PROFILE

MJ, or Matthys as he was named when born in January 1989, matriculated in 2007 at Waterkloof Hoërskool. That year, he scooped the South African Boys title and was named Sportsmen of the Year at his school.

The following year he was given a scholarship to Lee University in the States where he earned NAIA All-American honours. One year later, he was snapped up by the Lamar University in Texas, and it was here that he really excelled. In 2011 he was named Southland Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Southland Conference, and in his final season last year he was named to the Division One Ping All-Central Region Team. By the time he graduated in June 2012, he had racked up an impressive résumé and was ready to turn pro.

SWINGS: R  |  BIRTHDATE: 01/13/1989
BIRTHPLACE: PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA