Tj Stukes, born and raised in the Bronx, NY, and Mount Vernon, is a former professional basketball player and aspiring actor. Standing tall at 6’8″ and weighing 244 pounds, he possesses a naturally athletic body that has propelled him throughout his career. After an impressive two-decade tenure in the world of basketball, Tj made the decision to retire in March of 2023.
Tj’s journey began in Kansas, where he pursued his higher education at Independence Community College and Pittsburg State University. It was during this time that he crossed paths with his beloved wife, Samantha, who has been a pillar of support and happiness in his life. Together, they have been blessed with two beautiful children, Amare and Alana Aofia-Stukes.
Raised within the foster care system, Tj’s rough upbringing has shaped him into a natural leader with a kind persona. His experiences have instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unwavering determination to overcome challenges. Always eager to broaden his horizons, Tj embraces new opportunities and is open to acquiring new skills.
Fueling his passion for the arts, Tj has embarked on an exciting acting career. From a lifestyle Adidas commercial to a role alongside Adam Sandler in the Netflix film “Hustle,” he has already been involved in several noteworthy projects. Aspiring to become a full-time actor, Tj dreams of making his mark in the entertainment industry.
Tj is the proud brother of three sisters named Ebony, Liz, and Shawntai. His parents, Denise Brown and Timmy Stukes, have been an unwavering source of support and inspiration throughout his life. Currently, Tj and his wife Samantha are fulfilling their dream of coaching at Northern New Mexico College, where they are making a positive impact on young athletes.
Known for his unwavering commitment, Tj takes great pride in his hard work and professionalism. With his determined mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence, he continues to inspire those around him to reach their full potential.
As a former professional basketball player, how did you prepare for life after retirement, and what advice would you give to other athletes going through a similar transition?
TS: The one and only thing I had planned for was the financial, everything else I was learning on the fly, in the most literal sense. Adjusting to “normal” life was probably the most difficult thing I had to do. My advice for athletes who are in the twilight of their careers is to take care of yourself mentally because as an athlete you already know how the body works, however, no one tells us athletes how to be when the thing we worked so hard to be great at is gone. The pride of an athlete is scary, I tell you!
Can you share a bit about your experience as an actor and how it has influenced your personal and professional growth?
TS: My experience as an actor was an unconventional one! I was part of a huge reality show on MTV2 way back in 2005. The show was called Nike Battlegrounds and it was hosted by Lebron James. That was when I became enamored by the industry. I really wanted to act and not play basketball for a long time, just because of the stress I put my body through, however I got rejected for MANY roles and that discouraged me heavily. So I stuck to basketball and watched as opportunities passed me by until I put my head down and told myself I will get something! All that time taught me a new type of resilience and patience and I applied it to both my personal and my professional lives.
With your recent job change to assistant coach of Basketball at New Mexico College, how do you balance your passion for basketball with your aspirations in the acting industry?
TS: The way I balance my new job at Northern New Mexico College and my passion for acting is that I make time! Whenever you love something, TRULY, making time for something isn’t the issue at all. I love the ability to be creative so I give 100 percent to both equally!
In your coaching role, how do you prioritize the mental health and well-being of your players, and what strategies do you implement to support their overall development?
TS: The way we prioritize mental health for the women on the team, we make sure to let them know that it’s ok to take a break for you. Also to show we genuinely care because when a person truly cares for one another without intentions, especially for young women, that will carry with them wherever they go and slowly but surely help make this world a better place.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your coaching career, and how have you overcome them?
TS: One of the biggest challenges as a coach is the transition from a player to a coach. At one point I was extremely vivid that I was not ready to coach because I expected my effort from other people and that’s not fair at all. I am not them and they are not me so I am learning to adjust and adapt as I always do. I’ve had a mentor to look up to and that’s my wife. She is one of the best coaches I’ve witnessed, so I often observe and pick her brain.
How has your wife’s role as head coach of the women’s program at New Mexico College influenced your coaching style and approach to leadership?
TS: My wife instilled in my brain and heart, humility and gratitude. The reason why is because this game is a privilege and you have to earn the right to be allowed to lead. She has shown me true humility because I’ve had many times where my arrogance has pushed me to places that I didn’t even realize in a negative way!
Can you speak to the importance of work-life balance in your career and personal life, especially considering your roles as a coach and a father?
TS: The importance of work-life balance is critical in our relationship because we sometimes get overwhelmed with work and forget that we are humans and not machines. Date nights, kids time, no phone time, quiet time, and doing absolutely nothing is the formula that works for our relationship. Being a dad is the easiest hardest job in life! As I am teaching our kids I’m learning from them also! Our kids teach us so much with our patience and communication because lord knows our kids test those limits every day!
What are some of the most valuable life lessons you’ve learned from your time as a basketball player, and how do you apply those lessons to your everyday life?
TS: So many lessons have been learned from basketball that translated to life. One of many lessons is to give 100 per cent knowing that everything won’t go my way. So many people give the exact percentage that they are guaranteed, I’ve learned through basketball to give your all EVERY SINGLE TIME. Another lesson is that defeat is a blessing in disguise because to learn how to lose so you could learn how to win is priceless. I could go on all day about what basketball has taught me and how it applies to everyday life.
As someone who is open to learning new skills, what are some areas of personal and professional growth that you’re currently focused on, and how do you plan to achieve your goals in those areas?
TS: In my personal life, I’m looking to grow in the listening department. My Journeys around the world has given me experience in most situations however I have to remember that every situation is different and as a work in progress I have to remember that. In my professional life, it’s taking a backseat, because I’m so used to being the lead in many things in my life. So when I do have to take the backseat it drives me insane! Humility and gratitude comes into play!
