“I’ve guarded Norman (Penola) and AJ, and between both, AJ’s given me more problems” – Anonymous
AJ, Norman Penola and James Forrester = Top of Toronto's class.
When you’re filipino, you find yourself saying; Man if i had that dudes height id be driving on everybody, dunking off the wall, lockin everyone up.”
Everyone says if they had some height and athleticism they would work their asses off on the court, rarely do we see that. I have. Those that play in the FABA tournament or know what teams were in NABA before the split, you know about the Toronto Team 25forlife. They like many others are tired of the politics involved with filipino basketball, lets face it theres politics all over. So in 2008, they started the Unity Cup tournament. Set for the 4th of July weekend this tournament was meant to showcase some of the top open teams in the asian community, the few that made the trip were Chicago Rambo-Supreme, the Toronto Dragons and select teams from the east coast.
Playing in this tournament I saw there was some serious talent, especially on the 25forlife team. They boasted two young and talented players, one a youtube sensation named James Forrester who had all the dunks this side of Rudy Gay and one relatively un known player.
Everyone at the gym was excited to see the high flying toronto team, but one of their dunkers had a game that translates to the hardwood and not just a highlight reel. At 6’1” with a 6’4”wingspan AJ Serjue was the most impressive player at the tournament. His lightning quick crossover and blinding Leandro Barbosa speed was only out shined by his desire on defense. Combining his length with his hustle and athleticism he formed a wall at halfcourt for any team. In addition to that it was impossible for teams to keep him out of the lane. In the championship game the Toronto Kagers looked like a home made blanket and AJ was weaving through them. So they layed off of him and he wasn’t finished, he has range. To close out the weekend, AJ added the MVP trophy to his resume and took home a wilson evolutionbasketball (the mvp trophy, fitting to say the least).
AJ has never played in a junior/juvenile division electing to always play open with his other wunderkind cousin James who have both had major success. Playing for the Senecca Sting they continue to put in the work and its safe to say AJ has much more ahead of him in basketball, and not just filipino hoops
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Fierce, passionate, committed.
Some people go out there to score, and play defense on the way. AJ is out there to stop people, and will score some points as a side dish.
Peep AJ’s 25forLife (Toronto) player profile, in the NEW BLOOD section of their website: http://www.25forlifebasketball.com/Newblood.html
(new official introduction article: “Cable Guy” of Chicago)
