Derrick Alston

Derrick Samuel Alston (born August 20, 1972) is an American former basketball player currently working as an assistant coach for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League.

Early life

Born in The Bronx, New York, Alston played basketball at Hoboken High School in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Professional career

Alston, a power forward/center from Duquesne University, started off his professional career when he was selected 33rd overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers for whom he played two seasons. He then played 2 games for the Atlanta Hawks in late 1996 before taking his game overseas.

Joining the New Zealand Breakers mid-season 2007-08, Alston made an immediate impact. Statwise, he reached the top 20 in the league for FG%, shooting at 56.0%, and offensive rebounds, while averaging 13.8 ppg and being instrumental in helping the Breakers reach the playoffs for the first time in club history.

Coaching career

After retiring,in 2012, Alston joined the staff of the Houston Rockets and served as their Player Development Coach for two seasons 2012-2015. On October 27, 2015 he was hired by the Westchester Knicks to be an assistant coach.