LAS VEGAS — DeAndre' Bembry is starting his NBA career in Atlanta, but he still feels closely tied to Philadelphia, where he played three years at St. Joe’s.
Following his summer league debut for the Hawks on Friday, he expressed his appreciation for the support he has received after being drafted 21st overall.
“They’ve been with me since Day 1,” Bembry said of St. Joe's. “They felt like they always knew this, I felt like I always knew this. I guess it’s about time. The fans there are awesome. They instilled confidence in me as well. They’ve seen me grow over this process so they’ve been great.”
Bembry declared for the draft following his junior season. His stock rose from the combine to draft night. Bembry brought his college résumé into workouts and also impressed with his confidence and leadership abilities.
On Friday, Bembry scored 14 points (4 for 9 from the field, 5 for 7 from the line) to go with six rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes in the Hawks' win over the Rockets. He will focus on improving his aggressiveness on defense and looks to stay competitive on both ends of the floor.
“It was great to put [this jersey] on for the first time and be out there in front of all these people so everybody gets to see how my game is,” he said. “I feel like I got to show everybody how I play and what I’m capable of. It felt pretty good.”
Bembry's college teammate Isaiah Miles is also playing in summer league. He is a member of the Mavericks' squad.
