MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Alex Gross, a prolific scorer and defender who posted more than 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds at Olivet Nazarene (Ill.), has transferred to Morehead State for his final season of college basketball.

"We are thrilled that Alex has decided to use his extra year of eligibility with us here at Morehead State," said head coach Preston Spradlin. "Coming off a stellar career at Olivet Nazarene our staff is confident that Alex's transition to Division I will produce continued success. He has the exceptional size, skill and IQ for the game that will allow him to be a dynamic scorer and make others around him better."

A 6-10 forward, Gross collected many accolades at Olivet Nazarene, an NAIA school in Bourbonnais, Ill. Included was being the NAIA Academic All-American of the Year in 2021-22 and First-Team Academic All-American. He was also an NAIA All-American, NABC All-American, unanimous CCAC Player of the Year and First-Team All-CCAC as well as being on the Bevo Francis finalist list for NAIA Player of the Year.

Gross' career stats included 2,021 points, 1,226 rebounds, 363 blocks and 426 assists. He posted three triple-doubles and 33 doubles in 2021-22 when he averaged 23.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 3.1 blocks per game while hitting 62 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free throw line. Gross scored 40+ points three times.

Gross also led all of NAIA in points, rebounds per game, total rebounds, defensive rebounds and blocks.

In 2020-21, Gross had nearly equally impressive accolades, including NAIA Second-Team All-America, unanimous CCAC Player of the Year and CCAC First-Team All-Conference. He was also named Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athlete, to the CCAC All-Academic Team and to the NABC Honors Court.

A native of Hope, Ind., Gross was also a standout at Hauser High School. As a senior he was The Republic Boys Player of the Year and averaged a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while helping his team to a Mid Hoosier Conference title.