6-foot-1 Dublin High senior point Aiden Li is extraordinarily wise beyond his tender years. Sure, he posted a 4.71 grade point average last semester, with a 4.4 cumulative so his classroom intelligence is easily discernible. And yes, he leads his high school hoops teammates from the most critical position on the court utilizing interpersonal insights and knowledge that would make many older adults envious. By the way, he also plays football as an All-League cornerback for Dublin High as if his schedule features too much down time.
Talk with him for even a short period of time and what emerges is a grounded young adult with an obvious desire to learn more about this world, especially regarding his academic passions, as well as someone continuing to hone how to make his interactions with fellow players, coaches, teachers and others even more two-way productive.
Now, he will be heading in the Fall to the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) located in Cambridge across the Charles River from Boston.
Why the choice of MIT? "I'm grateful for everything," Li explained. "It was a clear cut decision because MIT offers the highest caliber academics and a great basketball program." He sent film to MIT Coach Larry Anderson who was impressed, attended an elite camp in August at MIT "and played well" and was invited for a visit at the end of October. "I loved it there, the campus and the people were nice and I could sense there was positive peer pressure (to work very hard to reach your potential)," he recalled. "MIT was my dream school, a far-fetched goal I've had all my life."
What made the interaction a little tricky for Li was that Coach Anderson retired and B.J. Dunne succeeded him in August. But Li's film was passed on to Dunne, who moved over from the same position at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Dunne was more than intrigued by Aiden's tenacity and playmaking.
Li will major in Finance and also learn Technical AI involving math and data science, looking to eventually work in the field of markets and quantitative finance. Basketball tournaments have taken him across the United States and now the Boston area beckons. Li is also eyeing New York City and maintaining interest in exploring international employment possibilities upon graduation. But returning to the Bay Area certainly isn't out of the question.
Asked what he does best on the court, Li offered, "I'm a natural born leader. I came up to the varsity level as a sophomore but I played little and as a role player." Not playing much initially isn't what any player desires "but it made me grind harder and become a better leader." That's more of that learning Li is so proficient at—mastering the technical skills of basketball while simultaneously developing the understanding of what else is required to earn major minutes. All that alongside understanding what are the psychological components involved in becoming the best teammate. "I talk a lot with my teammates on the court but I also demonstrate. A leader needs to be a role model and I definitely believe in serving the people I lead."
Also in detailing his best skills, Li said, "my basketball IQ and my playmaking - I'm crafty and shifty -and I get to my spots and dish the ball really well. My shooting is also a key attribute and I'm a top rebounder on my high school team and playing cornerback on the football team has helped me become a better defender." That combination earned him an All tournament player honor at the 2025 Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament which featured powerhouse teams from Salesian Prep, Modesto Christian High, Folsom High, Clovis North High, The Branson School and more.
One of his favorite memories through basketball was this past December, where his team played in the Gridley Invitational Tournament, staying with host families. Staying with a couple teammates in a rural area was a new experience he thoroughly enjoyed. Not only that, he was proud of his team for playing exceptional, earning third place honors, and also himself for his All-Tournament team selection.
Li was immersed early in sports, starting up with basketball when he was five. Offering his appreciation, he said, "I want to thank my Mom and Dad. My Mom is always there for me, supporting all of my ventures and instilling toughness in me. Dad taught me the game and helped me with my first shot. Both have spent countless hours of sacrifice on me, and it is something I greatly appreciate."
Li thanked Coach Tom Costello (Dublin) for the belief and trust in him to operate the team and the great culture he has instilled. Li played AAU ball with Coach Joey Fuca's Lakeshow squad and Coach Alex Krueger's Jalen Green Elite team this past summer. In addition to these, he issued thank yous to all his coaches, from CYO to youth AAU for what he learned and experienced during those seasons. "I also want to thank all my teammates and friends for being there to pick me up, encouraging me, and making basketball so fun."