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Thu, Dec 11th 2008, 10:28
D.J. Augustin steals the show despite Bobcats' loss
Unlike any game this season, former Brother Martin star D.J. Augustin enjoyed a long-anticipated homecoming Wednesday night.
During the 2004-05 school year when he led the Crusaders to their second consecutive Class 5A state championship, Augustin used to sit in the upper level at the New Orleans Arena during Hornets games and dream about running on the court as an NBA player.
Now as the Charlotte Bobcats’ top rookie point guard, Augustin fulfilled that dream in front of more than 30 relatives and 150 friends that included several current and former Brother Martin students.
He was matched against Hornets star Chris Paul in his first professional game at the Arena. Because of his return home, Bobcats Coach Larry Brown inserted him in the starting lineup. Augustin responded with a career-high 28 points, with seven assists and four steals, but his team fell to the Hornets 105-89.
“I’m here, and it’s like a dream that has come true,” Augustin said. “I always dreamed about being in the NBA as a young kid. I used to sit somewhere high to watch Hornets games when they had Baron Davis, George Lynch and J.R. Smith. I’m on the floor now, and it’s a great feeling.
“I just kept working hard. If you work hard, you can reach your goals. I’m here, and it doesn’t feel like it’s real.”
In 2005, Augustin and his family fled New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina. He played his senior year at Hightower (Texas) High School in Missouri City, near Houston, but he received his high school diploma from Brother Martin.
After two seasons at the University of Texas, Augustin declared for the NBA draft this past June.
“He’s done a terrific job,” Brown said. “His adjustment wasn’t like a lot of kids because he’s been so well coached. He’s fit right in and is a terrific kid. He’s only going to get better.”
The Bobcats arrived in New Orleans on Monday night, and Augustin said it immediately felt like home again. His parents reside in the Houston area, but Augustin said they arrived in New Orleans on Tuesday.
“It means a lot to have him back in town in front of family and friends,” said his mother, Vanessa. “We’ve been to some games in Charlotte, but it’s always nice when you are home again. He has a lot of friends and family and a lot of folks from Brother Martin came to see him, so we are very fortunate.”