DJ Steward explains his HCL choice
The 2025-2026 season will be the first away from North America for DJ Steward, a 2001-born guard who accepted the’offer from the Aquila Basket Trento after experiences at Duke in the NCAA and, in the G-League, in the development franchises of the Kings, Bulls, Celtics and Grizzlies. Speaking to the official channels of the bianconeri club, Steward (who played the’last Summer League with the Lakers) explained why he chose Trentino.
“I talked to Rudy (Gaddo, the club’s sports director) and Coach Cancellieri and I felt very good right away – he said -: their plans and team idea convince me, and above all they let me be myself on and off the court. Before signing with Trent, I also heard Jordan Ford: he was one of the decisive elements, because he spoke very well to me about the club, the organization and the city”.
“I chose to come to Europe because this is my fifth season as a professional and I felt I needed to take a new step to grow – Steward added -I believe that Trento is the right place to improve. Playing the’EuroCup had an important weight in my choice: it is a top-level competition, with so many talented players. I know it will not be easy, I will have to work every day to prove myself”.
The young basketball player then recounted that he is still in touch with Mike Krzyzewski, legendary Duke University coach, who crossed DJ’s path in the 2020-2021 season: “He wished me luck when I signed with Trent– revealed Steward.”
One phrase that stuck with me? He told me to always be myself and never lose the smile that I have”.
