Bryce Alford

Alford was born in Manchester, Indiana,{{cite basketball-reference|id=a/alforbr01|title=Bryce Alford|access-date=October 4, 2022}} to Tanya and Steve Alford, a college basketball coach and former professional player.{{cite web|title=Bryce Alford Bio|work=UCLA Bruins|url=http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208600771|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205065704/http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208600771|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Auerbach |first=Nicole |title=UCLA's Bryce Alford plays the toughest position — coach's son |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2015/03/20/ncaa-tournament-ucla-bryce-alford-steve-alford-father-son/25108061/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} His father was coaching at Manchester College at the time.{{cite web|title=News Conference Quotes (NCAA Tournament)|date=March 20, 2015|publisher=UCLA Athletics|url=https://uclabruins.com/sports/2015/3/21/209973901|access-date=October 4, 2022}} By the time Alford was five, he would sit in on his father's locker room talks, and stood beside him during news conferences.{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=UCLA's Bryce Alford shapes his own identity as starter|date=November 13, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-bryce-alford-20141114-story.html|access-date=December 5, 2014}}

Alford attended La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.{{cite news|last=Denison|first=Matt|title=Q&A: Steve Alford's son, Bryce, putting up big numbers in New Mexico|date=February 3, 2013|newspaper=The Courier-Journal|url=http://blogs.courier-journal.com/mattdenison/2013/02/03/qa-steve-alfords-son-bryce-putting-up-big-numbers-in-new-mexico/|access-date=December 7, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141207105241/http://blogs.courier-journal.com/mattdenison/2013/02/03/qa-steve-alfords-son-bryce-putting-up-big-numbers-in-new-mexico/|archive-date=December 7, 2014|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=David Driver / for the |date=2023-12-24 |title=Catching up with former La Cueva star Bryce Alford in Poland |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/sports/catching-up-with-former-la-cueva-star-bryce-alford-in-poland/article_8305e882-9efa-11ee-859f-f7c30d571984.html |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Albuquerque Journal |language=en}} He averaged 25.3 points and 4.6 assists in his junior year, when he also led the Bears to the Class 5A title game. In March 2012, he verbally committed to attend the University of New Mexico, where he would play college basketball under his father, who was coaching the Lobos.{{cite news|last=Dyer|first=Jessica|title=Bryce Alford Commits to Lobos|date=March 27, 2012|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/236637/sports/college/bryce-alford-commits-to-lobos-2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215194650/http://www.abqjournal.com/236637/sports/college/bryce-alford-commits-to-lobos-2.html|archive-date=February 15, 2016|url-status=live}} He signed a National Letter of Intent to accept New Mexico's athletic scholarship offer in December.

As a senior, Alford broke a 50-year-old New Mexico high school single-season scoring record with 1,050 points.{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=Bryce Alford invited to USA U19 training camp|date=May 22, 2013|work=Inside UCLA|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/05/22/bryce-alford-invited-to-usa-u19-training-camp/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205060854/http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/05/22/bryce-alford-invited-to-usa-u19-training-camp/|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=New Mexico Boys Basketball POY: Bryce Alford|date=March 21, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://usatodayhss.com/2013/new-mexico-boys-basketball-poy-bryce-alford|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205063540/http://usatodayhss.com/2013/new-mexico-boys-basketball-poy-bryce-alford|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live}} He averaged 37.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.6 steals while leading his team to a 22–6 record and the Class 5A quarterfinals. For the season, he was named New Mexico's Gatorade Player of the Year. While he earned first-team Parade All-American honors,{{cite web|last=McLaughlin|first=Brian|title=Meet PARADE's 2013 All-America Basketball Teams|date=May 18, 2013|work=Parade|url=http://communitytable.com/14852/brianmclaughlin/meet-parades-2013-all-america-basketball-teams/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021233729/http://communitytable.com/14852/brianmclaughlin/meet-parades-2013-all-america-basketball-teams/|archive-date=October 21, 2014|url-status=live}} recruiting services did not rank him among the top 100 overall players nationally.{{cite news|last=Vecenie|first=Sam|title=After stumbling out to a 3-3 start, UCLA has turned its season around|date=December 17, 2015|website=CBS Sports|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25416877/after-stumbling-out-to-a-3-3-start-ucla-has-turned-its-season-around|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222221236/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25416877/after-stumbling-out-to-a-3-3-start-ucla-has-turned-its-season-around|archive-date=February 22, 2016|url-status=live}} He was ranked No. 44 at shooting guard, but he considered himself a point guard. Steve believed his son's commitment to play for him negatively impacted his ranking.{{cite news|last=Dauster|first=Rob|title=All For One|work=NBC Sportsworld|url=http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/steve-alford-son-bryce-alford-ucla-best-shooter/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217000636/http://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/steve-alford-son-bryce-alford-ucla-best-shooter/|archive-date=February 17, 2016|url-status=live}} Alford participated in USA Basketball's training camp for the 2013 FIBA Under-19 World Championship,{{cite web|last=Holt|first=John|title=Men's U19 Training Camp Begins, Players Feeling Eager|date=June 14, 2013|work=USA Basketball|url=http://archive.usab.com/mens/u19/13_mu19_features_training_camp_begins.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205061844/http://archive.usab.com/mens/u19/13_mu19_features_training_camp_begins.html|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2014}} where he was eager to gain national attention.

In March 2013, Steve became the coach at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Alford followed him.{{cite news|last=Foster|first=Chris|title=UCLA hires Steve Alford as basketball coach; he has big job ahead|date=March 30, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-mar-30-la-sp-0331-ucla-steve-alford-20130331-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213143730/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/30/sports/la-sp-0331-ucla-steve-alford-20130331|archive-date=December 13, 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Geoff Grammer / Journal Staff |date=2023-07-13 |title=Bryce Alford to feel right at home again in visit to Albuquerque |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/sports/bryce-alford-to-feel-right-at-home-again-in-visit-to-albuquerque/article_5be98aaa-210b-11ee-b191-f3b84e911753.html |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Albuquerque Journal |language=en}} The Bruins rarely sought players who were not four- or five-star recruits. With Alford rated a consensus three-star prospect,{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Emanuel|title=Bryce Alford ready to prove doubters wrong|date=June 11, 2013|website=MaxPreps.com|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/YjP7lCvTz0qPLmHn2IbltQ/bryce-alford-ready-to-prove-doubters-wrong.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114133110/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/YjP7lCvTz0qPLmHn2IbltQ/bryce-alford-ready-to-prove-doubters-wrong.htm|archive-date=November 14, 2013|url-status=live}} skeptics were wary of nepotism.{{cite news|last=Warsinskey|first=Tim|title=Bryce Alford's goaltending 3-pointer doesn't count in Steve Alford's book|date=March 20, 2015|newspaper=Cleveland Plain-Dealer|url=http://www.cleveland.com/marchmadness/index.ssf/2015/03/bryce_alfords_goaltending_3-po.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626200902/http://www.cleveland.com/marchmadness/index.ssf/2015/03/bryce_alfords_goaltending_3-po.html|archive-date=June 26, 2015|url-status=live}} In Alford's first season in 2013–14, his father groomed him over fellow freshman Zach LaVine to be the team's backup point guard behind starter Kyle Anderson.{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=UCLA freshman Zach LaVine to declare for NBA draft|date=March 28, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20140328/ucla-freshman-zach-lavine-to-declare-for-nba-draft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916233401/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20140328/ucla-freshman-zach-lavine-to-declare-for-nba-draft|archive-date=September 16, 2014|url-status=live}} However, Alford started the season slowly, averaging only five points on 37.9 percent shooting through the first six games. Fans began questioning Alford's role compared to the crowd-favorite LaVine's, and he felt pressure to justify his scholarship.{{cite news|last=Bowman|first=Kevin|title=Guard Bryce Alford ready to face pressures of 2014 basketball season|date=November 14, 2014|newspaper=The Daily Bruin|url=http://dailybruin.com/2014/11/14/guard-bryce-alford-ready-to-face-pressures-of-2014-basketball-season/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213191703/http://dailybruin.com/2014/11/14/guard-bryce-alford-ready-to-face-pressures-of-2014-basketball-season/|archive-date=December 13, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Macur|first=Juliet|title=As Three Alfords Lead U.C.L.A., a Fourth Anchors the Family|date=March 21, 2015|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/22/sports/ncaabasketball/bearing-nerves-of-family-in-the-ncaa-tournament-times-three.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150417202529/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/22/sports/ncaabasketball/bearing-nerves-of-family-in-the-ncaa-tournament-times-three.html?_r=0|archive-date=April 17, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Alford cited two games that helped boost his confidence: an 18-point game early in the season in the Las Vegas Invitational, and a 20-point performance in the Pac-12 season opener against USC that followed his scoreless game against Alabama.{{cite news|last=Gold|first=Jon|title=UCLA's other Alford providing early season spark|date=June 9, 2014|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|url=http://tucson.com/sports/basketball/college/wildcats/ucla-s-other-alford-providing-early-season-spark/article_26998e39-0b46-58a5-9a67-3c45f61636fe.html|access-date=December 5, 2014}} On February 27, 2014, with stars Anderson and Jordan Adams suspended, Alford scored 31 points in an 87–83 double-overtime loss at home to Oregon.{{cite news|last=DeCourcy|first=Mike|title=UCLA coach Alford suspends stars Anderson, Adams for Oregon game|date=February 28, 2014|work=Sporting News|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-02-27/ucla-coach-alford-suspends-stars-anderson-adams-for-oregon-game|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205080541/http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2014-02-27/ucla-coach-alford-suspends-stars-anderson-adams-for-oregon-game|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live}} He became the first UCLA freshman since Don MacLean in 1988 to exceed 30 points in a game. For the season, Alford averaged eight points and 2.8 assists in 23 minutes per game, and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. He and LaVine were named the Bruins' top freshmen.{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=Kyle Anderson named UCLA's most valuable player at team banquet|date=May 5, 2014|work=Inside UCLA|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2014/05/05/kyle-anderson-named-ucla-mvp-at-team-banquet/?doing_wp_cron=1417760466.1616039276123046875000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205062446/http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2014/05/05/kyle-anderson-named-ucla-mvp-at-team-banquet/?doing_wp_cron=1417760466.1616039276123046875000|archive-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live}}

After Anderson and LaVine left UCLA for the National Basketball Association (NBA), Alford became the Bruins' starting point guard in 2014–15.{{cite news|last=Foster|first=Chris|title=UCLA's Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton likely to share point guard job|date=April 17, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-alford-20140418-story.html|access-date=December 5, 2014}}{{cite news|last=Hefland|first=Zach|title=UCLA guard Isaac Hamilton continues to shake off the rust|date=November 13, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-basketball-20141203-story.html|access-date=December 5, 2014}} Although he was considered more of a shooter than a true point guard,{{cite news|last=Gottlieb|first=Doug|title=Unimpressive UCLA has plenty of problems|date=January 7, 2015|work=CBS Sports|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/writer/doug-gottlieb/24942044/unimpressive-ucla-has-plenty-of-problems|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108202211/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/writer/doug-gottlieb/24942044/unimpressive-ucla-has-plenty-of-problems|archive-date=January 8, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Eisenberg|first=Jeff|title=Diagnosing what's wrong with UCLA as its losing skid hits five|date=January 4, 2015|work=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/diagnosing-what-s-wrong-with-ucla-as-its-losing-skid-hits-five-012244321.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110084606/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/diagnosing-what-s-wrong-with-ucla-as-its-losing-skid-hits-five-012244321.html|archive-date=January 10, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brennan|first=Eamonn|title=Do UCLA's problems have solutions?|date=January 5, 2015|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/101886/do-uclas-problems-have-solutions|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108235807/http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/101886/do-uclas-problems-have-solutions|archive-date=January 8, 2015|url-status=live}} Alford was the team's only legitimate option for the position.{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=What's wrong with UCLA men's basketball?|date=January 9, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150109/whats-wrong-with-ucla-mens-basketball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111142902/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150109/whats-wrong-with-ucla-mens-basketball|archive-date=January 11, 2015|url-status=live}} Twice in the first three games he reached double figures in both points and assists to record the first double-doubles of his career. On November 20, 2014, he scored 28 points along with a career-high 13 assists in a 107–74 win over Nicholls State.{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=Bryce Alford notches second double-double in three games|date=November 21, 2014|work=Inside UCLA|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2014/11/21/bryce-alford-notches-second-double-double-in-three-games/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217050230/http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2014/11/21/bryce-alford-notches-second-double-double-in-three-games/|archive-date=December 17, 2014 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2014-11-20 |title=Bryce Alford Scores 28 As UCLA Routs Nicholls State, 107-74 - CBS Los Angeles |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/bryce-alford-scores-28-as-ucla-routs-nicholls-state-107-74/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} During a five-game losing streak later in the season, Alford had a streak of 19 consecutive missed shots, part of stretch in which he made just 5 of 39 attempts.{{cite news|last=Kartje|first=Ryan|title=Alford searching for right buttons to turn around Bruins|date=January 6, 2015|newspaper=Orange Country Register|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ucla-647318-alford-looney.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110102626/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ucla-647318-alford-looney.html|archive-date=January 10, 2015|url-status=live}} Criticism for him being the coach's son was at its peak, but the team looked to him and senior Norman Powell for leadership.{{cite news|last=Plaschke|first=Bill|title=For UCLA coach's kid Bryce Alford, his shot finally falls into place|date=March 19, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-smu-plaschke-20150320-column.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321004942/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-smu-plaschke-20150320-column.html|archive-date=March 21, 2015|url-status=live}} At season's end, Alford received honorable mention for the All-Pac-12 team.{{cite press release|title=2014-15 Pac-12 Conference Men's Basketball Honors|date=March 9, 2015|publisher=Pac-12|url=https://pac-12.com/news/2015/3/9/2014-15-pac-12-conference-mens-basketball-honors.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312012307/http://pac-12.com/article/2015/03/09/2014-15-pac-12-conference-mens-basketball-honors|archive-date=March 12, 2015|url-status=live}} Proving most major projections wrong, UCLA received an invite to the 2015 NCAA tournament, earning a No. 11 seed.{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=UCLA earns a surprise selection into the NCAA tournament|date=March 15, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/uclanow/la-sp-ucla-earns-ncaa-tournament-bid-20150315-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319001657/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/uclanow/la-sp-ucla-earns-ncaa-tournament-bid-20150315-story.html|archive-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=UCLA gets No. 11 seed in NCAA Tournament, will play SMU|date=March 15, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150315/ucla-gets-no-11-seed-in-ncaa-tournament-will-play-smu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318233229/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20150315/ucla-gets-no-11-seed-in-ncaa-tournament-will-play-smu|archive-date=March 18, 2015|url-status=live}} In the Bruins' opener, Alford made four three-point field goals in the final four minutes and was credited with the game-winning three-pointer after a goaltending call with 13 seconds remaining in a 60–59 win over sixth-seeded SMU.{{Cite web |title=Guard Bryce Alford plays pivotal role in 60-59 win against SMU |url=https://dailybruin.com/2015/03/19/guard-bryce-alford-plays-pivotal-role-in-60-59-win-against-smu/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Daily Bruin}} He finished with a game-high 27 points and connected on 9 of 11 three-point attempts,{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Jack|title=NCAA Tournament: Bryce Alford gets hot and fortunate as UCLA stuns SMU|date=March 19, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=http://www.dailynews.com/events/20150319/ncaa-tournament-bryce-alford-gets-hot-and-fortunate-as-ucla-stuns-smu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322133534/http://www.dailynews.com/events/20150319/ncaa-tournament-bryce-alford-gets-hot-and-fortunate-as-ucla-stuns-smu|archive-date=March 22, 2015|url-status=live}} the most ever made by a UCLA player in the NCAA Tournament and tying the school record held by Jason Kapono for the most in any game.{{#tag:ref|Kapono made 9 of 11 against Washington State on January 4, 2003.{{cite news|title=No. 14-seed UAB (20-15) vs. No. 11-seed UCLA (21-13)|date=March 21, 2015|publisher=UCLA Sports Information|url=https://www.nmnathletics.com//pdf9/3321319.pdf?SPSID=749897&SPID=126928&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=30500|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222162155/https://www.nmnathletics.com//pdf9/3321319.pdf?SPSID=749897&SPID=126928&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=30500|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}|group=lower-alpha}} Alford also broke the Bruins' single-season record for made three-pointers, held for eight years by Arron Afflalo.{{#tag:ref|Afflalo made 87 in 2006–07.|group=lower-alpha}}

As a junior in 2015–16, Alford began the season sharing point guard duties with freshman starter Aaron Holiday.{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=UCLA finds outlet for better point-guard play in 77-45 win over Cal State Northridge|date=November 29, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-csun-20151130-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208230210/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-csun-20151130-story.html|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=Freshman Aaron Holiday brings energy and swarming defense to UCLA|date=November 13, 2015|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-basketball-holiday-20151113-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208204446/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-basketball-holiday-20151113-story.html|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=live}} In the conference opener against Washington, Alford was shooting just 1 of 13 in the game when he made two three-pointers with 23 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, and forced a second overtime with another tying three-pointer. UCLA lost the game and began the season 0–2 in the Pac-12, while Alford shot just 7 for 31.{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=Bryce Alford will take the last shot for Bruins|date=January 2, 2016|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-usc-basketball-20160103-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112074909/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-usc-basketball-20160103-story.html|archive-date=January 12, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Joey|title=UCLA's Bryce Alford once again searching for his shooting touch early in Pac-12 play|date=January 6, 2016|newspaper=The Orange County Register|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/alford-698861-play-pac.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109072109/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/alford-698861-play-pac.html|archive-date=January 9, 2016|url-status=live}} The Bruins ended their losing streak the following game when Alford scored 25 points and made the game-winning three-pointer with 1.8 seconds left in an 87–84 win over No. 7 Arizona.{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=Bryce Alford again pops the clutch to lift UCLA past No. 7 Arizona|date=January 7, 2016|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-arizona-20160108-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112110235/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-arizona-20160108-story.html|archive-date=January 12, 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=UCLA stuns No. 7 Arizona on Bryce Alford's 3-pointer |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/ncaab/ua/2016/01/07/ucla-stuns-no-7-arizona-alfords-3-pointer/78451066/ |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}} In the subsequent game against Arizona State, he made a three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining in the game to secure an 81–74 win.{{cite news|title=Holiday's 3-pointer sends UCLA past Arizona State, 81-74|date=January 9, 2016|publisher=AP|url=http://collegebasketball.ap.org/article/holidays-3-pointer-sends-ucla-past-arizona-state-81-74|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111031804/http://collegebasketball.ap.org/article/holidays-3-pointer-sends-ucla-past-arizona-state-81-74|archive-date=January 11, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=January 12, 2016}} He was named Pac-12 Player of the Week after averaging 21.5 points in the two games on 55 percent shooting.{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Joey|title=Bryce Alford takes Pac-12 player of the week honors|date=January 11, 2016|newspaper=The Orange County Register|url=http://www.ocregister.com/ucla/alford-699397-week-player.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112174458/http://www.ocregister.com/ucla/alford-699397-week-player.html|archive-date=January 12, 2016|url-status=live}} Alford was often clutch during the season, but he made just 38.5% of his shots despite leading the team in attempts.{{cite news|last=Helfand|first=Zach|title=How UCLA basketball roster shapes up for 2016-17|date=March 13, 2016|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-basketball-roster-20160314-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608060722/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-basketball-roster-20160314-story.html|archive-date=June 8, 2016|url-status=live}} He finished the season ranked seventh in the Pac-12 in scoring with 16.1 points per game, second in assists with 5.2 per game, and second in assist-turnover ratio (2.7). The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) named him second-team All-District 20, and he again received honorable mention for the All-Pac-12 team.

Alford moved to shooting guard in 2016–17 after highly touted freshman point guard Lonzo Ball arrived at UCLA.{{cite news|last=O'Neil|first=Dana|title=Bryce Alford known simply for playing well ... and that's a good thing|date=January 5, 2017|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/117032/bryce-alford-known-simply-for-playing-well-and-thats-a-good-thing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106180859/http://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/117032/bryce-alford-known-simply-for-playing-well-and-thats-a-good-thing|archive-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live}} During the season, Alford established career highs shooting 48 percent from the field and 43 percent on three-pointers,{{cite news|last=Fowler|first=Clay|title=UCLA basketball 2017 report card: Bryce Alford|date=April 4, 2017|work=Inside UCLA|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2017/04/04/ucla-basketball-2017-report-card-bryce-alford/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407233503/http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2017/04/04/ucla-basketball-2017-report-card-bryce-alford/|archive-date=April 7, 2017|url-status=live}} and was named first-team All-Pac-12 along with teammates Ball and T. J. Leaf.{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=UCLA's Lonzo Ball is Pac-12 freshman of the year and one of three Bruins on first team|date=March 6, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-lonzo-ball-20170306-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308091900/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-lonzo-ball-20170306-story.html|archive-date=March 8, 2017|url-status=live}} He also became the first player in UCLA history to reach career totals of both 1,700 points and 500 assists.{{cite news|last=Fowler|first=Clay|title=Bryce Alford destined for top 5 on UCLA career scoring list|date=February 21, 2017|work=Inside UCLA|url=http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2017/02/21/bryce-alford-destined-for-no-5-on-ucla-career-scoring-list/|access-date=March 5, 2017}} On January 12, 2017, Alford scored a career-high 37 points in a 104–89 win at Colorado. He also tied his career high with nine three-pointers, helping UCLA set a school record with 19 three-pointers made.{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=Bryce Alford is a shooting star in UCLA's victory over Colorado|date=January 12, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-colorado-20170112-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113202846/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-colorado-20170112-story.html|archive-date=January 13, 2017|url-status=live}} On February 25, he scored a team-high 15 points to lead the No. 5 Bruins to a 77–72 win over No. 4 Arizona, which also snapped their conference rivals' 21-game home winning streak.{{cite news|last=Baum|first=Bob|title=Thomas Welsh lifts No. 5 UCLA to victory over No. 4 Arizona in Tucson|date=February 25, 2017|newspaper=The Orange Country Register|agency=The Associated Press|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/arizona-745066-ucla-half.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305035238/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/arizona-745066-ucla-half.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017|url-status=live}} He also made 3-of-7 three-pointers to surpass his own single-season school record for three-point field goals made (93).{{cite web|title=No. 5 UCLA Upends No. 4 Arizona, 77-72|date=February 25, 2017|website=UCLABruins.com|url=http://www.uclabruins.com/news/2017/2/25/mens-basketball-no-5-ucla-upends-no-4-arizona-77-72.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227112132/http://www.uclabruins.com/news/2017/2/25/mens-basketball-no-5-ucla-upends-no-4-arizona-77-72.aspx|archive-date=February 27, 2017|url-status=live}} In the regular season finale against Washington State, Alford made two three-pointers in a 77–68 win to tie Kapono's school record for career three-pointers made (317).{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=Bryce Alford gets emotional in sendoff before UCLA's win over Washington State, 77-68|date=March 4, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170304-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305200209/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-washington-state-20170304-story.html|archive-date=March 5, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2017-03-05 |title=Bryce Alford gets tearful sendoff in No. 3 UCLA's Senior Night win |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/bryce-alford-gets-tearful-sendoff-in-no-3-uclas-senior-night-win |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} In UCLA's opener in the Pac-12 tournament, Alford made two three-pointers to become the Bruins' career leader in a 74–69 win over USC.{{cite news|last=Bolch|first=Ben|title=It's UCLA by a nose over USC in Pac-12 quarterfinals|date=March 9, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-usc-pac-12-20170309-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311203416/http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-ucla-usc-pac-12-20170309-story.html|archive-date=March 11, 2017|url-status=live}} He finished his UCLA career as the fifth-leading scorer in school history,{{cite news|last=Fowler|first=Clay|title=Thrilling ride made UCLA basketball's season-ending loss sting|date=March 25, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|url=http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170325/thrilling-ride-made-ucla-basketballs-season-ending-loss-sting|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327080314/http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170325/thrilling-ride-made-ucla-basketballs-season-ending-loss-sting|archive-date=March 27, 2017|url-status=live}} and graduated with a degree in political science.{{cite news|last=Davis|first=Tom|title=Life in the G League: Former UCLA guard Bryce Alford following in father's footsteps now and in future|date=May 17, 2018|newspaper=News-Sentinel|url=http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/2018/05/17/life-in-the-g-league-former-ucla-guard-bryce-alford-following-in-fathers-footsteps-now-and-in-future/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518032611/http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/2018/05/17/life-in-the-g-league-former-ucla-guard-bryce-alford-following-in-fathers-footsteps-now-and-in-future/|archive-date=May 18, 2018|url-status=live}}

After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft, Alford signed with the Golden State Warriors to play on their summer league team.{{cite news|last=Slater|first=Anthony|title=UCLA's Bryce Alford to play for Warriors' summer league team|date=June 23, 2017|newspaper=The Mercury News|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/23/uclas-bryce-alford-to-play-for-warriors-summer-league-team/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625043046/http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/23/uclas-bryce-alford-to-play-for-warriors-summer-league-team/|archive-date=June 25, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Bryce Alford looks to seize opportunity with Warriors |url=https://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Bryce-Alford-looks-to-seize-opportunity-with-11282136.php}} He later signed a training camp contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|title=Thunder Adds Alford, Brown, Canaan and Thomas to Training Camp Roster|url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/alford-brown-canaan-thomas-170925|website=NBA.com|date=September 24, 2017|access-date=September 26, 2017}} Alford was waived by the Thunder on October 11, 2017, about a week before the start of the regular season; he had not played in their four preseason games.{{cite web|title=Thunder Waives Three|url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/thunder-waives-three-171011|website=nba.com|access-date=October 11, 2017}}{{cite news|last=Dawson|first=Brett|title=Thunder cuts Alford, Brown, Thomas|date=October 11, 2017|newspaper=The Oklahoman|url=http://newsok.com/thunder-cuts-alford-brown-thomas/article/5567620|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012033443/http://newsok.com/thunder-cuts-alford-brown-thomas/article/5567620|archive-date=October 12, 2017|url-status=live}} He joined the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder's NBA G League team, as an affiliate player.{{cite press release|title=Oklahoma City Blue Announces Training Camp Roster|date=October 23, 2017|publisher=Oklahoma City Blue|url=http://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/news/oklahoma-city-blue-announces-training-camp-roster-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024080735/http://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/news/oklahoma-city-blue-announces-training-camp-roster-2/|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=live}} In 2017–18, he started 27 of 50 games and averaged 15.5 points while made a league-leading 186 three-pointers at a 40.4 percent clip.{{cite news|last=Weir|first=Josh|title=Charge notes: Scoochie impresses during short time in Canton|date=March 26, 2018|work=The Repository|url=http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/20180326/charge-notes-scoochie-impresses-during-short-time-in-canton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410185051/http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/20180326/charge-notes-scoochie-impresses-during-short-time-in-canton|archive-date=April 10, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Bryce Alford G-League Stats|work=basketball-reference.com|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/players/a/alforbr01d.html|access-date=April 10, 2018}} After the season, Alford participated in the G League Elite Mini Camp, where he was the third-leading scorer (13.5 points per game) among the group of 51 players. He joined the Indiana Pacers summer league squad, where he was reunited with former UCLA teammates Holiday, Leaf, and Ike Anigbogu.{{cite news|last=Guskey|first=Jordan|title=UCLA pipeline to Indiana Pacers evident in Pacers' summer league roster|date=July 2, 2018|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2018/07/02/nba-summer-league-indiana-pacers-roster-evidence-ucla-pipeline/750594002/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417034817/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2018/07/02/nba-summer-league-indiana-pacers-roster-evidence-ucla-pipeline/750594002/|archive-date=April 17, 2021|url-status=live}}

Alford was signed to the Thunder's 2018–19 training camp roster on an Exhibit 10 contract,{{cite news|last=Marks|first=Bobby|title=Training camp questions, full roster breakdowns for every NBA team|date=October 9, 2018|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/training-camp-questions-full-roster-breakdowns-nba-team/story?id=58390150|publisher=ESPN|via=ABC News|access-date=October 16, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Thunder Adds Alford, Gaddy, McDaniels and Solomon to Training Camp Roster|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-camproster-180923|website=NBA.com|access-date=September 24, 2018|date=September 23, 2018}} but was waived after playing sparingly in three preseason games.{{cite web|title=Thunder Waives Three|url=https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-trainingcamp-181010|website=NBA.com|access-date=October 10, 2018|date=October 10, 2018}}

He was added to the Oklahoma City Blue training camp roster on October 23, 2018.{{cite web |title=Oklahoma City Blue Announces Training Camp Roster |url=https://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/news/oklahoma-city-blue-announces-training-camp-roster-3/ |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 3, 2018 |date=October 23, 2018 |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705105135/https://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/news/oklahoma-city-blue-announces-training-camp-roster-3/ |url-status=dead }}

On June 28, 2019, Medi Bayreuth of the Basketball Bundesliga announced that they had signed Alford.{{cite web|title=Mit Bryce Alford komplettieren die HEROES OF TOMORROW ihren Backcourt|url=https://www.medi-bayreuth.de/details/News/mit-bryce-alford-komplettieren-die-heroes-of-tomorrow-ihren-backcourt|language=DE|date=June 28, 2019|website=medi-bayreuth.de|access-date=June 28, 2019|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629034641/https://www.medi-bayreuth.de/details/News/mit-bryce-alford-komplettieren-die-heroes-of-tomorrow-ihren-backcourt|url-status=dead}}

On January 1, 2021, Alford joined S.L. Benfica of the LPB in Portugal.{{cite web|title= Bryce Alford: "Estou pronto para ajudar o máximo possível"|date=January 1, 2021|website=SLBenfica.pt|language=pt|url= https://www.slbenfica.pt/pt-pt/agora/noticias/2021/01/16/basquetebol-benfica-bryce-alford-antevisao-imortal-15-jornada-liga-placard|access-date=January 19, 2021}}

On October 14, 2021, Alford signed with the Chicago Bulls, but was waived the same day.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Adams|title=Bulls Sign, Waive Bryce Alford|url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/10/bulls-plan-to-sign-bryce-alford-to-camp-deal.html|website=HoopsRumors.com|date=October 14, 2021|access-date=October 23, 2021}} He joined the Windy City Bulls as an affiliate player.{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Kyle |title=Windy City Bulls Announce Opening Night Roster |url=https://windycity.gleague.nba.com/news/windy-city-bulls-finalize-training-camp-roster-announce-basketball-operations-staff/ |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 7, 2021 |date=October 25, 2021}}

Alford joined Zastal Zielona Góra of the Polish Basketball League for the 2022–23 season.{{cite web|first=Tomasz|last=Sadłowski|title=Bryce Alford nowym zawodnikiem w Enea Zastal BC Zielona Góra|date=October 13, 2022|publisher=Enea Zastal BC Zielona Góra|url=http://www.basketzg.pl/news/bryce-alford-nowym-zawodnikiem-w-enea-zastal-bc-zielona-gora|access-date=November 10, 2022|language=pl}} He began 2023–24 with BK Pardubice of the Czech National Basketball League. He played in two EuroCup games, but he exercised an out in his contract when they did not qualify for further international competition.{{cite news|first=David|last=Driver|title=Catching up with former La Cueva star Bryce Alford in Poland|date=November 22, 2024|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/sports/catching-up-with-former-la-cueva-star-bryce-alford-in-poland/article_8305e882-9efa-11ee-859f-f7c30d571984.html|access-date=November 22, 2024}} On November 19, 2023, he signed with Arka Gdynia of the Polish Basketball League (PLK).{{Cite web|url=https://plk.pl/aktualnosci/n/23941/alford-wraca-do-obl--zagra-w-gdyni.html|title=Alford wraca do OBL. Zagra w Gdyni|date=November 19, 2023|website=plk.pl|publisher=|language=pl|access-date=November 21, 2023 |author1=Wk }}

Alford joined the Oklahoma City Blue staff as an assistant coach in 2024–25.{{cite web|title=Coaches – Oklahoma City Blue|publisher=Oklahoma City Blue|url=https://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/coaches|access-date=November 22, 2024}}

Alford was selected to play for the United States national team in their second round of qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup.{{cite news|last=Horne|first=Erik|title=OKC Blue's Bryce Alford selected to World Cup Qualifying roster|date=September 10, 2018|newspaper=The Oklahoman|url=https://newsok.com/article/5607797/okc-blues-bryce-alford-selected-to-world-cup-qualifying-roster}} He helped the US go 2–0 in their September 2018 games to extend their record to 7–1 with two remaining windows to play.{{cite web|last=Winderman|first=Jake|title=USA Basketball Starts 2-0 In Second Round Of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers|date=September 20, 2018|website=Gleague.NBA.com|url=https://gleague.nba.com/news/usa-basketball-starts-2-0-in-second-round-of-fiba-world-cup-qualifiers/|access-date=October 11, 2018}}

{{NBA player statistics legend}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2017–18

| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City

| 50 || 27 || 30.9 || .411 || .407 || .793 || 2.9 || 2.0 || .9 || .1 || 15.5

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 50 || 27 || 30.9 || .411 || .407 || .793 || 2.9 || 2.0 || .9 || .1 || 15.5

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2017–18

| style="text-align:left;"| Oklahoma City

| 1 || 1 || 37.0 || .600 || .500 || 1.000 || 1.0 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .0 || 19.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 1 || 1 || 37.0 || .600 || .500 || 1.000 || 1.0 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .0 || 19.0

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2013–14

| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA

| 37 || 1 || 23.1 || .384 || .385 || .804 || 1.8 || 2.8 || .8 || .1 || 8.0

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2014–15

| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA

| 36 || 36 || 36.3 || .396 || .391 || .838 || 3.2 || 4.9 || .9 || .0 || 15.4

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2015–16

| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA

| 32 || 32 || 36.2 || .385 || .367 || .831 || 3.8 || 5.2 || .7 || .0 || 16.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA

| 36 || 36 || 33.0 || .447 || .430 || .821 || 2.5 || 2.6 || .5 || .1 || 15.5

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 141 || 105 || 32.0 || .405 || .397 || .825 || 2.8 || 3.8 || .8 || .1 || 13.6

{{S-end}}

In November 2024, Alford was hired as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Blue.{{cite web|title=OKLAHOMA CITY BLUE ANNOUNCES 2024-25 ROSTER|url=https://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/news/oklahoma-city-blue-announces-2024-25-roster|website=NBA.com|date=November 9, 2024|access-date=November 11, 2024}}

Alford married Ali Warner in 2019.{{cite news|first=Geoff|last=Grammer|title=Still at home in Albuquerque, Bryce Alford ponders next step|date=May 28, 2019|newspaper=Albuquerque Journal|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1321212/all-he-asks-is-for-a-shot.html|access-date=February 6, 2022}} He is a Christian.{{cite web |last1=Kruse |first1=Ethan |title=Bryce Alford - Keeping Centered |date=November 17, 2020|url=https://hishuddle.com/2020/11/17/bryce-alford/ |website=His Huddle |access-date=7 February 2022}}

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• [http://www.uclabruins.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208600771 UCLA Bruins bio]

{{Oklahoma City Blue current roster}}

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Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Germany

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Arka Gdynia (basketball) players

Category:BK Pardubice players

Category:Basketball players from Albuquerque, New Mexico

Category:La Cueva High School alumni

Category:Medi Bayreuth players

Category:Oklahoma City Blue coaches

Category:Oklahoma City Blue players

Category:Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball)

Category:Point guards

Category:S.L. Benfica basketball players

Category:UCLA Bruins men's basketball players

Category:United States men's national basketball team players

Category:Windy City Bulls players

Category:Zastal Zielona Góra players