ormer Cougar player and coach BJ Porter was named the head coach of Azusa Pacific men's basketball on July 10, 2025. A former Cougar standout on the court and later assistant coach, Porter is the seventh head coach in the program's 71-year history history and the first to lead the team into its new era as an NCAA Division III institution.
A native of Ohio and Utah , Porter brings a deep and personal connection to Azusa Pacific, where he once starred as a student-athlete and then served as a trusted member of the coaching staff. Now, with over a decade of coaching experience in collegiate basketball, he returns to the place he calls home, bringing with him a bold vision grounded in competitive excellence, Christ-centered leadership, and transformational mentorship.
"I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to return home and lead the Men's Basketball program at Azusa Pacific University," said Porter. "APU holds a special place in my heart and in the lives of my family, and it is a true privilege to be back. I look forward to building upon the program's proud tradition and legacy as we embrace this exciting new chapter with the transition to NCAA Division III."
Following his playing time at APU, Porter's coaching journey has included impactful roles at University of Antelope Valley, Pepperdine University, and University of Denver, where he gained valuable experience at both the NAIA and NCAA Division I levels. At each stop, he has developed a reputation for building relationships with student-athletes, instilling accountability, and helping teams grow in competitive, academic, and spiritual excellence. Over the past year, Porter has remained active in basketball as the Director of Athletics at Calvary Chapel Schools in Santa Ana, Calif., mentoring, personal development, and coaching consultation preparing him to step into this next chapter with fresh vision and clarity.
During his playing days, Porter was a key contributor on Cougar teams known for their toughness, execution, and faith-driven culture. He appeared in 58 games during his two season at APU, starting all 27 at shooting guard during his 2013 senior season when he averaged 14.7 points, second best on the team, thanks in part to four 20-point outings, including a career-high 25 in a 78-73 Cougar victory over Cal Baptist in the opening round of the National Christian College Tournament. For his Cougar career, he averaged nearly 12 points a game and buried 151 shots from beyond the 3-point line.
Porter spent parts of three seasons at the University of Portland before transferring to Weber State, where he played one season. As a 2009 redshirt-freshman at Portland, he appeared in 30 games, starting the final four. He dropped in a season-high 11 in a victory over Pepperdine in the opening round of the West Coast Conference Tournament. His other 2 seasons at Portland we marred by injury. In his 2011 campaign at Weber State, he came off the bench in 18 games, averaging 10 minutes and 2.7 points per contest.
Porter was a prep standout at Layton (Utah) Christian Academy, where he was a three-sport honoree. As a quarterback on the football team, he earned all-state 1A second team honors. He won the 1A state high jump title in track & field, owning a career-best leap of 6' 10". In basketball, he was the 2007 state 1A Player of the Year after leading the Eagles to a 23-2 record and the state championship by averaging 22.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists a game.
As an assistant coach, he helped guide APU to three NCAA Tournament appearances, a PacWest Championship, and multiple All-American and All-Conference honors during a four-year tenure (2019-23) on staff. His experience as both a player and coach uniquely equips him to lead a new generation of Cougar student-athletes.
"BJ's heart for Azusa Pacific, combined with his proven leadership and spiritual foundation, make him the right fit to guide our men's basketball program into its next chapter," said Director of Athletics
Gary Pine. "He knows what it means to be a Cougar, and he brings the passion, vision, and experience to lead our student-athletes on and off the court."
Porter's coaching philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, player development, and building team culture through accountability and purpose. His teams have been known for their defensive intensity, smart decision-making, and collective buy-in. He also brings a sharp basketball mind and a reputation for mentoring athletes to reach their full potential both on the floor and in life.
"BJ brings a unique blend of high character, a strong basketball background, and a deep history at APU," said
Peter Bond, former APU head coach who worked with Porter for four years. "His leadership is never about ego or status, it's about service and impact. That kind of leadership resonates with student-athletes and will especially resonate as APU moves to Division III."
Justin Leslie, Porter's former coach and longtime mentor, also shared his strong support: "He is a product of APU's God-First mission who knows how to model Christ in a transformational manner to student-athletes. He is one of the most level headed, kind, and capable people I've ever known."
Since launching his coaching career in 2013, Porter has developed a reputation as a relational leader, an intentional recruiter, and a faith-filled mentor. His ability to connect with young men, articulate a clear vision, and foster growth in every area of their lives makes him a powerful fit for APU's mission of preparing champions for Christ.
In his return to Azusa Pacific, Porter aims to reestablish a championship standard while embracing the opportunities of NCAA Division III where academic, spiritual, and athletic pursuits are fully integrated.
"This is more than just about wins and losses," Porter said. "It's about investing in young men who will impact the world for Christ. I want our players to leave here knowing they were coached with love, challenged with truth, and equipped with tools to thrive in life."
