D.J. Strawberry

From Hoopedia

Darryl Eugene Strawberry, Jr. or simply D.J. (born June 15, 1985) is a professional basketball player for the NBA's Phoenix Suns. He is the son of former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry and the nephew of former college basketball standout and Orlando Magic guard Miles Simon. He was drafted in the second round, 59th overall, by the Suns in the 2007 NBA Draft.

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High School

A graduate of Mater Dei High School, Strawberry built a reputation for hard-nosed defense. During his senior year, he was involved in a nationally-televised matchup against St. Vincent - St. Mary High School of Akron, Ohio, where he was assigned the task of defending their star player and future NBA superstar LeBron James. Strawberry was lauded for his efforts, which included holding James to a 33% shooting performance (0-for-8 from beyond the three-point line) and forcing him into seven turnovers.

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College

At 6-feet 5-inches tall, Strawberry assumed the role of a swingman for the Terrapins, and he was much valued for his on-the-ball defense. He averaged nearly 2 steals per game, leading his team in that category. He was also valued for his off-the-bench intensity; it is felt that Maryland's absence from the 2005 NCAA Tournament was due in no small part to a season-ending ACL injury Strawberry suffered in mid-January of that year.

While he was primarily a swingman, a lack of depth pressed Strawberry into the role of point guard during his junior year. He had various degrees of success in this new role, leading the team in both assists per game (4.0) and turnovers per game (2.9).

Strawberry received Honorable Mention All-ACC Freshman honors. During his junior year, he received Honorable Mention All-ACC Defensive Team honors. He is the eighth player in Maryland history to lead the team in both steals and assists.

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