In 1997, Coach AJ Wynder became the fifth coach in the history of the Nassau Community College men’s basketball program. Coach Wynder has spent the past 27 years coaching and mentoring young men; with a passion and the mission to inspire, motivate and teach life lessons through the game of basketball. Coach Wynder challenges his players’ to be successful both on and off the court but most importantly in the game of life.
Coach Wynder prides himself in building a very competitive and respectable basketball program. Coach Wynder's philosophy on discipline, hard work and team unity have paid dividends as the men's basketball program has enjoyed a very productive winning percentage (.700) under his leadership.
Coach Wynder has a list of achievements during his tenure here at Nassau Community College. Most notable achievements include capturing his 500th win during the 2021-22 season, 26 consecutive winning seasons, Region XV (Div. III) Championships (4 times), Region XV (Div. III) Coach of the Year (5 times), NJCAA District 5 (Div. III) Coach of the Year (4 times), Five appearances at the NJCAA (Div. III) National Tournament finishing as the national runner-up in 2018.
With all his accolades, Coach Wynder believes the greatest accomplishments of his coaching tenure have been off the court in his ability to assist numerous student-athletes' in transferring to the four-year college level (NCAA, NAIA) to further their education and to continue their basketball careers.
Coach Wynder before taking over the helm at Nassau Community College had a very distinguished career as a player in various professional leagues (1987-96). His most notable achievements were playing in the National Basketball Association with the Boston Celtics during the (1990-91) season and winning a silver medal competing in the Pan American Games (1995) for USA Basketball. During his tenure in the Continental Basketball Association is where Wynder began developing his coaching skills as he was promoted to player/ assistant coach for two seasons. Wynder ended his playing career in the CBA after the (1995-96) season.
Wynder who is a native of Long Island, grew up in Freeport, graduated from St. Agnes Cathedral High School in Rockville Centre (1982) where he was selected All-Long Island in both basketball and track. Wynder then took his talents to Fairfield University (CT) where he helped lead his team to two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championships and NCAA tournament appearances (1986, 1987). Wynder graduated in 1987 with a B.S., Marketing degree and has been inducted into Fairfield’s Athletic Hall of Fame (1995). Wynder was also inducted into the MAAC Honor Roll (2016) where he is enshrined in the MAAC Experience exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, MA).
Wynder also serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director. Wynder and his wife, Tina, have three children, Christine, Artiana, and Jairus, and two granddaughters Jalaia and Kennedi.
· Head Coach (1997-Present)
· Overall Head Coaching Record (552-236)
· NABC Guardians of the Game Honor Award – 500 Milestone Wins (2022)
· NJCAA (Div. III) National Tournament Appearances (2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014)
· NJCAA-Region XV (Div. III) Championships (2018, 2017, 2016, 2014)
· NJCAA-Region XV (Div. III) Runner-Ups (2023, 2020, 2019, 2012, 2007,2006, 2002)
· NJCAA-Region XV (Div. III) Coach of the Year (2023, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2002)
· NJCAA-District V (Div. III) Coach of the Year (2018, 2017, 2016, 2014)
· BCANY-Junior College Coach of the Year (2018)
· NABC/NJCAA-MBCA (Div. II/III) All-Star Game Coach (2018)
· (26) Consecutive Winning Seasons (Seventeen seasons w/20+ wins)
Personal Achievements:
· St. Agnes Cathedral HS, Rockville Centre, NY (1982)
· Fairfield University, CT – B.S. Marketing (1987)
· Continental Basketball Association (1987-1996)
· National Basketball Association – Boston Celtics (1991)
· Fairfield University Athletic Hall of Fame (1995)
· USA Basketball – Pan American Team, Silver Medalist (1995)
· Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Honor Roll (2016)
Personal Information:
· Serves as Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director
· Married w/ three children, two granddaughters
· Resides in Uniondale, NY
