The Official Site of DJ Augustin

Fri, Jun 6th 2008, 16:07

Q & A with DJ

After his individual workout with the Suns, DJ answered some questions from the local media.

Question: Where did you work out first?

D.J Augustin: Indiana, but I have five or six more to go.

Question: Talk about what they had you doing out here today.

Augustin: It was cool. There was a lot of running, a lot of shooting and a lot of drills. It’s all what the coaches want to see.

Question: You guys did some two-on-two drills, too. What were the Suns looking for?

Augustin: They want to see if you can play defense, create for your teammates and shoot the ball. That’s what we’re all out here to do.

Question: Do you think the Suns would have to move up to get you?

Augustin: I don’t know. Whatever team picks me, picks me. I just want to work hard and show them what I can do.

Question: Talk about stepping up your game at Texas after Kevin Durant left last year.

Augustin: It was tough for me because I’m more of a passer and I live for my teammates, but coach wanted me to score and needed me to score for the team to win. I just worked on my offensive game during the summer and improved.

Question: For people who may not be familiar with you, do a self scouting report.

Augustin: My strengths are getting everybody open for good shots, penetrating to the basket and scoring. As for weaknesses, I have all kinds. I have a lot to improve on in my game. It’s all about the IQ, and that’s what it takes to play in this league.

Question: Playing the point, you must be familiar with Steve Nash.

Augustin: I watched a lot of film on him last year and meeting him this year was a great opportunity to learn from him. I try to watch film of him every day, learn how to shoot over bigger guys and be crafty in the lane. Game film, edits – watching every little thing he does. It’s amazing to single him out when watching him. Because of my size, I need to learn to shoot over the bigger guys, so that’s where my speed comes in. I just try to learn from Steve and learn as much as possible. It’d be great to take a back seat to Steve, and just pick his mind. That’s what it’s about in this league – learning to grow as a player.

Question: Did you get a chance to play a little HORSE with Steve when you met him?

Augustin: No. He shoots some pretty incredible shots, so I don’t know if I could keep up with him.

Question: You mentioned your size. Has that made things tough for you at all?

Augustin: Size has never been a problem for me at any level. I just need to go prove it, and just play my game.

Question: What do you think of this ballclub?

Augustin: They are a great team. They always seem to find a way to win, and do a great job of getting themselves ready to play.

Question: What similarities are there style-wise between the Suns and your time at Texas?

Augustin: We did a lot of running and pick and rolls, and that’s pretty much what the Suns run.

Question: Who would you say you pattern your game after out on the court?

Augustin: I like to watch Chris Paul and Tony Parker. They shoot floaters and get around bigger guys. That’s going to be my biggest challenge.

Question: Where do you think you’ll land on draft night?

Augustin: You never know what will happen on draft night. I’m just happy going into the NBA and getting picked by somebody. I’d be happy to play for the Suns.

Question: What are your emotions heading into the draft?

Augustin: I’m anxious. I’m excited to be playing and working out. With the traveling, it’s a bit tiring, but you have to fight through it. Draft night will be here in a minute.