Undrafted to unstoppable: Former Texas A&M guard helps lead Thunder to NBA glory
It is difficult to argue that there are players on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster more deserving than former Texas A&M guard Alex Caruso.
The two-time National Basketball Association champion's contributions to the Thunder have played a key role in bringing home the first championship in franchise history to Oklahoma City. Caruso is selfless, unique and dependable among other things. As a result of his hard work on and off the court to become the best player and teammate possible, he is also undoubtedly a champion.
"I think just through my career, I figured out that I can do stuff that's not necessarily sexy or not necessarily the mainstream offensive or even defensive skill set that people recognize," Caruso said, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic. "I just leaned into it. I practiced being great at the stuff that nobody else does, carving a role for myself in the league. I think through the years, I've just kind of perfected that stuff."
The College Station native played his collegiate ball with the hometown Aggies from 2012-2016, in which he racked up numerous accolades throughout his time in the Maroon and White uniform. Caruso was named the Southeastern Conference's Defensive Player of the Year by CBS Sports during his senior campaign.
Following an outstanding college career, he signed with the Thunder as an undrafted free agent but was later waived by the team. After a stint with the team's G-League affiliate, Caruso's performances during the 2017 NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers earned him the franchise's first two-way contract, to become the first player to go from the G-League to the NBA.
Fast forward three years, Caruso hoisted the 2020 NBA Championship trophy with teammates LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Kyle Kuzma and many more. In 2025, he's now contributed and earned the right to be called champion once again.
That also means that everyone can stop undermining his championship victory with the Lakers in 2020. Caruso expressed his feelings on the Thunder's victory over the Indiana Pacers and joked about his new "real" trophy following his second NBA title.
While he made NBA history by recording the most steals by any bench player in the Finals (17), he also set a Texas A&M record by joining Walter "Buddy" Davis as the only Aggies with multiple NBA titles.
When the hard work was complete, it took a veteran like Caruso to teach OKC's rookies how to pop the bottles of champagne and celebrate as champions should.
Make no mistake about it, Caruso's success was well-earned. It comes from being unique in his game and constantly honing his craft. Working on the small details has become his specialty, but winning championships seems to be in his skill set as well.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
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