Alex Bazzell was 35 years old in 2024. Born on October 24, 1989, the renowned NBA and WNBA skills coach and entrepreneur reached this mid-thirties milestone during a year defined by significant professional expansion, most notably the development and promotion of the Unrivaled basketball league.
As one of the most influential figures in modern basketball player development, Alex Bazzell’s age in 2024 serves as a chronological marker for a career that has already spanned over a decade of high-stakes training. By the time he celebrated his 35th birthday in late 2024, Bazzell had transitioned from a specialized skills trainer to a multifaceted sports executive. His journey reflects the evolution of the basketball training industry, moving from localized gym sessions to global digital platforms and professional league ownership.
Understanding Alex Bazzell’s Background and Birth Date
To accurately determine Alex Bazzell's age in 2024, one must look at his foundational history. Bazzell was born on October 24, 1989, in St. Charles, Missouri. Growing up in a region with a deep appreciation for basketball, he developed the foundational skills that would later allow him to relate to elite athletes on a technical level.
Bazzell attended St. Charles West High School, where he emerged as a standout player, eventually leading him to the collegiate level. His college career included stints at Lindenwood University and Missouri State University. During his time as a student-athlete, Bazzell was known for his high basketball IQ and work ethic, traits that would eventually become the hallmark of his training philosophy.
In 2024, Bazzell occupied a unique space in the sports world. At 35, he was young enough to maintain the physical intensity required to demonstrate elite-level footwork and shooting mechanics to NBA superstars, yet experienced enough to have earned the trust of veterans like Carmelo Anthony and Kyrie Irving. This "sweet spot" of age and experience allowed him to bridge the gap between traditional coaching and the modern, data-driven approach to skill acquisition.
The Significance of 2024 in Bazzell’s Career Trajectory
While many fans focus strictly on the numerical age, the context of 2024 is vital for understanding Bazzell’s standing in the industry. This was the year Bazzell solidified his role as a disruptor in women’s professional sports. Alongside his wife, WNBA star Napheesa Collier, and fellow superstar Breanna Stewart, Bazzell played a pivotal role in the architecture of Unrivaled, a professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league designed to provide top-tier compensation and domestic playing opportunities during the WNBA offseason.
Turning 35 in 2024 coincided with Bazzell’s shift from being "the trainer to the stars" to a "business architect." The launch of Unrivaled represented a massive leap in his professional responsibilities. No longer was he simply focusing on a player's hand placement on a jump shot; he was now navigating venture capital, media rights, and league logistics. This transition is a rare feat in the basketball world, where trainers often struggle to scale their personal brand into institutional entities.
Professional Evolution: From the Gym to the C-Suite
Bazzell’s career didn't start at the top. After his playing days concluded, he faced the reality of many aspiring coaches: the need to prove a methodology. He began building his reputation by working with local players in the St. Louis area before moving to New York City, a hub for professional off-season workouts.
The Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Connection
One of the most defining periods of Bazzell’s career occurred well before 2024, but its impact remained central to his profile at age 35. Bazzell was selected by the late Kobe Bryant to train his daughter, Gianna Bryant, and her Mamba Academy teammates. This endorsement from one of the greatest basketball minds in history served as a "seal of approval" that few other trainers could claim. By 2024, Bazzell continued to honor this legacy by applying the "Mamba Mentality" to his training sessions with WNBA and NBA players alike.
Through The Lens (TTL)
Another major milestone reached by his mid-thirties was the success of Through The Lens, a digital training platform Bazzell founded. TTL was designed to democratize elite training, allowing youth players to access the same drills and mental breakdowns that Bazzell used with his high-profile clients. In 2024, the platform remained a vital part of his portfolio, showcasing his ability to leverage technology to scale his impact beyond one-on-one sessions.
Impact on the WNBA and Women's Basketball
By the time he was 35 in 2024, Bazzell had become perhaps the most visible male advocate and trainer within the WNBA ecosystem. His marriage to Napheesa Collier—a four-time WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist—provided him with a firsthand look at the disparities in professional basketball.
Bazzell’s training roster in 2024 included some of the biggest names in the women's game, including:
- Napheesa Collier: Who saw significant statistical jumps under his guidance.
- Sabrina Ionescu: Focusing on shooting efficiency and playmaking under pressure.
- Chelsea Gray: Working on elite-level passing angles and mid-range consistency.
His work went beyond the court. Bazzell used his platform to highlight the skill level of WNBA players, often posting videos that emphasized that "skill is genderless." At age 35, he was at the forefront of the movement to ensure women's basketball players received the same high-level technical training and resources as their NBA counterparts.
Alex Bazzell’s Age and Career Timeline
The following table outlines the key phases of Alex Bazzell’s life and career leading up to and including 2024.
| Year | Age | Milestone/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 0 | Born on October 24 in St. Charles, Missouri. |
| 2008-2012 | 19-23 | Collegiate playing career at Lindenwood and Missouri State. |
| 2013-2015 | 24-26 | Established initial training business in the Midwest. |
| 2017 | 28 | Moved to NYC and began training high-profile NBA clients. |
| 2019 | 30 | Founder of "Through The Lens" (TTL) digital platform. |
| 2020 | 31 | Developed a close working relationship with Kobe and Gianna Bryant. |
| 2022 | 33 | Married Napheesa Collier; welcomed daughter Mila. |
| 2023 | 34 | Formally began development of the Unrivaled basketball league. |
| 2024 | 35 | Expanded Unrivaled; continued elite training for NBA/WNBA stars. |
| 2026 | 37 | Current status as a leading sports executive and trainer. |
Training Methodology: Why Players Seek Out Bazzell
At age 35, Bazzell’s methodology has matured into a comprehensive system that balances physical repetition with mental acuity. He is known for "micro-skills"—the small, often overlooked details that separate good players from great ones.
1. The Art of Footwork
Bazzell emphasizes that most basketball games are won or lost before the shot is even taken. His 2024 training modules focused heavily on "zero steps," pivot consistency, and creating space in confined areas. This focus is particularly valuable for WNBA players who rely on technical precision to overcome physical defenses.
2. Situational IQ
Instead of standard "around the world" shooting drills, Bazzell’s sessions in 2024 were characterized by situational simulation. He recreates specific late-game scenarios, forcing players to make split-second decisions. This approach has been cited by players like Kyrie Irving as a reason why they value his input during the off-season.
3. Recovery and Longevity
As Bazzell entered his mid-thirties, his training philosophy expanded to include player longevity. Working with athletes who play year-round (often overseas and in the WNBA), he integrated load management and recovery-focused movements into his skill work to ensure that training didn't lead to burnout or injury.
Personal Life: Balancing Family and a Global Career
In 2024, Bazzell’s personal life was as much a topic of interest as his professional accolades. His partnership with Napheesa Collier is often cited as a "power couple" dynamic in the sports world. In May 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell.
Being 35 in 2024 meant Bazzell was navigating the challenges of being a father to a toddler while managing the heavy travel schedule required of an elite trainer and league executive. His ability to balance these roles has made him a relatable figure for many players who are also trying to manage their personal lives alongside professional athletic careers. His social media often provides a glimpse into this balance, showing him in the gym at 5:00 AM before returning home to spend time with his family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alex Bazzell’s exact date of birth?
Alex Bazzell was born on October 24, 1989. This date is confirmed through his collegiate athletic profiles and various media interviews over the years. His Missouri roots remain a significant part of his identity.
How old was Alex Bazzell in 2024?
He was 34 years old for the majority of 2024, turning 35 on his birthday in October. In the context of professional sports coaching, this age is considered the "prime" years, where physical ability and veteran experience intersect.
Who are some of the most famous players Alex Bazzell has trained?
By 2024, Bazzell’s client list included an incredible array of talent, including Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony, Trae Young, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and Candace Parker. His versatility allows him to work with both guards and forwards effectively.
What is Alex Bazzell's role in the Unrivaled league?
As of 2024, Bazzell serves as a co-founder and a key executive behind Unrivaled. While he continues to train individual players, much of his strategic focus has shifted toward building the league’s infrastructure, securing investors, and ensuring the league provides a high-quality product for fans and players alike.
Did Alex Bazzell play in the NBA?
No, Alex Bazzell did not play in the NBA. He played college basketball at the Division II and Division I levels (Lindenwood and Missouri State). While he had aspirations of playing professionally, an ACL injury and a shift in passion led him toward the skill development and coaching side of the game.
The Future for Alex Bazzell Beyond 2024
Looking back from 2026, the year 2024 was clearly a foundational period for Bazzell’s legacy. At age 35, he successfully transitioned from a specialized service provider to a systemic influencer in professional basketball. His work with Unrivaled has already begun to change the financial landscape for women athletes, proving that his vision extends far beyond the four walls of a practice gym.
As he continues his career, Bazzell remains a primary source of knowledge for players seeking to refine their craft. Whether through his digital platforms, his physical training sessions, or his executive leadership, his impact on the game of basketball is set to grow as he approaches his forties.
Next Action for Readers: If you are interested in the technical side of basketball training, exploring the Through The Lens platform provides a direct look into the drills and philosophies Alex Bazzell utilized during his 35th year in 2024. For those interested in the business of sports, following the development of the Unrivaled league offers a blueprint for how skill trainers can scale their influence into league ownership.
