University of California Athletics

Known for his defensive abilities, Rossi always guarded the opposing team's best offensive player in high school ... a quick natural shooter with a good understanding of the game ... the fifth Chicago-area player to come to Cal in recent years; the most recent previously was Jerome Randle.

As a Freshman (2010-11): Redshirted after sustaining a lower abdominal injury at the start of the season.

High School: Named the Central Suburban League Player of the Year ... earned second team all-state as a senior, honorable mention all-state as a junior ... made the all-conference team as a sophomore, junior and a senior ... averaged 19.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 4.0 apg ... lettered all four years ... also played baseball and football at New Trier High School.

Personal: Alexander James Rossi ... born Sept. 19, 1991, in Evanston, Ill. ... competed on the AAU Rising Stars club team ... par-ents are Bill and Lee Ann Rossi ... has a younger sister and a younger brother ... father played college basketball at Bethel University and professionally in Sweden ... mother played volleyball at Bethel University ... undeclared major.