TJ Stukes hails from The Bronx, New York. Stukes attended Mt. Vernon High School and Bronx Regional where he, along with his team, secured two State Titles.
In 2004, Stukes was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year in New York. He went on to play at Independence Community College (ICC) in Kansas, where he was part of an exceptional team that set a still-unbroken record with an incredible 31-game winning streak. His personal performance did not go unnoticed; he was once again crowned as the Defensive Player of the Year, this time for the Jayhawk Conference.
Stukes' basketball journey continued at Pittsburg State University, also located in Kansas. Post-college, he embarked on a professional basketball career that took him around the world, playing in multiple countries including China, Turkmenistan, and Japan (Tokyo), among others.
Furthermore, Stukes played over 1300 games for the Harlem Wizards over a nine-year span, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the sport. During this time, he earned the nickname "The Tomahawk", a nod to his strong and dynamic presence on the court.
Off the court, Stukes shares his life with his wonderful wife and children. They are the proud parents of two children, Amare and Alana Aofia-Stukes..