DJ Strawberry, a former Maryland Terrapins basketball player who now plays for the Phoenix Suns. He was drafted in the second round, 59th overall, by the Suns in the 2007 NBA Draft and He was signed on August 28, 2007 to a two year contract. Strawberry was a swingman for the Terpains, and he was much valued for his on-the-ball defense. He was the best defender on the team throughout his career at Maryland.
John Gilchrist's departure from the Terps, forced Strawberry into the role of point guard during his junior year. Strawberry received Honorable Mention All-ACC Freshman honors along with Honorable Mention All-ACC Defensive Team honors. He is the eighth player in Maryland history to lead the team in both steals and assists. In his senior season he was the leading scorer on the team and was voted to second team All-ACC.
On Friday, I had a chance to sit and talk with DJ about his new life as an NBA player and here's what he had to say:
How’s your experience so far in the NBA?
It’s been great so far, just learning a lot. I’m on a great team with a lot of All-Stars and I’m learning from my teammates on and off the court. It’s a great feeling and great experience.
Was it hard for you to transition from college basketball to the NBA?
Yes, you just have to do things that you do best. In my case, it’s playing defense and using my defensive abilities to get offensive baskets in transition. I had to adjust to the speed of the game. It’s hard playing with great players everyday but that will only help to improve my game in the long run.
How’s it playing with Grant Hill and Steve Nash?
It’s great! They’re veterans and been here a while and they’re great players. They teach me a lot and take care of me. They’ve taken me under their wings to show me things I need to learn to improve all my basketball skills.
Grant Hill is a former Duke Blue Devil, does he trash talk you about the Maryland Terrapins?
He talked to me about how he never lost to Maryland while he was playing at Duke, but I made up for it during my time at Maryland. I think we lost a couple times but not too many, but we did beat them for the ACC Championship in 2004.
How was it going back to the Comcast Center for a basketball game?
It was great! I got to see a lot of close friends, old teammates and coaches.
What was it like being there as an NBA player?
It was great! I got to see all my old boys from college hanging out with them. I kind of miss the college atmosphere but I’ve moved on and it was a nice experience being back.
What’s it like playing at the Verizon Center again?
It was good! I think this was the first time I’ve won here since I’ve been in Maryland. We never won here while I was in college, so it was a good feeling getting my first win.
Do you still keep in contact with your old teammates from the University of Maryland that came in with you in class of 2003?
Yes, I still talk to Mike Jones and Ekene Ibekwe a lot. We all came in together. They’re both overseas playing and I wish them all the best over there. Those are my guys and I wish they could be in the NBA with me.
What is one thing you learned from Gary Williams that has helped you in the NBA thus far?
Just being tough. You have to have thick skin. Gary Williams is a fiery coach and he’ll try to get under your skin. He’s brought toughness to my game and attitude.
Your thoughts on Maryland’s team so far?
They’re a young team, I’ve only seen a couple of games so far. They remind me of the team when I came here my freshman year. They have a lot young guys out there but once they start playing a little more and gain some more experience of the college game they’ll be a good team.
If you had a advice for that Maryland team, what would it be?
Just play hard every night, stay in the gym and work on your complete game.
What was your reaction when you stepped on the NBA court for your first regular season game?
I was over anxious, hyped, and excited. I calmed down then I started to play.
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U of Maryland 