BYU’s Alex Barcello Named Strength & Conditioning All-American

PROVO, Utah – BYU basketball star guard Alex Barcello was named an All-American this past season for his efforts on the court. Now the returning senior can say he’s an All-American in the weight room as well.

Barcello was recognized as an NSCA (National Strength And Conditioning Association) All-American. He was one of 37 college basketball players from both the Men’s and Women’s ranks to earn the All-American recognition from the NSCA.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association has recognized @AlexBarcello23 as BYU’s 2021 All-American Athlete of the Year Award recipient.#BYUhoops x #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/NsNQeV5Xmw

— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) July 7, 2021

BYU basketball head strength and conditioning coach Erick Schork had nothing but glowing reviews for the work Alex Barcello has put into strength & conditioning.

BYU basketball S&C coach on Alex Barcello’s improvement

“Alex has a relentless drive to get better every day,” wrote Schork in a statement. “Over the course of the off-season, he was able to improve in all 5 NBA Draft Combine tests. Most notably his approach jump improved to from 36.0″ to 38.5″. His Reactive Shuttle score improved from 3.05sec to 2.83sec. Alex’s 185 Bench Press Repetition improved from 2reps to 7reps. On the Court, his Points per Possession as a pick and roll ball handler coming off screens has increased. Alex’s strength has contributed to him going from the 35th percentile to the 83rd percentile scoring around the basket. Alex is the consummate leader, exemplifying a balance of humility, empathy and expectation with his teammates and coaches.”

Barcello has been a key piece to BYU’s success the past two years under head coach Mark Pope. The former University of Arizona transfer has played and started in all 59 games the past two years for BYU. Last year, he became the face of the program averaging 16.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Barcello announced in May that he would be returning to BYU for one more season as he plans to take advantage of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility that was granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

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