March 10, 2004

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Rookie guard D.J. Strawberry's unmatched hustle and determination has paid dividends for the Terps, and he was rewarded with honorable mention ACC All-Freshman team honors, the league announced Tuesday.

With a 1.9 steals per game average, Strawberry ranks sixth in the ACC in thefts per game - and second among the ACC's freshmen. Strawberry's 49 steals on the season paces the Maryland squad.

The rookie has recorded three or more steals in eight games on the year.

Though not a pure jumpshooter, Strawberry's tenacity and nose for the rim has helped him score in double-figures four times this season, including three of his last seven games.

With little experience at the position, Strawberry inherited back-up point guard duties in December. The rookie has recorded 10 games of multiple assists, and the do-it-all-guard has registered 14 games on the season where he has tallied at least one point, one rebound, one assist and one steal.

Strawberry has started three games, including a 15-point, five rebound, three-steal effort in the Terps' win over Clemson at home (Feb. 24).

In his last nine games, the rookie averages 8.6 ppg on .483 field goal shooting, 3.1 rpg and 2.4 spg.