Player Profiles: D.J. Brown

By Tyler Stephenson
KTSW Sports

It’s been said that a point guard is to basketball what a quarterback is to football; both must manage the offense, provide leadership and, perhaps most importantly, bring a high intelligence to the game.

In fact, intelligence is part of the reason senior transfer D.J. Brown is the Bobcats starting point guard this season. After earning his undergraduate degree from San Jose State in June, Brown chose to spend his last year of playing eligibility with the Bobcats and pursue a master’s degree.

“I’m getting a master’s in interdisciplinary studies and it’s a focus in psychology, legal studies and mass communication,” said Brown. “I want to be an entrepreneur eventually. I have a few mentors back in L.A. that I’m going to be working under that are very successful and they’re going to show me the ropes of business to eventually create my own.”

As a California native, Brown joked that the West Coast is the best coast and he can’t wait to get back. But when he does return to Cali, Brown said he’ll be bringing some Southern hospitality with him.

“Southern hospitality is real,” said Brown. “I’ve heard about it in California, but the attitude that people have is completely different. They’re so much nicer out here and it’s something I’ve adopted myself. I’ll be taking it home.”

As part of that Southern hospitality, Brown said he likes to interact and connect with people, that’s why his favorite social media account is Instagram.

“It’s always people uploading and you can get anything from inspiration to just funny videos,” Brown said.

As the leader of the offense, its Brown’s job to stay calm under pressure. So, to clear his mind before a game, Brown likes to relax with a little R&B.

“I love to get my mind in a calm state,” he said. “So, I’ll do R&B so I can relax myself and be at an even-keel. My favorites are ’90s artist like R. Kelly, old school Usher and 112.”

At 23 years old, Brown is the oldest player on the Bobcat’s roster. As one of the older guys, Brown said it’s his responsibility to set an example for the younger players.

“[Leadership] is something I already have instilled in me,” he said. “Being an older person is kind of weird for me right now because I’m not used to it, but I’m able to show these guys the ropes, and when they have questions about the game on-and-off the court I’m able to be there for them.”

When asked what he wants the Bobcats to accomplish this year, Brown said he’d like to have a 20-win season. But in the end, he just wants to inspire his teammates to play their best and end his playing career as a winner.