Here is a feature onHoopsTV by Jeff McMenamin, on DeAndre and the upcoming NBA Draft.

Gig 'em, DJ.

DeAndre Jordan Interview

An Aggie in Agony
By: Jeff McMenamin

The NBA draft is getting closer every day and eager players who are on the list to be drafted are trying to make their mark at individual team workouts. I sat down with DeAndre Jordan out of Texas A & M last week who outside of having a movie coming out in late June (Gunnin' for that #1 Spot) he is also a projected first round pick, perhaps even a lottery selection, in the 2008 NBA Draft.

HTV: The NBA draft is coming up very soon, how have you been preparing?

DJ: I've just been working out every day. I've been working out hard 3 or 4 times a day to better my game in any way I can to get me ready.

HTV: What do you think about the order of the lottery?

DJ: I like the order of the lottery. It's very open for the big men so I have a really good chance to make my mark and get picked pretty high. Whatever team selects me will see that I'm going to help out the organization in any way I can.

HTV: Draftexpress.com has you going 10th to the Nets while Nbadraft.net has you going 14th to the Warriors, do you feel like you can give a team what is expected out of a top 10 pick?

DJ: I don't really go by that because it's all just speculation but it is a real source. I'm just trying to go out and work as hard as I can.

HTV: What do you feel you could give a team looking for a big man?
 
DJ: I'll give a lot of activity and intensity. I'll just be real active on the boards and on defense or at blocking shots. Just being an overall intensity guy. Once I make my mark than I'll try to be a scorer and a more dominant player.

HTV: Are there any things that you wish to improve on?

DJ: My outside jump shot. I just want to get to a point where I can knock down that 12 footer easily. Also just getting inside the paint and getting off screen and rolls. Basically I'm just working on those two things right now.

HTV: What are some of the drills than you've been asked to run in your workouts?

DJ: I've been running just some mid-range catch and shoots and I've also been doing a lot of post work. I'm just working on becoming faster and a more accurate shooter.

HTV: Have you gotten to practice with any current NBA players?

DJ: Last summer I worked out with Lamarcus Aldridge, and this summer I've kinda been doing things with Hakim Warrick** a little bit.

HTV: I heard that you've been working with Mike Beasley a lot, what's that been like?

DJ: It's pretty good, we get to go at each other and keep each other motivated. We just try to keep each other hungry and make each other better. 
TV: What did you learn from coach Turgeon during your freshman year?

DJ: He just taught me to keep a level head and be mentally tough. Last year I was a young player on an older team so he just taught me to keep a level head through the highs and lows. 

HTV: Your game has been compared to that of Dwight Howard, does this sound about right to you?

DJ: (laugh) I just go out there and do what I can. The comparison though I mean he's a great player and I'm just trying to do what I can do be alright.
 
HTV: There are plenty of clips on youtube of your rim rattling dunks. In the NBA, is being a competitor in the slam dunk competition something you've thought about?

DJ: If I have enough dunks in my rookie season than maybe, but it's a possibility if I can pull off some stuff next season.

HTV: What is your greatest basketball experience?

DJ: Playing in the NCAA tournament this year against UCLA and we ended up losing to them I think by 4. Watching that growing up and than getting to play in it was pretty great.

HTV: You've lived in Texas your whole life. How is moving away going to affect you and your family?

DJ: Well my brothers are younger than me but their pretty old so they know what to expect. Moving away for me will just get me older faster and just give me a better experience because I get to live on my own for a little bit.

HTV: Is there any city that appeals to you the most?

DJ:  No not really. Any city would be fine for me. It's my dream just to play in the NBA and I'll adapt to anywhere.

HTV: If you had one thing to say to the fans getting ready to see you play, what would it be?

DJ: I've improved a lot so just be ready.