The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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JANUARY 2020 THE WOLVERINE 11 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Sitting Down With Sophomore Basketball Guard David DeJulius Sophomore shooting guard David De- Julius has emerged as a key part of Michi- gan basketball's rotation, playing with confidence after a freshman season in which he averaged only 0.6 points in 3.8 minutes per game while shooting 6.7 per- cent (1 of 15) from three-point range. He was averaging 8.0 points and shoot- ing 39.4 percent (13 of 33) from three- point range through his first 11 games for the 8-3 Wolverines. DeJulius spoke about his improvement and more in this sit-down: The Wolverine: How have you adapted from being "the man" on every team since grade school to becoming a role player coming off the bench in college? David DeJulius: "It's a lot different now. I know I have to play a role because I'm at a much bigger level, and further on down the line … I'm no LeBron James, so I'm going to have to play a role throughout my whole career. "I might as well embrace it now and get it now, to try to help the longevity of my career." The Wolverine: What's it like to be a sixth man who's called upon when the team needs a spark? DeJulius: "That's kind of my identity. Before the season, we had our meeting to make sure I can affect the game and make sure that I'm improving and getting to another level, so that's my job. That's my main focus. "I just try to be aggressive — take what the defense gives me and, at the same time, defend. I don't get any plays run for me, really, but I just continue to stay ag- gressive. I just play my role and do whatever I can to stay out there on the floor." The Wolverine: You've been active on the defensive glass when you're on the floor, what goes into that mindset? DeJulius: "We talk about rebounding a lot. That's just something that I do because every game I don't hit shots — that's just kind of how it is — but at the end of the game I want to know that I affected the game defensively and rebounded the ball. "You can't be mad at yourself if you know you gave it your all at the end of the game." The Wolverine: What's the biggest difference between last season and this year that's helped you gain confidence? DeJulius: "I'm a lot more comfortable … this coaching staff, Coach [Juwan] Howard, he gives a lot of trust in me as well as my teammates. Combined with all the hard work put in, in the offseason, I feel like that's what got us here, got me here today." The Wolverine: What's the next step for you in your progression? DeJulius: "Every game, I'm just trying to continue to grow. … I'm still going through growing pains, getting more experience, so I try not to rush anything. I just try to take whatever the defense gives me. "Each and every game, I watch film and see where I can be more aggressive, and I just feel like it's more of a feeling thing." — Chris Balas DeJulius averaged just 3.8 minutes and 0.6 points per game last season, but has improved to 22.3 and 8.0, respectively, in the two categories through the first 11 games this year. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL (Item #1365) CUSTOM GRILL COVER Hand-made in the USA using the finest commercial grade vinyl. Mold-resistant, breathable vinyl with drawstring bottom. Block M printed with UV-resistant ink. AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES: Small: 60" wide x 36" tall x 21" deep $51.95 + $15.00 S&H Large: 72" wide x 36" tall x 21" deep $54.95 + $15.00 S&H Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery. Grill covers are made to order and shipped direct from manufacturer. Returns not related to damage may incur restocking fee. GRILL MAT (Item #1256) $49.95 + FREE S&H Grill mats are made to order and shipped direct from manufacturer. Returns not related to damage are not available. SPORTULA (Item #1220) SALE! $14.95 + $6.50 S&H (Reg. $24.95) DELIVERY LIMITED TO CONTINENTAL U.S. PLEASE ADD SALES TAX FOR ITEMS SHIPPING TO: (NC 7.5%, IN 7%, MI 6%) THE WOLVERINE PO Box 2331 Durham, NC 27702 TheWolverineOnDemand.com 1-800-421-7751