just me enjoying the game, man. The passion that I have and the will that I have to compete is what keeps me going. Obviously, at such a prime age in basketball of 35, just the will to compete and obviously always wanting to win.
“The journey or the process of what it takes and being able to share that along with players of a similar age and more importantly, the youth – giving back to that next generation. Sharing that journey of what it takes and that process of what it takes to become a champion, because every year, like last year, it won't result in that, but the process of what it takes day in, day out is what keeps me going.”
Starling said one of the achievements he was most proud of was finally being able to play for the 36ers. After being naturalised, Staring was quickly signed by his former championship coach and then NBL coach Scott Ninnis and played one and a half seasons for the club.
“The process of being able to put on a 36ers jersey, I took the most pride in,” he said.
“Being a state-level player of such high stature and being able to make it to that next jump at the highest level. In my mid-30s, when I look back at it, it was super dope. That's a hell of an achievement, pat myself on the back.”
Alex Starling playing for the Adelaide 36ers
Heading into March, Starling will be reuniting with a former South Adelaide teammate and 36ers legend in Daniel Johnson on the Forestville Eagles. Starling said the pair have some unfinished business going into 2025.
“Two years back when DJ played at South, I ended up injuring myself in the (NBL) preseason. So the 36ers pretty much shut me down (for NBL1). So while we were in finals, I feel like I left DJ hanging and we ended up losing to Sturt. And I didn't get a chance to play in that final series,” he said.
“So it was bittersweet, and obviously we met in the Grand Final last year. Obviously he's a legend. Work speaks for itself, I mean, hell, the jersey hanging up in the rafters now speaks for itself, but it definitely will be fun to get back out on the court with DJ.”
While Starling’s signing came as a shock to the conference, forming a superteam alongside Adam Doyle, Greg Mays and Johnson, it wasn’t his first preference.
Related: "I wanted to stay", why the Central MVP had to change teams
After being told he wasn’t being offered a contract to return to the Panthers, Starling quickly pivoted to finding the best situation to continue winning and furthering his legacy.
“I gave it everything that I had. I left it all out there in a South Adelaide uniform. It is what it is,” he said.
“Now, this go around, I'll be in a Forestville uniform. Hopefully, it'll be that same end result, with me in a gold uniform. That's about it.
“New team, new club, it’s still the same goal, which is to win the championship. And to everybody else, look forward to seeing you on the court.”
The NBL1 Central season starts on March 29th. Stay up-to-date with all the latest signings via the Roster Tracker here.
