D1 Nation Alumni Report: Saturday, December 4th

Anyone who knows me, can't argue about the passion I have for all the players who've come thorugh the Texas D1 Ambassadors organization.  As much as we love all of "our kids", some just occupy a special place in your heart.  D.J. Stephens of Memphis is one of those.  God, Family & basketball in that order are what's important to him. This is a kid who is so thankful to be playing D1 basketball, especially at Memphis.  He's a fan favorite and works his tail off every day in practice to make himself and his team mates better.

This summer, Memphis Coach Pastner called and asked what my opinion would be if he would consider redsahirting D.J. this coming season.  Respecting Pastner as I do, I told coach that whatever he thought was best for the player was good by me.  He called me back a couple of weeks later and said, "Max, I can't redshirt him.  He just won't let me.  He works so hard and brings so much positive energy to the Memphis program".

Fast forward to last night.  Stephens logged 29 minutes, scoring 13 points & 11 rebounds.  One of those buckets was a signature electrifying tip dunk off a Tarik Black miss.  I've compiled a list of recent articles and a you tube highlight with the Texas D1 Ambassadors that I thought all fans would enjoy....Coach Max
http://memphisroar.com/2009/08/dj-stephens-leaps/

http://www.insidememphisbasketball.com/news/2009-memphis-madness-revisited/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRuHyHZtb44

http://www.newser.com/article/d9jthi4o0/dj-stephens-helps-no-14-memphis-overcome-wku-77-61-with-13-points-11-rebounds.html

http://m.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/dec/04/stephens-helps-memphis-tigers-overcome-western-ken/

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Other former Texas D1 Ambassadors who had notable nights on the college scene. 

FR San Francisco PG Cody Doolin (Austin Westlake) played 37 minute last night, with no turnovers and scoring 17 points for Rex Walter's Don.

FR Northern Colorado PG Paul Garnica (San Antonio Lee) had 8 points in 16 minutes.
Below (l) Paul Garnica & Cody Doolin (r) with the Texas D1 Ambassadors.  Middle background Jordan Clarkson (Tulsa)

FR Colorado F Andre Roberson (Converse Wagner) had
Below: Far right, Wagner's Andre Roberson in April of 2010 on the campus of Colorodo with his D1 Ambassadors team mates who were in town to play in the Denver Pump N Run Spring Classic.  This visit changed Roberson's leaning from signing with Penn State to the Buffaloes. 

SO North Carolina F John Henson (Round Rock) had 13 points, 12 rebounds & 3 blocks in a huge win over kentucky in a nationally televised game.

Below: A blast from the past with the Texas D1 Ambassadors at the Jayhawk Invitational on the campus of Kansas University in 2007.  Third from left is John Henson (North Carolina) front to his right Bryan's Allyn Cooks (South Alabama), next right back, Killeen''s Cory Jefferson (Baylor) & far right Pflugerville Connally's Chase Harper (Nebraska-football).

JR Texas State G Travis Jones (Georgetown) had 11 points & 3 rebounds for the Bobcats.