AJ to join Knicks' summer league squad
Farmingdale, N.Y. - Former basketball player, AJ Matthews (Brooklyn, N.Y.), has been reportedly signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Knicks for the summer league. AJ will get to prove his talent and earn his spot on the roster during the NBA Summer League, which starts July 12 in Las Vegas.
Farmingdale State has not had a former student-athlete sign a professional contract since before joining the Division III ranks in 2000.
Before landing at Farmingdale State, Matthews starred at Monroe, then Broward Community College for a year, where he was named the All-Southern Conference Player of the Year. With the Rams for two seasons under former coach Erik Smiles (now at LIU Post), AJ was a 5-time All-American, 6-time Player of the Year and led all of Division III in rebounding and double-doubles in both 2011-12 and 2012-13.
In two years, he amassed 1,169 points (22.5 ppg), 806 rebounds (15.5 rpg) and 171 blocks with a .585 field-goal percentage. He holds 12 single-season records, six career records and two single-game records at FSC.
During this past season, AJ was named the DIII News preseason Player of the Year and a D3hoops.com preseason All-American. He had multiple NBA scouts at the games and calls were constantling coming in from NBA teams for game tapes, etc. AJ has been traveling for the past few months, working out for teams such as the Knicks, Nets and Bucks. His hard work has paid off and he gets a chance at a roster spot this summer.
Athletic Director Mike Harrington stated, "We are so excited to hear the news and for AJ to receive this opportunity from the Knicks. He is a talented player and we enjoyed watching him the past two years. The entire athletic department wishes him the best of luck!"
We'll await more news on AJ over the next few months.
From all your fans at Farmingdale State, "Good luck AJ!!!"
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