Background
He was born on August 27, 1992 in Gary, Indiana.
He was born on August 27, 1992 in Gary, Indiana.
High school Carmel (Carmel, Indiana) Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia) College Purdue (2012–2016).
As a McDonald's All-America nominee out of Oak Hill Academy, Hammons is regarded as an elite defender and a premier shot-blocker. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team at the conclusion of his first season playing for the Boilermakers. At the conclusion of his sophomore season he was awarded Honorable Mention All-Big Ten as well as being named to the Big Ten All Defensive Team.
He was named Second Team All-Big Ten as a junior for the 2014-2015 season and was again awarded a spot on the Big Ten All Defensive Team.
After his senior season AJ was named 2016 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Big Ten, and his third All-Big Ten Defensive Team. Hammons most notably has 26 double-doubles in his career and made his first career start against University of North Carolina Wilmington.
On June 23, 2016, Hammons was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 46th overall pick in the 2016 National Basketball Association draft.
On July 8, he signed with the Mavericks and joined the team for the 2016 National Basketball Association Summer League.On October 28, he made his professional debut in a 106–98 loss to the Houston Rockets, recording one assist in one minute off the bench. During his rookie season, he has had multiple assignments with the Texas Legends of the National Basketball Association Development League.