Saint Joseph’s motto, “the hawk will never die,” holds true for DeAndre’ Bembry. The 2015-16 A-10 Player of the Year was drafted in the first round, 21st overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Draft on Thursday night. Bembry had an incredible junior season with the Saint Joseph’s Hawks before deciding to sign with an agent and leave school. DeAndre’ Bembry averaged 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season. His ability to affect all areas of the game will prove vital when he plays ball with Atlanta.
Once a Hawk always a Hawk lol
— Deandre Bembry (@ColderThan_Fire) June 24, 2016
DeAndre’ Bembry put on a number of spectacular performances in his final season as a Saint Joseph’s Hawk. The junior scored in double digits all season long with the exception of one game. His season-high came at a crucial moment; Bembry dropped 30 points in the A-10 Championship game to beat VCU 87-74 and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Bembry dropped 23 points in the first round of the Big Dance, helping the Hawks edge the Cincinnati Bearcats in a late-night thriller.
Bembry’s scoring made the Hawks a team to be reckoned with in the A-10 all year long. Saint Joseph’s was 9-1 in true road games this past season, and Bembry was a huge reason why. Though DeAndre’ is known for his work on the offensive end (scoring, distributing, rebounding), he’s also a very underrated defender. Bembry averaged 1.4 steals per contest this past year and was effective in creating points off turnovers. He can fly too. Don’t believe me? Check out this highlight reel dunk from Saint Joseph’s second round contest with Oregon.
Bembry has proven himself to be a dynamic player at the collegiate level and is setting himself up to have a long and successful career in the NBA. If he can improve his three point shooting at the next level, he can become a sure-fire starter and eventual superstar in the pros. DeAndre’ Bembry may be playing for a different team next season, but at the end of the day he’s still a Hawk.
