Back to the Missouri State Bears Newsfeed

MSU coach Dana Ford on passing of recruit A.J. James: 'It's been a tough week'

(Photo: Lewis Marien)

ST. LOUIS — Missouri State head coach Dana Ford was brief when addressing the passing of 2020 basketball recruit A.J. James.

James, 19, verbally committed to Missouri State basketball on New Year's Day. He was killed in an accidental shooting in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Monday evening. Chesapeake police spokesman Leo Kosinski said James and an adult were handling a handgun when it went off, ultimately killing the Bears' basketball recruit.

Kosinski said there was no criminal intent and no criminal charges are being filed at this time.

"It's been a tough week," Ford said during a press conference on Thursday in St.