Minnesota State University - Mankato Athletics

2025-26: Appeared in six games for the Mavericks this season averaging 17 minutes with one start…Scored a season-high four points against Southwest Minnesota State…Also recorded a season-high two assists and two blocks in that Southwest Minnesota State game.

High School: A guard from Lake Mills, Wis., AJ Bender is the all-time leading score at Lake Mills High School. ..Bender has claimed four all-conference honors and was named the conference player of the year. He also helped his team win a regional championship.

Personal: AJ is the son of Holly and Jim Bender and he intends to major in business...His dad ran track at Michigan and played football at Northwestern...His high school assistant coach Ryan Benish played for Minnesota State from 1994-98.