The Basketball Interview with DJ LeBeau
New Town guard DJ LeBeau has had some explosive scoring nights in North Dakota. What makes him this level of scorer? LeBeau talks hoops with PHD.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
DJ: I love listening to music on a huge speaker with the whole team turning up the volume as loud as it can go. It makes me relaxed and ready to play the game at hand.
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
DJ: Our crowd has been crazy good ever since regionals my sophomore year. They stay loud and kind of talk trash for the team.
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in Minnesota basketball and why?
DJ: The toughest player I have ever played against in North Dakota is probably Deyondre Simpson, he probably averaged 30 points against New Town his whole career. Length and athleticism with the touch out to three is so hard to guard.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
DJ: Biggest rival is Parshall, we are on the same reservation so we should be like family but it’s not like that at all. Just a group of competitive kids that hates losing. Most memorable moment that is heated was probably a few of their players and people from Parshall, cheering for Kenmare when we were playing in the regional championship game. That’s how I knew we didn’t like each other on the court.
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
DJ: My favorite basketball player in the world is Russell Westbrook, he’s so good and fearless. He does not care what anyone thinks and always goes over the top for his team. That’s a true leader and I respect him and his game. He’s definitely my favorite.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
DJ: I love the Kobe 9 high top shoes, I have been playing in the same pair since I’ve been a sophomore, the laces and shoes are all messed up but I love them so much.
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
DJ: Favorite venue is the well in Williston. I’ve played some of the best basketball of my career there and it gives me butterflies thinking of playing there against the best teams in the region with it packed to the max.
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
DJ: A court I’ve always wanted to play on is the Bismarck Civic Center, I’ve been to a lot of games there, but have not played there before and I really would like to.
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
DJ: Our coach makes us lead by example to the youth, we try to be respectful and show the youth that this is the standard your high school boys team has. We hope to make them excited to play, and behave correctly and respectfully.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
DJ: Shoot the ball even when you have missed 10 in a row, and shooters shoot no matter what. My high school coach Rob and my dad are the ones to say this the most. Sometimes they are more confident in me than I am, so it definitely picks me up
Who is your basketball influence?
DJ: My basketball influence is my dad and grandpa, they are always influencing me to do things in order to get better. My grandpa and my dad are my biggest fans, and motivators. They definitely influence me more than anyone else.