With Sean Newman making an early exit, AJ seems to be the heir apparent at the point. Toward the end of last season, we caught several glimpses of AJ's potential as a D1 point guard. He discarded Newman's deliberate, methodical approach in favor of a faster paced transition and half-court offense that really fits his game. I was impressed by how AJ adapted to college hoops and steadily elevated his game as the season progressed.
With all that said AJ hadn't dethroned Newman but was poised to share the point with him during the early portion of the season. Unfortunately, we now need him prepared to fill the role full-time. I'm sure some help will emerge once we get this year's crop of signees on campus, but the prudent play is assuming AJ has to be the man.
With all of that as backdrop, there's an opportunity for AJ to get some more experience and hardening between now and reporting to Tech in the 2nd week of July. AIA (Athletes In Action) has a D1 squad heading to Czech Republic later this month to play their U20 team and the Czech University World Games team. The AIA squad will be coached by Casey Shaw who's an assistant coach at Grand Canyon. The whole trip lasts 2 weeks with the first portion of that being a team training camp up in Ohio. Once in the Czech Republic they'll play 4 games and do some community service work in between.
We've reserved a roster spot for AJ so the only thing holding this up is funding and that's where I hope some of us can help. The all-in cost on this opportunity is $3,800. If you can help, please use the link below.
AJ is a sharp, grounded kid and allowing him to chance to continue maturing as a ball player can only have a positive impact on this upcoming season.
Link:
Thanks in advance,
Chuck
