"Built for the Grind: A Two-Way Enforcer on the Rise"

AJ Peek

@aj_peek

IG: @ajwitda3

6’3, 195lbs, Class of 2026

Judge Memorial Catholic HS, UT

AJ Peek is a physical, high-energy guard who makes a living doing the dirty work most overlook, and he’s now pairing that grit with a growing offensive game. AJ is a knockdown shooter with a smooth catch-and-shoot rhythm who always puts the team first. He boxes out, crashes the boards, plays disruptive help defense, and consistently takes on the toughest defensive assignments without blinking. He can guard any position on the floor and thrives in the chaos of high-level matchups, always locked in on doing the little things that win games.

This past season, AJ embraced a role that didn’t include many touches, but it didn’t stop him from making a major impact. He averaged 3 points, 3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.5 steals per game, while often guarding the other team’s best player. His biggest improvement came on the defensive side, highlighted by a standout moment where he held a Purdue-offered 6’10 center to just 4 points, taking 3 charges and battling in the paint. The offseason has been focused on tightening his ball handling, court vision, and expanding his midrange bag. He’s already showing signs of that offensive growth, at the ColoradoLive SSUVU Team Camp, he rained in 12 points with four made threes against Chapparell and averaged 16.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals while hitting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc.

AJ is playing with Utah Gold Select on the AAU circuit this summer and is fired up to compete in the Power 32 tournament in California. His main goal is to get on the radar of D2 and D3 programs and prove he can impact the game at the next level. He’ll also attend the Air Force Elite Camp in Colorado Springs, a return home to where he grew up and a key stop in his recruiting journey.

What drives AJ on the floor isn’t hype, it’s effort, accountability, and his refusal to tolerate selfish play. He handles adversity by staying locked in on the ultimate goal, and plays the kind of team basketball every coach loves. Off the court, AJ enjoys producing music, playing piano, and hanging out with friends.

I assess that AJ’s physical tools, defensive intensity, and selfless mindset make him an ideal piece for a program looking for a glue guy with growing offensive potential. He impacts games without needing the ball and is becoming a reliable shooter with underrated vision.

As AJ continues to develop his playmaking and midrange scoring, expect his offensive role to expand quickly. He is evolving and proving he’s more than just a defender; he’s a winning player with the drive and discipline to keep climbing. Stay tuned for a statement season ahead and continuation of his evolution to be a bigger impact.