MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – AJ Ghuman started out playing soccer. But, when he realized he was much taller than most kids on the field, he headed straight for the basketball court instead.

When he discovered a hoop on the outdoor playground at his elementary/junior high school, AJ got hooked on the game. “I played every single day. I fell in love with the sport,” he says. Being taller than most kids, he also experienced more success with it rather quickly. So, he joined Rep and as he says, “Really started going places.”

Ever since, AJ’s been laser-focused on his vision – a future in the NBA. Along the way, he’s been seeing that challenges are inevitable though, and learning how to navigate them can be as big an advantage as height.

Age: 15
Height: 6’2
Weight: 155 lbs

Grade: 10

Years In The Game: 4
Level: Rep
Position: Point Guard (alternatively, Shooting Guard, Small Forward)

Strengths: Shooting and Court Awareness
Challenges: Pandemic pauses on playing and being diagnosed with Diabetes
Hoop Dream: Secure a Division 1 Scholarship (for university) then go to the NBA

How did being diagnosed with diabetes affect your game?
When I was diagnosed with Diabetes in 2019, it was really tough the first month or so. I didn’t play basketball, I didn’t do anything really, I just sat at home.

How did you manage to overcome the challenge of being diagnosed with Diabetes?
I finally accepted it, that this is what it is and I just have to move forward. I went straight back to training. My mom really helped encourage me to get back out there. She would tell me, “You’ll be fine, don’t worry about it, just try your best, always do your best.”

How did it feel to get back on the court?
It felt great. I think what I needed was to just play basketball again. When I play, it just clears my head.

Did the pandemic affect your plan to play?
Covid has definitely been a huge obstacle. I missed my entire grade nine season playing ball because everything was put on pause. I didn’t get to practice properly, or build synergy with my teammates for a very long time.

What do you include in your training program to stay competitive?
I work on skills with my basketball coach, Rich. I work on plays and chemistry with my team, and I work on increasing my strength and conditioning with my strength coach, PK Mills (a world record-holding Powerlifter/Canadian Champion)

How far have you travelled to play ball?
New York, Chicago and Alabma.

What tournament do you remember and why?
It was actually a local one, at Jane & Finch. That was when I just started playing, I was learning the game. We didn’t do well. But, I remember trying my hardest, and learning from the mistakes.

Do you have any game-day rituals?
I love silence (with other people) on my way to a game. I don’t want to hear anyone else talking. I just turn my music on and get ready to play. Get my game mentality in check. Usually, with hip hop, I love listening to hip hop.

What advice would you give a new athlete getting into basketball?
Give it your best and outwork your competition.I always want to outwork my competition. Put in whatever I have to get where I want to go.

What do you like to do outside of basketball?
Being committed to my sport, I don’t have too much extra time, but I do like fishing. I’ve been a couple of times and it’s fun! I also love biking. I love to ride on trails or the road, all of it.
 

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