Photo Courtesy: kzs.si
AJ Weston, the former captain of the 2023-2024 Dean College men’s basketball has just signed with Košarkarski klub Škofja Loka in Slovenia.
Weston played at Pratt Community College before his junior and senior years at Dean College as the starting point guard for the Bulldogs, scoring 916 points in his career. Weston averaged 20.7 points per game last season. He also earned honors in his career such as Second Team All Great Northeast Athletic Conference for his junior and senior seasons.
Originally from Kansas City, MO, played his career at Lincoln College Prep where he was a 1,000-point scorer, earned First Team All-Conference, Missouri All Star, as well as won North Liberty Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Vlatko Cancar – Small Forward for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Denver Nuggets played two seasons at KK Škofja Loka. Saša Dončić, the father of Luka Doncic played two seasons there as a player and was also the head coach for the 2012-2013 season.
Photo Courtesy: instagram.com/jayruzicka
From Missouri to Massachusetts, and now Slovenia, AJ Weston enters the next step now a professional player in one of the biggest basketball markets outside of the United States.
How did it feel when you first found out you were going to play professionally in Slovenia?
“Shocking truly, a kid from Kansas City, who grew up in poverty. Making it man is amazing. I’m blessed, still in shock, everything I said I would do is being done. It’s all God, and for my cousin who passed.”
Can you share some details about the process and what led to you getting signed?
“Man, just months and months of connecting with agents and evaluating who has my best interest for my exact skill set.”
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while transitioning from Division 3 to professional basketball?
“Truly the 5 P’s: proper preparation prevents poor performance. So, my habits have always been as if I already had them. The biggest adjustment will be the culture shock.” Said AJ
AJ went on to say; “Work out as a pro, play like a pro. Religion through Christianity, picturing myself overseas. Culture shock. Shooting deeper, conditioning, more physical game. Skill and team-based basketball.”
How did your experience in Division 3 help prepare you for this opportunity?
“Adversity literally the only way to describe it, people have a stereotype of D3 only being for fun and not creating professional opportunities. I like to beat the odds and show others.”
Can you talk about any mentors or coaches who had a significant impact on your career?
“GOD FIRST. Coach Winston Thompson, my mother, and the same group of brothers who’ve been on this mission with me. To remain consistent and keep going, having faith in God.”
How do you plan to adapt to the style of play and culture in international basketball?
“The 24-second shot clock, immediately can hit ball on rim, No three seconds, deeper 3 pt line in addition to the culture change.”
What are some personal or professional goals you’ve set for yourself during this first season abroad?
“Win more games, increase my assist, and the scoring will come.”
How do you stay motivated and focused, especially after moving to a new country and adjusting to a new team?
“Never being content.”
What advice would you give to aspiring athletes who hope to make it to the professional level?
“You can do anything you put your mind to and in the end, we’ll win not immediately but eventually.”
AJ flew out of Kansas City, Wednesday, October 9th to Slovenia to start his first season abroad in what will be a very exciting first year of international basketball.
Follow AJ’s journey in Slovenia through these sources.
Team website: kzs.si/igralec
The Basketball Federation of Slovenia website: kzs.si
Where to stream games: youtube.com/@kzs_si
Team Instagram page: instagram.com/kk_skofja_loka
AJ Weston’s Instagram page: instagram.com/arthurwestonjr
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