AJ Storr’s journey to becoming a standout player for the Wisconsin Badgers is more than just a basketball story; it’s a tale of family, inspiration, and giving back to the community.
In the heart of Rockford, Illinois, just an hour south of Madison, Storr’s passion for basketball was ignited by the incredible talents of his mother and sister, both revered athletes. Annette Brandy, his mother, emerged as a basketball sensation at Clemente (Chicago) Community Academy, etching her name in the record books with the fifth-highest scoring average in the history of Illinois. Following in her footsteps, Storr’s older sister, Ambranette Storr, etched her own legacy as one of the top prep scorers in Illinois. For the Storr family, the basketball court transcended mere competition; it became a hallowed ground where a legacy, rich with pride, was meticulously crafted.
“I come from a basketball household,” Storr tells Madison365 after basketball practice at the Kohl Center, his eyes lighting up with childhood memories playing ball with his sister outside and late night at the local YMCA. “My mom played basketball. My sister played basketball. It was only natural that I fell in love with the game.”
In the dynamic landscape of collegiate basketball, Storr, a 6-foot-7 sophomore transfer guard, has swiftly risen to prominence as a pivotal figure for the 15th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers. Storr has seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the team, which boasts an impressive 11-3 overall record including 3-0 in the Big Ten. Storr is the Badgers’ leading scoring at 14.7 points per game.
Storr’s journey to Wisconsin began with a noteworthy stint at St. John’s, where he garnered acclaim by earning a coveted spot on the Big East All-Freshman team. Despite the accolades, the allure of Wisconsin beckoned. Driven by a deep-seated desire to be part of a program that felt like home and to play under a head coach who truly appreciated his unique skill set, Storr made the decisive move to Madison.
Under the tutelage of UW head coach Greg Gard, Storr found an ideal teacher and supporter. Gard’s hands-on recruiting endeavors seamlessly integrated Storr into the Badgers’ lineup, forging a partnership set to make a lasting impression on the basketball program.
Upon joining the Badgers, Storr discovered a profound sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that ignited his passion on the court. “I’m out there playing for my brothers,” Storr said, acknowledging the team’s tightly-knit bond. A recent alley-oop dunk, executed seamlessly with teammate Chucky Hepburn against the Iowa Hawkeyes, earned them social media praise from fellow teammates like John Blackwell, posting “PROOO” on X, formally known as Twitter, and served as a tangible testament to the extraordinary chemistry and connection shared on and off the court.
This remarkable synergy has translated into an impressive offensive performance for the team, as the Badgers currently boast a scoring average of 75.8 points per game. This achievement represents a significant milestone, it’s their highest scoring average since the 1993-94 season when they averaged 77.9 points per game. This signifies a departure from the traditional low-scoring Badgers, ushering in a new era marked by dynamic athleticism and cohesive play that has positioned them as a top team in college basketball.
Juggling academics, athletics, and the demands of life beyond the court is undoubtedly challenging, yet Storr approaches it with unwavering determination. Drawing from his experience of being away from family during his prep school journey, Storr deeply grasps the significance of remaining present in each moment. “I try to stay in the moment. Whatever I’m doing at the time, that’s my focus,” he articulates. Whether diligently hitting the books or honing his jump shot, Storr brings his wholehearted dedication to every endeavor.
Away from the basketball court, Storr has ventured into the entrepreneurial realm with The Corner Storr, a business that is a testament to his spirited innovation. More than a mere business venture, it serves as a platform for Storr to contribute to the community actively. In line with the values instilled by his mother, he organized a holiday toy drive, echoing the profound lessons she imparted. “Just giving back is important to me,” he asserts. Reflecting on his mother’s wisdom, Storr emphasizes, “My mom always taught me that if you’re in a position where you can give back, you should give back to help the community. Help the kids out. They are the future.”
Storr’s family partnered with local Black-owned business DLK Printing for The Corner Storr, emphasizing their commitment to community support. Owner Keon Hutson shares, “It’s been a great experience. I like his whole family because they’re authentic. To use a basketball analogy, it’s like a real team. His mom is the key component because she will lay everything out flat and ensure we get the best out of each other.”
Through The Corner Storr, Storr and his family embody the values of community, collaboration, and giving back.
In athletics, Storr is a shining example of leadership through action. Recognized by many as a silent assassin on the court, he significantly emphasizes the values of effort and intensity. “I go as hard as I can in practice. During the game, I go as hard as I can. You know, that motivates the other guys. When they enter the game, they come with that same energy to keep the intensity up, I feed off them, too.” he says.
Looking ahead, Storr envisions a future illuminated by the dazzling lights of the NBA, all while captaining the ship of his entrepreneurial venture, The Corner Storr. His aspirations exceed personal success; he profoundly desires to contribute even more to the community, which has played a crucial role in shaping him. This generous commitment becomes apparent when he expresses, “I’ll be in a better position to host more camps and do more giveaways once I make it to the NBA.”
Storr has faced tough times but believes they don’t last forever. “It changes your perspective on a lot of things. Tough times are temporary because the storm always ends,” he says. Storr’s journey is more than just basketball achievements; it’s about staying positive during hard times and becoming stronger.
Wrapping up the exclusive interview, Storr leaves with a simple yet powerful message: “Showtime. That’s all I got to say.” These words encapsulate the essence of a young player who started with hoop dreams, drawing inspiration from his family, showcasing an unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the court, and demonstrating a dedicated effort to impact the community positively.
