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St. Joe's star Bembry always in the game

DeAndre' Bembry plays so hard yet appears to be gliding on the court. The 6-foot-6 St. Joseph's sophomore never appears to be rushed, always is under control, but never is really pacing himself.

(Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports file photo)
(Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports file photo)Read more

DeAndre' Bembry plays so hard yet appears to be gliding on the court. The 6-foot-6 St. Joseph's sophomore never appears to be rushed, always is under control, but never is really pacing himself.

Bembry prudently prepared for a season of extended minutes and it has come in handy.

Of all the impressive statistics he has compiled during a season that ranks with anybody's in Philadelphia or the Atlantic Ten, the number that tells the most about Bembry's value is minutes played.

Bembry entered Tuesday's game at St. Louis averaging 37.8 minutes per game, which began the week seventh nationally. Needless to say, they have been awfully productive minutes.

He began the week leading the A-10 in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game. He was also leading the Hawks in rebounds (7.1), assists (3.1) and steals (2.1) and was among six players in the nation to lead his team in these four categories.

"I am probably not tired because in the offseason I would do extra sprints to get ready," Bembry said. "Plus during the game, that is what the timeouts are for, so there is enough time to rest."

What makes it more impressive is that unlike many go-to scorers, Bembry doesn't take an occasional break on defense. He always wants to guard the opponent's top offensive player.

He came to St. Joseph's with a defensive reputation, but averaged 12.1 points per game on last year's A-10 champion.

There are few players in the country who have been given as much responsibility as Bembry, just the second sophomore to serve as captain in school history. Coach Phil Martelli, now in his 20th season, said the only player who did as many different things for the team in one season was Pat Carroll, who was the A-10 player of the year in 2004-05.

"There are not a lot of guys who have come through this program nor many other programs in Philadelphia who have done more in 20 games," Martelli said.

Bembry got off to a slow start and he admits that he was trying too hard as one of the few experienced players on the team.

"Early in the season I was trying to do too much and I was taking a bunch of shots," he said. "I had to calm down and take good shots."

Whether it's on offense or defense, Bembry has made a major impact. He's worked especially hard on his three-point shooting and was hitting at a 36.4 percent clip entering the St. Louis game.

"He will beat you in every possible way," said Davidson coach Bob McKillop, who saw firsthand after Bembry had 21 points, a career-high 17 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in Saturday's 75-70 win over Davidson.

Bembry won't truly celebrate his season because St. Joseph's took a 9-11 record into the St. Louis game.

"I am trying to enjoy it, but like anybody, you want to win more," he said. "The season is still going and there are a lot more games to play and we still have a chance."