BJ Porter, a former Cougar standout on the court and later a trusted assistant coach, was named the seventh head coach in the 71-year history of Azusa Pacific men’s basketball on July 10, 2025. A native of Ohio and Utah, Porter holds the unique distinction of being the first coach to lead the program into its new era as an NCAA Division III institution. His return to Azusa Pacific is defined by a deep personal connection to the university where he once starred as a student-athlete, bringing with him over a decade of collegiate coaching experience and a vision grounded in competitive excellence, Christ-centered leadership, and transformational mentorship.
In his inaugural season leading the program, Porter’s Cougars showcased incredible resilience and individual brilliance throughout a 2025–2026 campaign marked by high-level competition and growth. Under his guidance, the team secured several statement victories, including an impressive road win against Cal State LA and a thrilling upset over #22 Point Loma. The season was anchored by the historic performance of graduate student Shad Thomas, who earned Third Team All-PacWest honors after becoming the only player in the conference to average a double-double. Thomas’s record-breaking year, highlighted by a legendary 22-point, 22-rebound game against Hawai'i Pacific and his selection for the 2026 State Farm Dark Horse Dunker Competition, served as a testament to the player development and competitive culture Porter has established. Bolstered by the consistent play of key contributors like DM Sanders and EJ Bryson, the Cougars remained a formidable opponent in the PacWest throughout Porter's debut year.
Porter’s coaching journey prior to taking the helm at APU included impactful roles at the University of Denver, Pepperdine University, and the University of Antelope Valley. These positions provided him with valuable experience at both the NAIA and NCAA Division I levels, where he developed a reputation for building genuine relationships and instilling a culture of accountability. Most recently, Porter served as the Director of Athletics at Calvary Chapel Schools in Santa Ana, California, a role that allowed him to focus on mentoring and coaching consultation, further preparing him to lead the Cougar program with fresh vision and clarity as they transitioned into a new chapter of athletic excellence.
During his own playing days at Azusa Pacific from 2011 to 2013, Porter was a vital contributor to teams known for their toughness and faith-driven culture. He appeared in 58 games, starting every contest of his senior season while averaging 14.7 points per game and burying 151 three-pointers over his career. Before his time at APU, Porter played at the University of Portland and Weber State following a legendary prep career at Layton Christian Academy in Utah, where he was the 2007 state 1A Player of the Year. His coaching philosophy remains rooted in servant leadership and the "God-First" mission of Azusa Pacific, ensuring that his players are not only coached for success on the floor but are equipped with the spiritual and personal tools to thrive in life.
