July 29, 2010

DALLAS (SMU) --- SMU Head Coach Matt Doherty announced that Cotton Giles and Troy Alexander will join the Mustangs beginning with the 2010-11 season. Both Dallas area natives were rated among the top-20 prospects in the state by Texas Hoops in 2008, with Giles ranked 14th and Alexander 19th. Giles attended Kimball High School and then played two seasons at Nevada. Alexander attended Highland Park High School and then played two seasons at Santa Clara. Both will sit out the 2010-11 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

Giles, a 6-3 guard, was District 14-4A Offensive MVP and a Dallas Morning News all-area second-team selection as a senior at Kimball High School in 2007-08. He also served as team captain at Kimball. At Nevada, he was a backup point guard behind 2010 NBA second-round selection Armon Johnson. As a sophomore, Giles saw action in 28 games for a team that made the second round of the NIT.

"Cotton was a player we wanted at SMU out of Kimball HS where he played for Snoop Johnson. He is a terrific guard with great size and athleticism. I am excited about all the things he will bring to our program - scoring , defense and leadership. I believe Cotton can be a big time guard in CUSA. In addition, Cotton's reputation in the Dallas area will help us in recruiting area players in the future."

Alexander, a 6-1 guard, was part of more than 100 wins in his career at Highland Park High School. That included records of 33-5 as a senior and 30-4 as a junior. At Santa Clara, Alexander bounced back from an injury-plagued freshman season to play in 31 games as a sophomore.

"Troy is another local player that has done nothing but win. He is a guard that is a terrific leader and skilled passer. He sees the floor and delivers the ball extremely well. Troy had a great high school career at Highland Park HS for former SMU great David Piehler. He will add a great deal to our program."