Recruiting Report: DJ Steward (2020)
Whitney Young 2020 point guard DJ Steward is the state’s #2 prospect and a top 50 player nationally. He is coming off a great junior year with the Dolphins becoming their go to scorer, passer, and defender. What intrigues college coaches so much about Steward is his ability to score in a variety of ways. Slithers through the defense on drives to the hoop, is lethal on pull up mid-range jumpers, and can hit threes. Sound passer with a feel for the game especially in the half court. Really like what he brings to the table on the defensive end with his length, lateral quickness, and anticipation getting steals along with deflections. PrepHoopsIllinois caught up with Steward to discuss his season, preview the spring with Meanstreets, and go in-depth on his recruitment.
This was Steward’s first year in the Chicago Public League at powerhouse Whitney Young. He discussed the season.
“This season was pretty good. We came up short of our goal winning state, but we definitely believe we will be back next year to win it all. For me I think I played pretty good. Knocked down shots and was able to break down defenders.”
Where did he see the most significant growth as a player?
“Defensively and just breaking down my defenders a lot easier and shooting shots off the dribble.”
Big summer ahead for the talented combo guard running with Meanstreets in the 17U Nike EYBL.
“I’m just looking forward to playing against the best talent in the country and not only showing I can compete against them, but go at them. Team goals are winning as many games as possible, win Peach Jam, and get to know my team better.”
What is the latest with recruiting?
“University of Maryland just recently hit me up. Texas is really after me, Virginia, Louisville, Illinois, DePaul, and Xavier has been pushing hard.”
He says he has one school that is in prime position to get an official visit this spring.
“Nothing is planned as of right now, but me and my family are planning to official visit to Texas.”
Steward broke down a handful of the programs pursuing him.
Texas
“They are in the Big 12. They are looking to rebuild. Coach Shaka is a great person. He is cool and Coach Berry always stays in contact and tries to visit Chicago whenever they can. They say I can come in and be a big help right away.”
Virginia
“Virginia has been on me for about a year now. They haven’t pulled the trigger just yet as far as offering, but they are in the final four right now and playing pretty good. Coaching staff is pretty cool too.”
Illinois
“Illinois is the in-state school. They’ve been in contact with me a lot lately. They want me to get down there for a visit. They are trying to rebuild and said I can help with that.”
DePaul
“My old coach Coach Tim is there. They stay in contact often. Also it’s in my hometown of Chicago. They also say I can help rebuild and turn the program around.”
Louisville
“Louisville hasn’t pulled the trigger either. They want me to visit before they offer me. Head Coach and assistant coach stay in contact with me. They are down to earth.”
An interesting aspect to Steward’s recruitment is that a lot of the schools recruiting him are also recruiting his close friends in combo guards Adam Miller, Nimari Burnett, and Caleb Love. What are his thoughts on that?
“Yes those are all my guys. Would be nice to team up with them and go after our goals together! We all stay in contact with each other lots.”
He broke down what he will be looking for in the perfect school for him.
“A place where I have a good relationship with the coaches and players. Somewhere where I can come in right away and play and help me get better. A school that will help me get to the next level after college!”