A. J. Wynder
A. J. Wynder | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 11, 1964 Freeport, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Basketball coach, former professional basketball player |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Head coach of Nassau Community College men's basketball; played for Boston Celtics (1990–91); member of 1995 Pan American Games silver medal team |
A. J. Wynder (born September 11, 1964) is an American collegiate basketball coach currently leading the men's basketball program at Nassau Community College. Before transitioning into coaching, Wynder competed professionally and was a member of the United States national basketball team that secured the silver medal at the 1995 Pan American Games. His playing career also included time with the Boston Celtics during the 1990–91 NBA season. Originating from Long Island, he was raised in Freeport, New York.
College career
Wynder played collegiate basketball at Fairfield University, where he earned Second Team All-MAAC recognition in 1987. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Stags to back-to-back MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in both 1986 and 1987. A highlight of his college tenure was his buzzer-beating shot in the 1987 MAAC tournament final, which forced overtime and ultimately led Fairfield to triumph over Iona, clinching their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Professional career
During the 1990–91 season, Wynder competed in the National Basketball Association with the Boston Celtics. Additionally, he had a decade-long tenure in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) spanning from 1987 to 1989 and then from 1990 through 1996, where he earned All-Defensive Team honors consecutively from 1991 to 1993.
USA Basketball career
At the 1995 Pan American Games held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Wynder helped lead the USA squad to a silver medal finish. Throughout the tournament, he set a United States record by shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc, converting 8 of his 12 three-point attempts.
Coaching career
As the fourth head coach in the history of the Nassau Community College men's basketball program, Wynder has amassed a record of 208 wins against 86 losses over eleven seasons. His achievements include being honored as Region XV Coach of the Year in 2002 and steering NCC to three appearances in the Region XV Division III championship games (2002, 2006, and 2007). Prior to his current role, he held a dual position as player and assistant coach with the Tri City Chinooks from 1993 until 1995.