LaBrae’s Peyton Aldridge the top guy at Davidson

February 21, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

When it came to the basketball future of Peyton Aldridge, LaBrae High coach Chad Kiser never had any doubt.

In fact, as Kiser recalls, neither did the Davidson coaches when they came to LaBrae in hopes of luring Aldridge to their school.

“During Peyton’s senior year (in 2014), I remember the Davidson staff telling Peyton, ‘you could come in and start for us today,’” Kiser said. “Even then, it was clear he had all the tools. He had the smarts and the work ethic, and he was still improving his game in so many ways.”

“There was little doubt Peyton was ready for the next level.”

Ready he was!

Aldridge did in fact head to Davidson, where as a freshman he started in all 32 of the Wildcats’ games. He was named to the Atlantic-10 All-Rookie team after averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.

Two years later, Aldridge’s game — and his numbers — continues to soar.

A junior, Aldridge leads Davidson in points (20.7 ppg), rebounds (7.5 rpg) and free throw percentage (.853).

In Davidson’s 79-74 win over Massachusetts on Saturday, Aldridge made his 90th consecutive start. He also leads the Wildcats (14-11) in minutes played, averaging 36 minutes of playing time per game.

“The entire process, it’s been a grind and it has been a humbling experience, but the work has paid off,” Aldridge said. “When I first arrived here, I just wanted to contribute, I wanted to do anything I could to be part of the team.”

“Any individual numbers that I put up truly are the result of team success. I am surrounded by a great coaching staff and great teammates.”

At LaBrae, Aldridge gained a reputation as a big man who had the ability to play all positions. He also had a knack for scoring from anywhere on the court. Size alone made him an inside force. However, playing at the Division I level in college, Aldridge often found himself going up against other big men who equaled or bettered his 6-foot-8 frame.

“I had to become more of a back to the basket player than I was in the past,” Aldridge said. “I knew I needed to work on my inside game, and that is something I have focused on since day one. Strengthening that part of my game has really helped me overall as a player. It has opened up the rest of my game.”

In fact, while Aldridge is leading his team in rebounds, he is also shooting a team-best .419 from three-point territory. His versatility has not gone unnoticed throughout the A-10. Following a nationally televised game on Jan. 19 against LaSalle in which Aldridge scored 33 points and pulled down nine rebounds, Explorers coach John Giannini referred to Aldridge as “the Larry Bird of the Atlantic 10.” Giannini told a national audience, “(Aldridge) posts, he shoots and this guy even handles the ball a little more than a guy like Bird used to using a pick-and-roll.”

Kiser, who has been able to watch all but one Davidson game this year on television, said the Bird comparison is suitable. He noted that Aldridge has had some of his best games against quality opponents. (In back-to-back games against North Carolina and Kansas earlier this year, Aldridge scored 22 points, then scored 22 and pulled down eight rebounds). Kiser himself was often asked by college scouts to compare Aldridge’s game to that of a current NBA player.

“You look at Peyton’s ability as a ball-handler and an outside shooter, and combine that with his size, and it’s pretty unique.” Kiser said. “Now, with his inside game getting stronger, he’s a force all over the court. He has always reminded me of a Kevin Durant-type of player. That’s even more true today.”

And while no one is suggesting that Aldridge is the next Bird or Durant, Kiser does believe Aldridge’s career will continue beyond his senior season at Davidson. Kiser refers to Aldridge as “the most coachable player you’ll ever meet” with a basketball IQ “that is off the charts.”

“We’ve seen improvement each season, and with his work ethic, he still hasn’t reached his peak. Whether it’s the NBA or overseas, he’ll play beyond college,” Kiser said.

While Aldridge is quick to acknowledge his desire to play professionally, he insists he has no trouble keeping such aspirations on the backburner for the time being. Aldridge is an economics major scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2018. He plays on a team which he believes can “make some noise” in the upcoming A-10 tournament. He and his teammates “are like brothers, we’re a bunch of nerds who are bound together by basketball and endless hours of board game fun.” And with just one senior starter, Davidson’s future is bright.

As for that comparison to Bird?

“It’s kind of funny, because I never saw Bird play live, I’ve only seen plenty of his games and highlights on replay,” Aldridge said. “It’s an honor, but I know that (Giannini) was only making a reference to my style of game.”

“Right now, I am just trying to be the best I can be and help this team win games.”