Alex Caruso has become a household name in basketball, celebrated for his tenacious defense, high basketball IQ, and unexpected athleticism. Fans around the globe admire his journey from an undrafted player to an NBA champion. A common question among fans, both new and old, is: How Old Is Alex Caruso?
Born on February 28, 1994, Alex Caruso is currently 30 years old as of late 2024. This places him firmly in his prime as a professional basketball player, with years of experience and a continued trajectory of improvement. But age is just a number when you consider the wealth of accomplishments and dedication he has poured into the sport since his early years.
To truly appreciate Alex Caruso, one must delve into his formative years and remarkable college career at Texas A&M University. Before becoming the “Carushow” in the NBA, he was making waves as an Aggie, leaving an indelible mark on the program.
Early Life and Roots in Aggieland
Alex Caruso’s connection to Texas A&M runs deep. Born and raised in College Station, Texas, he was practically raised in the university’s athletic environment. His father, Mike Caruso, a former college basketball player himself at Creighton and later a coach under the legendary Eddie Sutton, is currently an associate athletic director at Texas A&M. Growing up, Alex spent countless hours as a ball boy for the Aggies, absorbing the culture and passion of college basketball from a young age. This immersion undoubtedly fueled his own aspirations to excel on the court.
Before lighting up college arenas, Caruso honed his skills at A&M Consolidated High School. Under the guidance of head coach Rick German, he led the Tigers to unprecedented success, setting a school record for wins during his senior year. His exceptional performance earned him accolades such as TABC All-Regional, All-State, and district MVP honors. Beyond basketball, Caruso also showcased his athleticism as a regional qualifier in track, highlighting his well-rounded athletic abilities.
Recognized as a consensus four-star prospect and a top-100 national recruit, Caruso was highly sought after coming out of high school. Despite offers from various programs, his deep-rooted connection to his hometown team led him to commit to Texas A&M, where he would embark on a stellar college career.
Collegiate Stardom at Texas A&M
From 2012 to 2016, Alex Caruso donned the Maroon and White, becoming a cornerstone of the Texas A&M Aggies basketball program. His four years in college station were filled with consistent growth, record-breaking performances, and numerous accolades, solidifying his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Freshman Year (2012-13)
Caruso made an immediate impact as a freshman, playing in all 33 games and starting in 17. He quickly established himself as a facilitator and defensive presence, leading the team with 112 assists and setting a freshman record with 61 steals, surpassing Todd Holloway’s previous mark. His contributions weren’t limited to just defense and assists; he also averaged 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating his all-around game even as a newcomer. Notably, he ranked among the SEC’s best in both steals and assists, foreshadowing his future dominance in these categories.
Sophomore Year (2013-14)
Caruso’s role and impact expanded significantly in his sophomore year. Starting all but one game, he emerged as a dynamic force in the SEC. He led the conference in both assists (170) and steals (69), ranking among the nation’s leaders in both categories. His assist total was the sixth-highest single-season mark in Texas A&M history, while his steals tied for fifth. Beyond these statistics, he also led the team in minutes played and blocked shots, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team’s success. During this season, he achieved milestones like recording his 200th career assist and joining the Texas A&M 100-Steal Club in just his second year. His impressive performance culminated in being named the Aggies’ Most Outstanding Player at the program’s annual awards banquet.
Junior Year (2014-15)
As a junior, Caruso continued his ascent, earning Honorable Mention All-SEC accolades from the Associated Press. He started every game, increasing his scoring average to 9.1 points per game while maintaining his elite playmaking and defensive prowess. For the second consecutive season, he led the SEC in assists (182) and steals (69), becoming the first SEC player since Nick Calathes to achieve this feat in back-to-back years. He also showcased his rebounding ability, pulling down 150 rebounds. A highlight of his junior year was being named SEC Player of the Week after a standout performance against Arizona State where he led in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He also recorded his first career double-double and was named to the Preseason All-SEC Team and the Bob Cousy Award Watch List before the season began.
Senior Year (2015-16)
Caruso’s senior season was nothing short of spectacular, cementing his place in Texas A&M basketball lore. He put together a record-breaking final campaign, earning Second Team All-SEC honors and being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by CBS Sports. He became Texas A&M’s all-time leader in both assists (649) and steals (276), records that still stand today. For a third consecutive year, he topped the SEC in steals. He started all 37 games, averaging 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He joined the Texas A&M 1,000-Point Club, finishing his college career with 1,090 points, ranking 28th in program history. His senior year was filled with memorable performances, including a season-high 25 points in an NCAA Tournament win.
Alex Caruso showcasing his skills during his time playing basketball for Texas A&M, where he became the all-time leader in assists and steals, demonstrating his impact on the college program.
Accolades and Legacy at Texas A&M
Alex Caruso’s time at Texas A&M is decorated with accolades that speak volumes about his impact:
- Texas A&M’s All-Time Assist Leader (649)
- Texas A&M’s All-Time Steals Leader (276)
- 2015-16 SEC Defensive Player of the Year (CBS Sports)
- 2015-16 Second Team All-SEC (Coaches)
- 2015-16 Third Team All-SEC (AP)
- 3x SEC Steals Leader (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16)
- 2x SEC Assists Leader (2013-14, 2014-15)
- Honorable Mention All-SEC (Associated Press – 2014-15)
- Co-SEC Player of the Week (12/8/14)
- Bob Cousy Award Watch List (Fall 2014)
These accomplishments highlight not only his individual brilliance but also his consistent contribution to the Aggies program over four years. He wasn’t just a scorer; he was a playmaker, a defender, and a leader who left an enduring legacy at Texas A&M.
Conclusion: Alex Caruso – Age and a Career Defined by Excellence
So, to answer the initial question: Alex Caruso is 30 years old. However, understanding his age is only a starting point. His journey from a local College Station kid to a Texas A&M legend and then an NBA champion is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for basketball. His time at Texas A&M laid the foundation for his professional success, showcasing his all-around game and leadership qualities. As he continues his NBA career, Alex Caruso, now in his prime, remains an inspiration to aspiring basketball players and a fan favorite worldwide. His age represents not just years, but a wealth of experience and a career still reaching new heights.
