AJ Dancler is thrilled to join Mondo USA as their newest athlete. In his first collegiate season, he played 30 games off the bench, averaging 17 minutes per game. Key highlights include:
Overall, he showcased versatility and skill throughout the season, contributing significantly to the team's success. We asked Dancler about his inspiration, outlook, and advice he'd give to up-and-coming high school athletes looking to play college basketball and make things happen as he did.
Who inspires you the most?
My family inspires me the most. They are my biggest inspiration, not only in basketball, but in life as well. I would say my oldest brother is who I look up to the most as he set the foundation for athletes in our family. Just growing up watching him really inspired me to better myself on and off the court.
What are some of your interests off the court?
Some of my interests off the court include exploring nature, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I really enjoy getting out and exploring nature as it helps clear my head, which benefits me a lot. Whenever I get free time after classes and practice, I usually play 2K with my friends.
How has your injury history made you a better basketball player?
I believe getting injured is probably the greatest lesson I’ve experienced. Going through many injuries has motivated me to want to go even harder on the court. It has also made me prioritize taking care of my body and getting more treatment. Not being able to play basketball for such a long period of time also is tough on you mentally, so I think my mental toughness improved a lot during that time, as well. It was like every injury I got I came back stronger because it was really testing my love for the game, so just sitting out thinking and actually finding that reason to keep going benefited me so much when I got back on the court.
Any advice for high school athletes who are hoping to play at the collegiate level?
My advice to high school athletes would be to find your WHY for basketball, and once you get that, it will drive you even more to reach your goals. Also, you really have to take care of your body in college, so I would suggest starting early with simple things, like stretching and taking ice baths so you will be somewhat prepared for college as it is a lot more on your body. And I would say have fun with it. At the end of the day it is a game, and if you’re not having fun, then you’ll just be checked out mentally.
What mental tool do you use under pressure?
A mental tool that I use when under pressure is taking deep breaths. When under pressure, you have to calm yourself down and remember who you are, so deep breaths really calm me down under pressure