From Aten’s Rock to Bucks Court: Philip Alston’s Journey to the NBA Summer League

After not getting drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Loyola forward Philip Alston has signed on to play for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Summer League. In May, Alston had a workout with the team that led to this opportunity for him to showcase his skills.

Alston is a 6’6” long and powerfully built forward who brings a unique combination of explosiveness, physicality, and a strong work ethic to the Bucks’ Summer League squad. He is known for his ability to cover a lot of ground on the court and his willingness to do the small things that contribute to team success.

Loyola alumnus Alston joined the Ramblers in 2022 after playing two years at California University of Pennsylvania. In his first season with Loyola, he led the team in both points and rebounds per game. This past season as a senior, he continued to be a key contributor as Loyola went on to win the Atlantic 10 conference championship.

Despite dealing with an early-season injury, Alston still managed to lead the team in both scoring and rebounding, demonstrating his value to the team. While Loyola didn’t make it to the NCAA Tournament, they did compete in the NIT, where they fell in the first round to Bradley.

The Bucks’ Summer League schedule will begin on July 13th with a game against the Chicago Bulls at 3:30 p.m. Alston will be aiming to earn a spot on the Bucks’ roster and become