OSHAWA, Ont. – A familiar face is coming home to the Ridgebacks, as Ontario Tech men's basketball alumnus AJ Cummings returns to the program as a graduate transfer ahead of the upcoming season.

Cummings, one of the first commitments in program history, suited up for the Ridgebacks from 2019 to 2023 and etched his name throughout the record book. He ranks fifth all-time in program scoring with 612 points, while holding the top spot in both three-pointers made and three-point percentage.

After spending the 2024–25 season with the Queen's Gaels, Cummings now returns to Oshawa to pursue his Master of Education and rejoin the Ridgebacks for his final year of eligibility.

"AJ Cummings' journey coming full circle is a reflection of who he is—committed, driven, and always looking to grow," said head coach Deluxshan Pathmanathan. "When someone chooses to come back, it says everything about the experience and the culture. AJ Cummings returning to Ontario Tech to pursue his master's and compete again is exactly what this program is about—growth, development, and lasting impact."

With Queen's, Cummings averaged 10 points per game while shooting 39 per cent from beyond the arc, continuing to showcase the perimeter scoring ability that made him one of the Ridgebacks' most reliable offensive threats during his first stint with the program.

"I'm grateful to be back home and continuing my Master of Education at Ontario Tech University, where my journey first began," said Cummings. "Returning both academically and athletically truly feels like a full-circle moment. Thankful to Coach Deluxshan for welcoming me back and allowing me to keep building our strong basketball relationship in my final year. Honoured as well to represent Coach Greg Francis, his legacy continues to guide me every day."