D.J. Strawberry
From Hoopedia
| |
| New Orleans Hornets | |
|---|---|
| Point guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Date of birth | June 15, 1985 |
| Place of birth | New York City, New York |
| Nationality |  American
|
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 |
| Listed weight | 205 lbs |
| Career information | |
| College | Maryland |
| NBA Draft | 2007; Round: 2 / Pick: 57th |
| Selected by the Phoenix Suns | |
| Pro career | 2007-present |
| League | NBA
|
| Career history | |
| Phoenix Suns(2007–2008) Albuquerque Thunderbirds (2007–2008) Fortitudo Bologna (2008–2009) Reno Bighorns (2009-2010) New Orleans Hornets (2010-present) | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| D.J. Strawberry at NBA.com | |
Darryl Eugene Strawberry, Jr., or simply D.J., (born June 15, 1985, in New York City, New York, USA) is a professional basketball player for Italy's Fortitudo Bologna. 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.he currently play for Fortitudo Bologna in Italy.
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Early Life
Strawberry was born on June 15, 1985, in New York City, New York to Lisa Watkins and former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry. As a child, he served as a bat boy for the New York Yankees, while his father was on the roster.
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.
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.
Professional
D.J. Strawberry was selected in the second round (59th pick overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.
On December 18, 2007, it was announced he was assigned to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the NBA D-League. He was named Performer of the Week for the week ending January 6. Strawberry was recalled to the Suns in place of another rookie, Alando Tucker, on January 10, 2008.
On August 25, 2008, he was traded to the Houston Rockets for Sean Singletary, but was waived on October 24. At the end of that month, he joined Italian club Fortitudo Bologna.
In April, 2009, he suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee, ending his season in Italy. He then returned to the United States for surgery, and in July, 2009 he began a 6-month program in Los Angeles with Tom Vachet, a rehabilitation and conditioning expert from Elite Performance Management,Inc.
In January 2010, Strawberry joined the Reno Bighorns of the NBA D-League.
Strawberry was included in the Los Angeles Lakers 2010 Summer League roster.
On September 17, 2010, he was signed by the New Orleans Hornets to a one-year deal.
