Alex Caruso says the learning process never ends, not even for a veteran like him

Caruso says the learning never stops in the NBA.

© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA is a league populated by some of the best athletes in the world. While physical attributes and athleticism are crucial aspects of success in the league, one of the most underrated factors is a player's ability to learn and improve constantly.

One prime example of this is Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso. At 29, the former Texas A&M star has had to scratch and claw to earn his place in the league. And though he’s playing in his seventh season in the league, he admits the learning process never ends. In a brief conversation with The Athletic, Caruso explained that even with years of experience, he still seeks out new ways to improve his game.

Learning through the fire

As the saying goes, “The best way to learn is through experience.” For Caruso, this has been especially true. After going undrafted, he went through the G League before earning a spot on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. But even after making it to the NBA, Caruso didn’t get much playing time. However, he still made the most of the experience. Even sitting on the bench, he listened to coaches and watched how his players played.

“Just learning through the fire,” Caruso said.

“This is year seven for me in the league, and the first two years I was on a two-way (contract) so I got limited action. And since then I’ve been learning any chance I get; (from) coaches over the years, players over the years, watching other games.”

This is an insane stat.

Alex Caruso is so damn good. pic.twitter.com/5pqdf5YMPF

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) March 9, 2024

A legitimate student of the game

Caruso shared that only a handful of players get a lot of playing time on any given NBA team, and the rest must be ready to contribute in any way they can. This mentality of constantly learning and being prepared for any opportunity has helped Caruso become a key player for the Chicago Bulls.

“I love basketball. I’m a student of the game so just figuring out different things that work and understanding what winning basketball is, just trying to pay attention to that and adding different stuff to my game,” Caruso added.

While Caruso’s numbers may not pop off the page, he makes plays that resound with his teammates and coaches. What Caruso does on a nightly basis is not lost on Bulls coach Billy Donovan.

“You talk about making quick decisions, those charges, loose balls and slap downs, the decision making by him in those moments is unbelievable. There are times where it looks like he’s out of the play and it’s a deflection, a tip, it’s a disruptive play. It’s amazing what he does.”

Your nightly moment of Alex Caruso’s defensive brilliance.

Will Hardy screams for the DHO motion to occur on the left side, Caruso hears it, cheats up, sits on the planned skip pass, fast break the other way. pic.twitter.com/tVx1htiQkA

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 7, 2024

Billy Donovan praises Alex Caruso for constantly making winning plays