PURCHASE, N.Y. - The Valiant men's basketball team and the entire Manhattanville community sadly lost a dear friend earlier this week, as 15-year old AJ Buchanan lost his courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday afternoon.
 
AJ, who was teamed with the men's basketball team by the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation in the spring of 2010, had been heavily involved with the program ever since until he was forced back to the hospital in recent months. He attended games and other events with the team, sat on the bench alongside the coaching staff, and provided an incredible inspiration to all he touched.
 
“On Wednesday, our team lost not only its most valuable contributor, but also our brother,” said head men's basketball coach Pat Scanlon. “This is a difficult time for many people, especially AJ's family. Our love and prayers are with Toya, Kenisha and Davon. We are grateful to them for accepting our team, college and community into their family.”

Services will be held for AJ next week at the Camelot Funeral Home (174 Stevens Ave., Mount Vernon, NY). The wake will be on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., followed by funeral services on Thursday at 10 a.m.
 
AJ had been battling cancerous brain tumors since the age of nine, when he first spent nine months in the hospital. After fighting off that round of cancer, AJ tried to return to a normal life, but after his mother unexpectedly died in May his life was put into upheaval again. Soon after AJ was forced back into the hospital, and the Valiant team supported AJ through constant visits to the hospital and also through the creation of the “AJ5 Fund” to financially help AJ and his siblings.
 
But through it all, AJ remained a fighter. His courage and determination has been a constant source of inspiration to the team, while AJ himself had become as important a member of the team as anyone else in uniform.
 
“AJ is the most amazing person I have had the privilege of knowing,” added Scanlon. “His humility, grace, courage, love and warrior spirit are an inspiration to so many. He taught us a great deal, in such a short period of time. He also introduced us to many amazing people; from his family, to teachers, to the amazing doctors and nurses at Westchester Medical Center.”
 
The team learned of AJ's death just hours before the team's game against FDU-Florham on Wednesday night. A moment of silence was observed before both the women's and men's games that night, as the Valiant men went out and defeated the Devils by a 59-39 score in memory of their fallen teammate. The remainder of the season will be dedicated to AJ's memory, as the team attempts to keeps his memory and spirit alive.
 
“He is a true legend,” said Scanlon, “and we will honor him always.”