{{short description|American-Australian basketball player (born 1989)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox basketball biography | name = Alex Starling | image = | caption = | position = Forward | height_cm = 199<!-- per https://www.adelaide36ers.com/player/3682/2068946/alex-starling --> | weight_kg = 99<!-- per https://www.adelaide36ers.com/player/3682/2068946/alex-starling --> | league = NBL1 Central | team = Forestville Eagles | number = 32 | nationality = American / Australian | birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1989|2|6}} | birth_place = Miami, Florida, U.S. | high_school = Killian (Miami, Florida) | college = * Palm Beach State (2007–2008) * Bethune–Cookman (2008–2011) | draft_year = 2011 | career_start = 2014 | career_end = | years1 = 2014 | team1 = Woodville Warriors | years2 = 2015 | team2 = Warrnambool Seahawks | years3 = 2016 | team3 = Southern Tigers | years4 = 2017–2019 | team4 = North Adelaide Rockets | years5 = 2021–2024 | team5 = South Adelaide Panthers | years6 = 2023–2024 | team6 = Adelaide 36ers | years7 = 2024–2025 | team7 = Sarawak Cola Warriors | years8 = 2025–present | team8 = Forestville Eagles | highlights = * 3× Premier League / NBL1 Central champion (2014, 2016, 2022) * 2× Premier League / NBL1 Central Grand Final MVP (2014, 2022) * 3× Premier League / NBL1 Central MVP (2014, 2018, 2024) * 5× Premier League / NBL1 Central All-Star Five (2014, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024) * 5× Premier League / NBL1 Central Best Defensive Player (2017, 2019, 2022–2024) * Big V D1 All-Star Five (2015) * Second-team All-MEAC (2011) }} '''Alexander Starling''' (born February 6, 1989) is an American-Australian professional basketball player for the Forestville Eagles of the NBL1 Central. He played college basketball for Palm Beach State College and the Bethune–Cookman Wildcats before embarking on an Australian rules football career after being identified as an international prospect. He attempted to crack the ranks of the Australian Football League (AFL) between 2011 and 2014 before eventually returning to basketball and making a name for himself in the NBL1 Central in South Australia. He has won three NBL1 Central championships with three different teams and is a three-time league MVP winner. He debuted in the National Basketball League (NBL) in 2023 with the Adelaide 36ers.
==Early life and education== Starling was born in Miami, Florida.<ref name=blog>{{cite web|url=https://usafl.com/blog/alexstarling/120205|title=Hi, My Name is Alex Starling...|work=usafl.com|date=February 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607031232/https://usafl.com/blog/alexstarling/120205|archive-date=June 7, 2012|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> He grew up in Richmond Heights and attended Leewood Elementary and Richmond Heights Middle School.<ref name="blog" />
Starling attended Miami Killian Senior High School. As a senior in 2006–07, he was named First Team All-Dade, Second Team All State, First Team All-District and Killian High School Male Athlete of the Year. He averaged 20.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.<ref name=bcu>{{cite web|url=https://bcuathletics.com/news/2008/4/17/men_s_basketball_inks_five_during_late_signing_period|title=Men's Basketball Inks Five during Late Signing Period|work=bcuathletics.com|date=April 17, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418132808/https://bcuathletics.com/news/2008/4/17/men_s_basketball_inks_five_during_late_signing_period|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref>
==College career== Starling played his first season of college basketball for Palm Beach State College, where he averaged 3.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 23 games in 2007–08.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2007-08/div1/teams/PalmBeachCommunityCollege/players/AlexanderStarling.html|title=Alexander Starling|work=njcaa.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419132314/https://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2007-08/div1/teams/PalmBeachCommunityCollege/players/AlexanderStarling.html|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>
In April 2008, Starling signed a National Letter of Intent with Bethune–Cookman University.<ref name="bcu" />
As a sophomore in 2008–09, Starling started in all 33 games he played for the Wildcats and averaged 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game.<ref name=college-stats>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/41665/alexander-starling|title=Alexander Starling Stats|work=ESPN.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419125951/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/41665/alexander-starling|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> He scored a season-high 18 points twice, first on debut and again in his seventh game. He had a season-high 15 rebounds in February 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/41665/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2009|title=Alexander Starling Game Log 2008–09|work=ESPN.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419130317/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/41665/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2009|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>
As a junior in 2009–10, Starling again started in all 33 games he played and averaged 9.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.0 steals in 30.4 minutes per game.<ref name="college-stats" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/beth/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/33gamestats.pdf|title=Bethune-Cookman University Combined Team Statistics (as of Mar 11, 2010)|work=Bethune–Cookman Wildcats|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910154939/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/beth/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/33gamestats.pdf|archive-date=September 10, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> He had a career-high 28 points and 14 rebounds in the third game of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/293212065|title=Bethune-Cookman 74, Edward Waters 55|work=ESPN.com|date=November 18, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419130857/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/293212065|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/41665/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2010|title=Alexander Starling Game Log 2009–10|work=ESPN.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419131127/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/41665/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2010|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>
As a senior in 2010–11, Starling again started in all 33 games he played and averaged 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game.<ref name="college-stats" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.b-cuathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2010-2011/teamcume.html|title=Bethune-Cookman Season Statistics|work=Bethune–Cookman Wildcats|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116040425/http://www.b-cuathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2010-2011/teamcume.html|archive-date=November 16, 2011|access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> He scored a season-high 19 points in December 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/41665/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2011|title=Alexander Starling Game Log 2010–11|work=ESPN.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419131715/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/41665/type/mens-college-basketball/year/2011|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> He earned second-team All-MEAC honors<ref>{{cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/meac.sidearmsports.com/documents/2011/3/3/744059.pdf|title=MEAC ANNOUNCES 2010-11 MEN'S BASKETBALL HONORS|work=MEAC|date=March 3, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419101513/https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/meac.sidearmsports.com/documents/2011/3/3/744059.pdf|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> and helped the Wildcats win their first-ever MEAC championship. In his final home game, he stole an inbound pass and hit a bank shot with two seconds remaining in overtime against Florida A&M that secured Bethune-Cookman's first 20-win season since 1976–77.<ref name=bcu2>{{cite web|url=https://bcuathletics.com/news/2018/7/23/mens-basketball-alumnus-alexander-starling-named-mvp-woollacott-winner|title=Alumnus Alexander Starling Named MVP, Woollacott Winner|work=bcuathletics.com|date=July 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418133407/https://bcuathletics.com/news/2018/7/23/mens-basketball-alumnus-alexander-starling-named-mvp-woollacott-winner|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref>
In 99 career games for the Wildcats, Starling averaged 9.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 30.3 minutes per game.<ref name="college-stats" /> As of 2018, he was the seventh all-time leading rebounder in Wildcats history.<ref name="bcu2" />
==Australian rules football== In May 2011, Starling was introduced to Australian rules football when the Sydney Swans of the Australian Football League (AFL) identified him as an international prospect. The following month, he attended an AFL Draft Combine in Redondo Beach, California.<ref name="blog" /> In August 2011, he travelled to Sydney, Australia, for a three-week testing period.<ref name=swans12>{{cite web|url=https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/101376/swans-sign-us-basketball-talent|title=Swans sign US basketball talent|work=sydneyswans.com.au|date=January 25, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418135318/https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/101376/swans-sign-us-basketball-talent|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref>
In January 2012, Starling signed an international scholarship with the Sydney Swans.<ref name="swans12" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Cordy|first=Neil|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/sydney-swans-recruit-us-college-basketballer-alex-starling-on-international-afl-scholarship/news-story/6e45bc40a2f66f75d7c45c9391290ca4|title=Sydney Swans recruit US college basketballer Alex Starling on international AFL scholarship|work=foxsports.com.au|date=January 25, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418140236/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/sydney-swans-recruit-us-college-basketballer-alex-starling-on-international-afl-scholarship/news-story/6e45bc40a2f66f75d7c45c9391290ca4|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cordy|first=Neil|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/swans-sign-us-basketballer-alex-starling/story-e6frf9jf-1226253617207|title=Swans sign US basketballer Alex Starling|work=heraldsun.com.au|date=January 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230173248/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/swans-sign-us-basketballer-alex-starling/story-e6frf9jf-1226253617207|archive-date=December 30, 2012|access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> It was reportedly a two-year, $180,000 contract.<ref name=yahoo>{{cite web|last=Eisenberg|first=Jeff|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/australian-football-league-raids-u-unique-talent-source-153529453.html|title=Australian Football League raids U.S. for unique talent source … college basketball players|work=yahoo.com|date=August 21, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418135856/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/australian-football-league-raids-u-unique-talent-source-153529453.html|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> The scholarship allowed him to finish his four-year degree in Business Administration at Bethune–Cookman University<ref name="blog" /> while also making several trips to Sydney in 2012 to train with the Swans.<ref name="swans12" /> The plan was for Starling to be recruited to the Swans' senior list as an international rookie in 2013,<ref name="swans12" /> but a lingering stress fracture in one of his legs saw him part ways with the Swans.<ref name="yahoo" />
In December 2013, Starling moved to Melbourne to join the Frankston Football Club of the Victorian Football League (VFL).<ref>{{cite web|last=Amy|first=Paul|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/alex-starling-goes-from-florida-to-frankston-as-new-vfl-recruit/news-story/73f63056e68a055921e06c6c5f9f3660|title=Alex Starling goes from Florida to Frankston as new VFL recruit|work=heraldsun.com.au|date=December 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418140931/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/inner-south/alex-starling-goes-from-florida-to-frankston-as-new-vfl-recruit/news-story/73f63056e68a055921e06c6c5f9f3660?nk=2c2d3672e114a6aebfcb62383204cf80-1681826970|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> After the deal fell through over the summer, he moved to Adelaide in January 2014 to train with the Port Adelaide Magpies of the South Australian National Football League (SANFL); their parent organisation, the Port Adelaide Football Club of the AFL, was considering Starling for an international rookie spot.<ref name=turner14>{{cite web|last=Turner|first=Matt|url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/american-basketballer-alex-starling-with-buddylike-attributes-trains-with-port-adelaide/news-story/35432fa465bedc7990ea1dcf4a9c95b7|title=American basketballer Alex Starling with 'Buddy-like' attributes trains with Port Adelaide|work=adelaidenow.com.au|date=March 17, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418142352/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/american-basketballer-alex-starling-with-buddylike-attributes-trains-with-port-adelaide/news-story/35432fa465bedc7990ea1dcf4a9c95b7?nk=cb0fac10646ba6c6407eb3d4e64300f0-1681827832|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> After several months training with Port, the club committed its international rookie spot to Irishman Daniel Flynn and wanted Starling to prove himself via the Magpies. Starling declined the offer and instead turned his attention back to basketball.<ref name=turner16>{{cite web|last=Turner|first=Matt|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/basketball/alex-starling-turns-back-on-footy-aims-for-unbeaten-premier-league-basketball-season-with-southern/news-story/3492c73cdf5fc441d597e1174b282565|title=Alex Starling turns back on footy, aims for unbeaten Premier League basketball season with Southern|work=heraldsun.com.au|date=April 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418143055/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/basketball/alex-starling-turns-back-on-footy-aims-for-unbeaten-premier-league-basketball-season-with-southern/news-story/3492c73cdf5fc441d597e1174b282565?nk=66213a53688249b0101acef0244bd0ff-1681828255|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref>
==Basketball career== In early 2014, Starling joined the Woodville Warriors of the South Australian Premier League and also began training with the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League (NBL).<ref name="turner14" /> With Woodville, he averaged 20.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game<ref name=standard>{{cite web|last=McCullagh-Beasy|first=Justine|url=https://www.standard.net.au/story/2902647/former-afl-prospect-alex-starling-set-to-kick-off-seahawks-campaign/|title=Former AFL prospect Alex Starling set to kick off Seahawks' campaign|work=standard.net.au|date=February 24, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713003249/https://www.standard.net.au/story/2902647/former-afl-prospect-alex-starling-set-to-kick-off-seahawks-campaign/|archive-date=July 13, 2015|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> and helped the team win the championship behind his 36 points in the grand final against the West Adelaide Bearcats.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/bcuathletics.com/documents/2019/6/4/Bethune_Cookman_men_s_basketball_record_book.pdf|title=Bethune–Cookman University Men's Basketball Record Book|work=Bethune–Cookman Wildcats|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419095906/https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/bcuathletics.com/documents/2019/6/4/Bethune_Cookman_men_s_basketball_record_book.pdf|archive-date=April 19, 2023|page=26}}</ref> He earned grand final MVP, league MVP and All-Star Five honors.<ref name="standard" />
In 2015, Starling played for the Warrnambool Seahawks of the Big V Division One.<ref name="standard" /> He averaged 21.6 points and 12.7 rebounds to go with 20 double-doubles and one triple-double.<ref name=standard2>{{cite web|last=Fawkes|first=Aidan|url=https://www.standard.net.au/story/3320290/coach-departs-top-job-import-crowned-best/|title=Seahawks coach departs top job, American import crowned MVP|work=standard.net.au|date=September 1, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923031539/https://www.standard.net.au/story/3320290/coach-departs-top-job-import-crowned-best/|archive-date=September 23, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> He was named team MVP<ref name="standard2" /> and earned league All-Star Five honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigv.com.au/index.php?id=755&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2015&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=09&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4618&cHash=a7284177db48d93591422fd15e9be256|title=2015 Big V Awards Winners!|work=bigv.com.au|date=September 20, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017040019/http://bigv.com.au/index.php?id=755&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2015&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=09&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4618&cHash=a7284177db48d93591422fd15e9be256|archive-date=October 17, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> He was also a finalist for league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigv.com.au/index.php?id=755&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2015&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=09&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4593&cHash=4ca0350e3503bc36bd899ff0c2e49e20|title=2015 Big V Award Nominees|work=bigv.com.au|date=September 1, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310182139/http://bigv.com.au/index.php?id=755&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2015&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=09&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4593&cHash=4ca0350e3503bc36bd899ff0c2e49e20|archive-date=March 10, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>
In 2016, Starling returned to the Premier League to play for the Southern Tigers.<ref name="turner16" /> He helped the Tigers win the championship<ref>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3656-0-0-0&sID=39560&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=47623401|title=Southern Tigers crowned champions after a superb season|work=Premier League|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418145323/https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3656-0-0-0&sID=39560&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=47623401|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> and earned All-Star Five honors.<ref name=as5>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/get_file.cgi?id=36731393|title=All Star Five|work=Premier League|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418145647/https://websites.mygameday.app/get_file.cgi?id=36731393|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref>
Starling joined the North Adelaide Rockets for the 2017 Premier League season<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/NorthAdelaideRockets/posts/rockets-sign-mvp-alex-starling-for-the-2017-premier-league-seasonnorth-adelaide-/1104466523007480/|title=Rockets sign MVP Alex Starling for the 2017 Premier League season|work=facebook.com/NorthAdelaideRockets|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> and earned Best Defensive Player honors.<ref name=bdp>{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/get_file.cgi?id=36731391|title=Best Defensive Player|work=Premier League|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418150335/https://websites.mygameday.app/get_file.cgi?id=36731391|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> He returned to the Rockets in 2018 and once again earned league MVP and All-Star Five honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basketballsa.com.au/news-and-events/news/premier-league-halls-woollacott-awards-evening|title=Premier League Halls Woollacott Awards Evening|work=BasketballSA.com.au|date=July 23, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723084616/http://www.basketballsa.com.au/news-and-events/news/premier-league-halls-woollacott-awards-evening|archive-date=July 23, 2018|access-date=October 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.botinagy.com/blog/starling-does-it-again-in-awards-coup/|title=Starling does it again in awards coup|work=botinagy.com|date=July 23, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418150916/http://www.botinagy.com/blog/starling-does-it-again-in-awards-coup/|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> He averaged 22.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a league-leading 3.6 steals per game.<ref name="bcu2" /> With the Rockets in 2019, he earned Best Defensive Player honors for the second time.<ref name="bdp" />
In December 2019, Starling signed with the South Adelaide Panthers for the 2020 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/SouthAdelaideBc/posts/pfbid0oMZYRNbWsJuURjRUv1hxrvHJEJsPakJpWB9io3AcbBXr1WxvqV1Gy1JBnKSEs344l|title=South Adelaide Basketball Club is pleased to announce the signing of Alex Starling to the Premier League Men's team for 2020 season!|work=facebook.com/SouthAdelaideBc|date=December 9, 2019|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> The Premier League was rebranded as NBL1 Central in 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-central-to-tip-off-in-2020/|title=NBL1 Central To Tip Off In 2020|work=NBL1.com.au|date=March 7, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230418152110/https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-central-to-tip-off-in-2020/|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> but the 2020 NBL1 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/nbl1-season-cancelled|title=NBL1 Season Cancelled|work=NBL.com.au|date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418152516/https://nbl.com.au/news/nbl1-season-cancelled|archive-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> He had also been touted to make his football debut in 2020 with the Gawler Central Football Club in regional South Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/GawlerCentralFC/photos/a.741492946216658/997725703926713/?type=3|title=We are very excited to welcome Alex Starling to the GC family.|work=facebook.com/GawlerCentralFC|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/local-footy-sa/from-the-usa-the-sydney-swans-to-premier-league-basketball-and-now-country-football-starlings-unique-journey-to-our-game/news-story/09a9d59b5a1cd5a01bcfc9ec807f2f84|title=Football: American import Alex Starling's journey to country football|work=adelaidenow.com.au|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=April 18, 2023|url-access=subscription|quote=Nearly 10 years after travelling to Australia to give AFL a crack, American Alex Starling will finally play a game of footy, but at country level with...}}</ref>
With the Panthers in the 2021 NBL1 season, Starling led the NBL1 Central in rebounds and steals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://basketballsa.com.au/turnage-and-morrell-crowned-nbl1-central-mvps/|title=Turnage and Morrell Crowned NBL1 Central MVPs|work=basketballsa.com.au|date=August 24, 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407053215/https://basketballsa.com.au/turnage-and-morrell-crowned-nbl1-central-mvps/|archive-date=April 7, 2023}}</ref> In 12 games, he averaged 16.5 points, 13.17 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/player/e4bc763e-7b55-11eb-8055-e22b4dcf2b71/5b9aff9c-97f7-11eb-8373-6eda0c893864/alex-starling/central|title=Alex Starling – 2021 NBL1 Central|work=NBL1.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230419133923/https://nbl1.com.au/player/e4bc763e-7b55-11eb-8055-e22b4dcf2b71/5b9aff9c-97f7-11eb-8373-6eda0c893864/alex-starling/central|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>
In the 2022 NBL1 season, Starling helped the Panthers win the NBL1 Central championship while earning grand final MVP behind his 31 points and 18 rebounds against the Woodville Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-central-or-2022-mens-grand-final/central/|title=NBL1 Central | 2022 Men's Grand Final|work=NBL1.com.au|date=September 3, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904004459/https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-central-or-2022-mens-grand-final/central/|archive-date=September 4, 2022|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> He once again earned the league's Best Defensive Player award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/nbl1central/photos/a.1198883153481900/5394811210555719/|title=Congratulations to Alex Starling on winning the 2022 NBL1 Central Men's Defensive Player of the Year|work=facebook.com/nbl1central|date=August 14, 2022|access-date=April 18, 2023}}</ref> In 20 games, he averaged 20.15 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.15 assists, 2.75 steals and 1.35 blocks per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/player/496fd839-7426-11ec-b073-172913e456da/8775374d-b625-11ec-a494-3d3b0db69866/alexander-starling/central|title=Alexander Starling – 2022 NBL1 Central|work=NBL1.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230419134343/https://nbl1.com.au/player/496fd839-7426-11ec-b073-172913e456da/8775374d-b625-11ec-a494-3d3b0db69866/alexander-starling/central|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>
With the Panthers in the 2023 NBL1 season, Starling was the NBL1 Central's rebounding leader with 13.13 per game<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/BasketballSA/posts/pfbid0sCQVuPQqtCFuSERLdJhgBTdQDdZePyCimu8o8ivdh3ZSFqXoBntJ8s56XA2uCMDjl|title=Men's Rebounds Per Game 👉 Alexander Starling|work=facebook.com/BasketballSA|date=July 21, 2023|access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> and once again earned Best Defensive Player and All-Star Five honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/BasketballSA/posts/pfbid02k8ea9kkHD7c2ZSYEUyxssXX8vmgh2dUYFGGWQqMF6d97c6yFGqPBhELMH9de84Cal|title=Congratulations to Alexander Starling from @southadelaidebc on winning men's defensive player of the year at the #2023HallsWoollacott last night|work=facebook.com/BasketballSA|date=July 25, 2023|access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/BasketballSA/posts/pfbid0z6fHtAWrMqSo6XFwa3KcvKDyXmYRBbeVjnCE1fkcrEPiLYVhz4bYjWcZjczjmBa8l|title=Congratulations to the following male athletes on being chosen in the 2023 #NBL1Central All Star 5️⃣ at the #2023HallsWoollacott last night|work=facebook.com/BasketballSA|date=July 25, 2023|access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> In 16 games, he averaged 21.25 points, 13.38 rebounds, 3.44 assists, 2.69 steals and 1.19 blocks per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/player/11ada556-70a7-11ed-a732-2d98d9fac4b4/8775374d-b625-11ec-a494-3d3b0db69866/alexander-starling/central|title=Alexander Starling – 2023 NBL1 Central|work=NBL1.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230805145206/https://nbl1.com.au/player/11ada556-70a7-11ed-a732-2d98d9fac4b4/8775374d-b625-11ec-a494-3d3b0db69866/alexander-starling/central|archive-date=August 5, 2023}}</ref>
On May 23, 2023, Starling signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the 2023–24 NBL season.<ref name=adelaide36ers>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/aussie-starling-signs-one-year-deal|title='Aussie' Starling signs one-year deal|work=adelaide36ers.com|date=May 23, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523002410/https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/aussie-starling-signs-one-year-deal|archive-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hughes|first=Matt|url=https://www.standard.net.au/story/8206528/former-seahawk-earns-nbl-contract/|title=Former Warrnambool Seahawks import Alex Starling signs with NBL club Adelaide 36ers|work=standard.net.au|date=May 23, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230523080239/https://www.standard.net.au/story/8206528/former-seahawk-earns-nbl-contract/|archive-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Slessor|first=Camron|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-24/basketballer-alex-starling-signs-with-adelaide-36ers/102380550|title=Basketballer Alex Starling signs with Adelaide 36ers after becoming an Australian citizen|work=abc.net.au|date=May 24, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524023313/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-24/basketballer-alex-starling-signs-with-adelaide-36ers/102380550|archive-date=May 24, 2023}}</ref> In 25 games, he averaged 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/player/3682/2068946/alex-starling|title=Alex Starling|work=NBL.com.au|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322093744/https://nbl.com.au/player/3682/2068946/alex-starling|archive-date=March 22, 2024}}</ref>
In March 2024, Starling re-joined the South Adelaide Panthers for the 2024 NBL1 Central season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-central-superstar-returns-to-panthers|title=NBL1 Central superstar returns to Panthers|work=NBL1.com.au|date=March 21, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240322093952/https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-central-superstar-returns-to-panthers|archive-date=March 22, 2024}}</ref> He was named league MVP for a third time<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=456276770547317|title=Your #NBL1Central2024 Woollacott Medalist is Alex Starling from South Adelaide Panthers.|work=facebook.com/nbl1central|date=July 21, 2024|access-date=July 23, 2024}}</ref> alongside Best Defensive Player and All-Star Five.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/article/2024-nbl1-awards-tracker|title=2024 NBL1 Awards Tracker|work=NBL1.com.au|date=July 22, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723102612/https://nbl1.com.au/article/2024-nbl1-awards-tracker|archive-date=July 23, 2024}}</ref> He was also the league's steals leader with 2.8 per game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/nbl1central/posts/pfbid0j4PJe7R1L6moLk65CnU767j5qdaUuNY4vKDefih8iXtVYNK8Dpq13WfR6Mzs1WQPl|title=#NBL1Central2024 Leaders in Steals Per Game|work=facebook.com/nbl1central|date=July 17, 2024|access-date=July 23, 2024}}</ref> With a career-high 23.1 points per game, he helped the Panthers finish with a league-best 15–3 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/article/alex-starling-wins-nbl1-central-woollacott-medal|title=Alex Starling wins NBL1 Central Woollacott Medal|work=NBL1.com.au|date=July 21, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723104747/https://nbl1.com.au/article/alex-starling-wins-nbl1-central-woollacott-medal|archive-date=July 23, 2024}}</ref> They reached the NBL1 Central Grand Final, where they lost 92–90 to the Forestville Eagles despite Starling's 24 points, 13 rebounds and three steals.<ref>{{cite web|last=Prentice|first=Tristan|url=https://nbl1.com.au/article/recap-nbl1-central-or-mens-grand-final|title=Recap NBL1 Central {{pipe}} Men's Grand Final|work=NBL1.com.au|date=August 10, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811055516/https://nbl1.com.au/article/recap-nbl1-central-or-mens-grand-final|archive-date=August 11, 2024|access-date=August 11, 2024}}</ref>
On April 29, 2024, Starling re-signed with the 36ers for the 2024–25 NBL season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/starling-signs-on-for-nbl25-season|title=Starling signs on for NBL25 season|work=adelaide36ers.com|date=April 29, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430020253/https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/starling-signs-on-for-nbl25-season|archive-date=April 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=Dale|url=https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/next-challenge-awaits-starling-for-new-season|title=Next challenge awaits Starling for new season|work=adelaide36ers.com|date=April 30, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502022644/https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/next-challenge-awaits-starling-for-new-season|archive-date=May 2, 2024}}</ref> On October 18, 2024, he was released by the 36ers to make way for injury replacement player Montrezl Harrell to sign with the club on a permanent contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/harrell-to-stay-for-nbl25-season|title=Harrell to stay for NBL25 season|work=adelaide36ers.com|date=October 18, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018052219/https://www.adelaide36ers.com/news/harrell-to-stay-for-nbl25-season|archive-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref> He appeared in four games to start the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaide36ers.com/player/3682/2068946/alex-starling|title=Alex Starling|work=adelaide36ers.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018052953/https://www.adelaide36ers.com/player/3682/2068946/alex-starling|archive-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref>
In December 2024, Starling joined the Sarawak Cola Warriors of the Major Basketball League Malaysia (MBL) to replace Aaron Burt.<ref>{{cite web |title=外援大风吹 南虎换3洋将冲冠 |url=https://www.chinapress.com.my/20241219/%e5%a4%a7%e9%a9%ac%e8%81%8c%e7%af%ae%e8%81%94%e8%b5%9b-%e5%a4%96%e6%8f%b4%e5%a4%a7%e9%a3%8e%e5%90%b9-%e5%8d%97%e8%99%8e%e6%8d%a23%e6%b4%8b%e5%b0%86%e5%86%b2%e5%86%a0/ |website=中國報 China Press |access-date=December 20, 2024 |date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> In seven games between December 20 and January 4, he averaged 12.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists ad 2.0 steals per game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alexander Starling, Basketball Player, News, Stats - australiabasket |url=https://basketball.australiabasket.com/player/Alexander-Starling/161290 |website=Eurobasket LLC |access-date=24 July 2025 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
Starling joined the Forestville Eagles for the 2025 NBL1 Central season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seismic signing in NBL1 Central |url=https://nbl1.com.au/article/seismic-signing-in-nbl1-central |access-date=16 January 2025 |work=nbl1.com.au |date=16 January 2025}}</ref> He led the league in rebounds with 11.8 per game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Congratulations to Alex Starling from the Forestville Eagles, who led the men’s league in total rebounds per game with 11.8, proving to be a dominant force inside. |url=https://www.facebook.com/nbl1central/posts/pfbid025kNdHrcDK5Pv7MhYmm3wysZLDtRvFTJep3aRyLXZqxbGgA7xoKB9UAvRi6wsWQShl |access-date=24 July 2025 |work=facebook.com/nbl1central |date=23 July 2025}}</ref>
In November 2025, Starling re-signed with the Eagles for the 2026 NBL1 Central season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Signing News Alert! |url=https://www.facebook.com/ForestvilleEagles/posts/-signing-news-alert-re-signed-alex-starling-a-starling-returnsafter-dominating-t/1453180130141472/ |access-date=21 March 2026 |work=facebook.com/ForestvilleEagles |date=16 November 2025}}</ref>
==Personal life== Starling's mother is Jennifer Davis. He has an older sister and an older brother.<ref name="blog" />
In May 2023, Starling gained his Australian citizenship.<ref name="adelaide36ers" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Woods|first=Dan|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/aussie-starling-this-is-home|title='Aussie' Starling: "This is Home"|work=NBL.com.au|date=May 23, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523102631/https://nbl.com.au/news/aussie-starling-this-is-home|archive-date=May 23, 2023}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[https://nbl1.com.au/player/11ada556-70a7-11ed-a732-2d98d9fac4b4/8775374d-b625-11ec-a494-3d3b0db69866/alexander-starling/central NBL1 profile] *[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/alexander-starling-1.html Sports-Reference.com profile] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20081229143857/http://bccathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/starling_alexander00.html Bethune–Cookman Wildcats college profile]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Starling, Alex}} Category:1989 births Category:Living people Category:Adelaide 36ers players Category:American expatriate basketball people in Australia Category:American men's basketball players Category:American players of Australian rules football Category:Australian men's basketball players Category:Basketball players from Miami Category:Bethune–Cookman Wildcats men's basketball players Category:Forwards (basketball) Category:Miami Killian Senior High School alumni Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia Category:Palm Beach State College alumni Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen Category:American expatriate basketball people in Malaysia Category:Australian expatriate basketball people in Malaysia