Alexander the Great has arrived

Joe Alexander has always enjoyed a good workout.

Every day, the former West Virginia forward runs, shoots and lifts in preparation for what was once a far-off goal: the NBA draft and, eventually, the league itself.

Now, the hard work is about to (really) pay off.

Propelled by universal praise for his strength, athleticism and rapidly developing skills, Alexander's stock has skyrocketed the last two months, launching the Maryland resident from a probable mid-first round pick to a likely top-10 selection.

The positive feedback was the main reason Alexander -- who spent much of his youth in Asia because of his father's job -- decided to forgo his senior year at West Virginia. The decision wasn't easy.

"I still don't know 100% if (going pro) was the right decision," says Alexander, who decided to stay in the draft just a day before the June16 deadline. "I ...