Alexander Wright Jr. is a retired professional basketball player, coach, and nationally recognized motivational speaker whose career has spanned the globe and impacted countless lives on and off the court. Born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Alexander’s passion for basketball began on the courts of his hometown, where he first learned the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience.
He played JUCO basketball at Brunswick Community College, where his high-flying athleticism quickly drew attention. He later transferred to Edward Waters College (now Edward Waters University), earning a reputation as a “human highlight” on the court thanks to his electrifying style of play and relentless energy.
Alexander went on to enjoy an impressive 11-year professional playing career, competing both in the U.S. and overseas with standout stints in Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the ABA. He also played for high-profile teams including the Jacksonville Giants, Harlem Ambassadors, and the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters.
After retiring from professional basketball, Alexander dedicated himself to coaching and youth development. He is a proud member of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), using his platform to give back to communities and mentor youth through the game of basketball.
Wright has had coaching stops at Chatham County Schools in Pittsboro, N.C., where he was an assistant coach, head JV coach, player development and strength & conditioning coach. After which he moved on to become Assistant Coach and Strengh and Conditioning Coach at Fayetteville Techincal Community College. Wright then spent six years as a Residential Mentor and Basketball Player Development Coach as the famed IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
For more than a decade, Alexander has also served as a Lead Coach for Breakthrough Basketball, one of the top developmental basketball camps in the country. His focus on fundamentals, character, and life skills has helped thousands of young athletes grow not only as players but as people.
In addition to coaching, Alexander is the Founder of POPS Motivational, a purpose-driven initiative that delivers interactive school assemblies, anti-bullying programs, and leadership workshops across the nation.
POPS stands for Positive, Optimistic, Player, Success—values that Alexander lives by and instills in every student he reaches. His mission is to inspire confidence, purpose, and resilience in today’s youth.
Alexander holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Edward Waters University, where he currently serves as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. He also holds certifications including NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and a USA Basketball Gold Coach License.
From his roots in Fayetteville, NC, to arenas across the world, and now in classrooms and gymnasiums across the country, Alexander Wright Jr. is committed to inspiring excellence, building character, and transforming lives through faith, sports, and service.
