De Anza Alumni Update: Ajay Singh

Former De Anza College men's basketball standout Ajay Singh (Cupertino HS) is enjoying his senior year at NAIA Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

 

Through the first eight games of a COVID-shortened season, Singh is averaging 18.0 points per game - ranking fourth in the Golden State Athletic Conference. His field goal percentage of 56.7 ranks eighth among all GSAC players.

 

Singh transferred to Westmont after playing one season at Notre Dame de Namur University, where he led the team in scoring and rebounding. The school dropped all athletic programs in March of 2020 - and Singh made the move to Southern California.

 

He recently commented on his time at De Anza College, and how playing under head coach Jason Damjanovic helped in his development. As a sophomore, Singh averaged 24.3 points per game - ranking second in the the California Community College Athletic Association. His record-setting season earned him recognition as a First Team All-Coast Conference selection and All-State consideration. 

 

"I lacked confidence after high school, which led me to decide not to play my first year at De Anza and just focus on being a better student," said Singh.

 

"I soon realized I missed basketball and realized all the perks a student-athlete receives such as early registration. After talking to the coaching staff, as well as current players, and playing in the Spring and Summer my confidence grew. I saw myself improve and get better over the next two years which provided me the opportunity to play DII ball at NDNU. Unfortunately, the school was forced to close and I was lucky enough to transfer to Westmont College. I am loving not only basketball, but the Santa Barbara area as well."

 

Damjanovic continues to follow Singh, watching games online, and exchanging regular text messages before and after games.

 

"His numbers while playing for me speak for themselves," Damjanovic said.

 

"He will go down as one of the best men's basketball players in De Anza College history and one of the best I've had the opportunity to coach over 20 years. I always saw tremendous potential in Ajay and I am extremely proud seeing him doing so well after leaving our program."

 

Singh and the Warriors (4-4) have three regular season games remaining, starting with Tuesday's match-up against Hope International at 7:00 p.m.