Redd trades clipboard for jersey after earning a spot on the court
By Patricia Bradford | December 11, 2023
CHAMPAIGN – Just one year ago, sophomore AJ Redd was sitting on the sideline, coding games and washing uniforms as a manager for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign men’s basketball team.
With the roster full his incoming year, university coaches and him paved an alternative route. He’d work hard and train as manager in hopes of making the team the following year.
Now, officially an NCAA Division I athlete, Redd is on the other side repping Illinois orange and blue. It’s clear that he had a vision in mind, but the opportunity came knocking at his door only two months into the season.
“I bet on myself,” Redd said. “I didn’t necessarily know what the situation was gonna be when I came in but I continued to work hard and eventually, you know, it paid off.”
He was initially added to the roster Dec. 21 and saw playing time Jan. 10, just 20 days later.
Redd has worked countless hours to get to this point and says he won’t stop here. As a walk-on, his opportunities are limited. Redd says he has to work twice as hard for every minute on the court.
Before college, Redd played four years of varsity basketball at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and is their No. 4 all-time leading scorer (1,109). He’s also the Wolfpack career leader in assists (293), rebounds (523) and steals (111) and led the team to third-place in the 2022 IHSA Class 3A state finals.
“It’s definitely a big jump,” Redd said, reflecting on his journey. “You’re sort of starting at the bottom of the ladder. So any time I do get the opportunity to get in the game or get reps in practice I’m just trying to be at the top of my game and not make a lot of mistakes.”
Redd’s hope is to make a big impact within the program. He plans to increase his playing time and strengthen his role as a vocal leader on the team. Ultimately, being a go-to player that coaches can depend on.
This journey comes at no free fare, as building minutes could potentially mean putting some of his fellow teammates on the bench. Although, he says he’s more focused on getting a little bit better each day, one percent better, to be exact.
The 6’3 guard is determined to show the university just what he is made of. Right now, he’s focused on practicing as hard as he can to make him and his teammates better. While also being a big energizer on the court and a role model for incoming players.
The manger-turned-athlete continues to stay humble in his climb to the top. He remains close with the current student management team while also building his newfound relationship with players.
“He worked for it,” said Macy Misiewicz, a current manager of the UIUC men’s basketball team. “Even though he eventually knew he was gonna be a player he took it seriously and we all respect him for it.”
As the 2023 University of Illinois men’s basketball season kicks into full gear, Redd says he’s more than ready to see what the season unfolds.
Off the court, Redd is working just as hard as a finance major in the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. He’s tasked with carving out time for his studies and friends while trying to improve on the court.
This grit doesn’t just come from the ground. Redd owes most of this determination to his father, who he says is his biggest inspiration.
“I’m very close with him and we talk every day,” Redd said, about his father. “He’s a big part of me learning how to play and he turned me into a pretty good player. Even bigger than that, he’s a bigger influence with different things I have going on in my life. He’s someone I can lean on for sure.”
Headed into the sixth game of the season he has the support of his family and friends to carry through the season.
He plans to pursue a career in sports finance after college but fans could potentially see him an additional year on the court as Redd expressed growing interest in graduate school.
Looking back on his freshman year he makes light of the chance he took. A risky decision that put him right where he wanted to be.
“Always believe in yourself and keep working because you never know what opportunities might come up,” Redd said. “Keep working and trying to get better and really good things will always come to those who work hard.”