Hard-working Alec Kobre earns shot at pro basketball career in Spain

“He’s a hard worker” - A simple concept thrown around a lot by people in sports. But, what does it actually mean?

The answer might be Alec Kobre. A former Montgomery High School and Santa Rosa Junior College basketball standout, Kobre is seeing all his “hard work” pay off.

On Nov. 1, he signed a contract to play professional basketball for Spain’s Club Baloncesto Marin Peixfresco. Two days later, he boarded a 19-hour flight to the Spanish town of Marin, Galicia - his first time leaving the country. As soon as he landed, before he could even unpack, Kobre was on his way to his first practice as a professional athlete.

Kobre graduated from University of Pacific in May after playing two seasons of basketball for the Tigers, where he averaged 13.2 points a game in his senior season. Kobre shot 50.5 percent from the field, 44.1 percent from 3 and 90.9 percent from the free throw line in his final season for UP, making him the first college basketball player since 2013 to shoot better than 50 percent from field goal range, 40 percent beyond the arc and 90 percent from the line.

Mike Burns, Pacific’s coach last season, refers to Kobre as a “grinder.” Burns said Kobre would shoot and make anywhere from 250-500 3-pointers every single day.

“He is an outstanding player and he is that way because of his work ethic and diligence,” said Burns. “He may not be the most talented player, but he will outwork anyone anywhere.”

After graduation Kobre went home to Santa Rosa, but didn’t stop working on his game. He went wherever he could to put up shots. Kobre practiced with the SRJC team, the Montgomery team and with friends at Bennett Valley Elementary School. Kobre worked out with trainer Lawrence Phillips at LP Fitness to consistently stay in peak physical shape.

Kobre’s parents have supported every step of their son’s dream of playing professional basketball. But, Kobre’s father, Shaw Kobre, knew it wouldn’t be easy.

“There is no magic formula. It’s hard work,” said Shaw Kobre. “There are a lot better athletes than Alec who haven’t made it this far and he’s never taken that for granted.”

In August, Kobre received a call to play in Spain. But, before leaving, the opportunity fell through which left him back at square one.

“He definitely was getting frustrated,” said Shaw Kobre. “We just had to trust the process.”

Kobre consulted close friend Phillip “Chico” Averbuck, the director of International Scouting for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Averbuck urged Kobre to keep working in the gym and wait for his opportunity to play professionally.

In late September, Kobre received a call from his agent, who informed him that a spot had opened up on Club Baloncesto Marin Peixfresco in Spain and they needed him as soon as possible. Kobre jumped at the opportunity. He said he was ecstatic after taking the call.

Two days later, he was on a plane to Spain.

Kobre’s former coach, Burns, said he wasn’t surprised.

“As good a player as he is, he’s even a better young man and good things happen to good people,” said Burns.

After almost a month in Spain, Kobre is adjusting to life as a professional basketball player in a foreign country.

“I’m not going to lie. It’s been tough,” said Kobre.

Kobre said getting use to the style of play in European basketball has been one of the most difficult things to get use to.

“The game is a lot different here,” said Kobre. “It’s a lot more physical and there aren’t many fouls. Guys aren’t as athletic and the ball moves a lot more than I expected.”

Kobre is playing in the Liga Española de Baloncesto Oro, the secondary league behind the country’s famous La Liga, where many NBA prospects and former NBAers play.

Kobre said the league is very balanced from top to bottom and any team can win on any night.

One of the biggest obstacles Kobre has faced during his time in Spain is not speaking Spanish. Kobre says most of the team speaks Spanish. His coach doesn’t speak any English.

Kobre jokingly blames Montgomery High School’s Spanish program for not preparing him properly for life overseas.

“Luckily ordering food hasn’t been a problem yet,” he said.

Kobre was paired with fellow WCC conference alum Tim Derksen from University of San Francisco as his roommate. Kobre says Derksen and another American, Jason Cain, are helping him find a daily routine.

Being away from family, friends and his girlfriend has been challenging for Kobre.

“Transitioning from seeing your friends and family every day to now being in a different country has been a tough change,” said Kobre. “It has been hard for sure.”

Kobre’s family is disappointed he will not be home for the holidays, but they are proud of him for chasing his dream.

“You have to make sacrifices,” said Shaw Kobre. “You have to give some stuff up if you want to pursue your dreams.”

Kobre is going to enjoy this moment right now in Spain and not try to look to far into the future. He wants to play this season out and see where it takes him. He hopes this experience will help land a job coaching when he is done.

Four games into his professional career, Kobre is averaging 16 minutes per game, 7.8 points per game and is picking up right where he left off at Pacific, shooting 46 percent from 3-point range. His team is currently 4-6 on the season.