Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR: Senior point guard DJ Sanders enters his 2nd season with the Azusa Pacific men’s basketball program after spending 4 seasons at Cal State East Bay ... A 6-foot-1 guard, Sanders brings extensive collegiate experience and scoring ability to the Cougar backcourt after emerging as a productive contributor during his first season at APU.

2025-26 (junior): Appeared in 11 games for the Cougars ... Averaged 7.8 points in 16.8 minutes per game while shooting 42.2 percent from the field and 75.7 percent from the free-throw line ... Scored a season-high 20 points against Biola while adding 7 rebounds and 3 steals ... Also scored 12 points against Jessup and recorded 9-point performances against CUI, Chaminade and Point Loma.

CAL STATE EAST BAY: Spent 4 seasons with Cal State East Bay from 2021-25 under Head Coach Bryan Rooney. ... As a freshman in 2021-22, appeared in 24 games with 5 starts and scored 245 points while averaging 22.7 minutes per game ... Scored 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting against nationally ranked Cal State San Marcos and added 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting against Saint Martin’s ... Was named Cal State East Bay Athlete of the Week during the season ... Appeared in 2 games during the 2022-23 season and earned CCAA Winter Academic Honor Roll, CCAA All-Academic and D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recognition ... Did not record game statistics in 2023-24 but earned NABC Honors Court recognition ... Returned to a larger role in 2024-25, appearing in 21 games with 3 starts and averaging 11.1 points per game ... Scored a season-high 20 points 2x and recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds at Cal Poly Pomona ... Earned CCAA Winter Academic Honor Roll and NABC Honors Court recognition ... Helped Cal State East Bay reach the conference tournament semifinals.

HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista, Calif., in 2021 ... Played 4 varsity seasons under Head Coach Dean Curry at point guard and served as a team captain throughout his prep career ... Led the Barons to a CIF championship as a senior ... Was a 2-time All-League selection and 2-time team MVP ... Named Bonita Vista Athlete of the Year as a senior ... Averaged 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game during his senior season ... Also earned the President’s Education Award, Distinguished Athlete Award and Outstanding Academic Excellence honors ... Played 2 years of club basketball for Norman Powell Elite.

PERSONAL: Born July 26 in San Diego, Calif. ... Mother is Adrianne Sanders ... Has a twin brother (DM) who also attends Azusa Pacific and plays collegiate basketball ... Majoring in Marketing ... Plans to pursue a career as a professional basketball player and content creator ... Enjoys going to the beach, going to the mall and spending time with friends and teammates.