A.J. West always played basketball – he just never envisioned a future in the sport. He didn’t see himself playing high level high school basketball, let alone college. He attended Brooklyn Friends, a tiny private school in Brooklyn through ninth grade.
That summer he shot up, started to play AAU basketball and transferred to Xaverian, beginning an odyssey that included three high school and two prep schools.
“I always loved basketball – I just didn’t think I was good enough,” he said. “And I got good enough.”
How good? The Fort Greene, Brooklyn native verbally committed to Duquesne of the Atlantic 10 on Friday night, ending a whirlwind basketball voyage. He spent two years at Xaverian, one at Lincoln, one at Ocean Academy (N.J.) and this past season at Central Jersey Each One Teach One Academy (N.J.)
The 6-foot-8 West, regarded highly for his shot-blocking, rebounding and finishing ability, also considered St. Peter’s, Quinnipiac, Hofstra, Dayton and Texas Tech. He wanted to get out of the area, but also didn’t want to go too far.
“I think it’s the perfect level for me,” he said. “I think I can play right away and contribute. I like their style of play, they’re more of a run-and-gun type of team, which is my style.”
CJEOTO coach Ian Turnbull said West was integral to his team going 19-14 against a daunting schedule that included several national prep school powers. West averaged 21 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks per game and Turnbill recalled one very impressive performance in a win over Mack Academy (N.C.) and DePaul-bound Montray Clemons.
“A.J. destroyed him, he had 13 blocks,” Turnbull said. “The kid was scared to shoot.”
He joins guards P.J. Torres and Daniel Herrera, forwards Kadeem Pantophlet and Shakore Grant and center Chiehk Fall in Duquesne coach Ron Everhardt’s 2011 recruiting class.
One Division I assistant coach involved in West’s recruiting felt the power forward could make an impact in the Atlantic 10 as a role player because of his size and athleticism.
“With the right coaching, he’ll definitely be a player,” the coach said. “When I saw him a month ago, he looked like he had gotten a lot better. If he puts in the effort, he could have a decent career.”
West is just pleased to have this opportunity, the chance to play college basketball at a high level while gaining a free education. Looking back, he wished he had a more stable high school experience. But none of it matters now.
“I’m glad to get this over with, start fresh with a clean slate,” West said. “It just feels like I’m proving the doubters wrong. When I was playing varsity at Brooklyn Friends, people were telling me I couldn’t play Division IV. Now I’m going to play in the Atlantic 10.”