Akron's Shorty | Month of January Recap

Dru Joyce Position : PG Height : 6'0' Weight : 165 lbs College : Akron Overall : 76

Teams : Atlanta Hawks (Summer League) Cleveland Cavaliers (Training Camp) Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

Last edited by Justine. on Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:20 am, edited 30 times in total.

Chapter 1 - I'm coming for you Buddy.
Chapter 2 - First game with Cavs.
Chapter 3 - Your departure comes, because of me.
Chapter 4 - Still surviving.
Chapter 5 - Shorty made it.

Week 1 Recap
Week 2 Recap
Monthly Recap : November Part 1
Monthly Recap : November Part 2
Two Game Recap : Phoenix and Chicago
Two Game Recap : Portland and Oklahoma City

Last edited by Justine. on Wed Jun 23, 2010 9:20 am, edited 3 times in total.

Chapter 1 - I'm coming for you Buddy.

Dru Joyce was born in Akron, Ohio in 1985 on January, 29th. He’s a son of Carolyn and Dru Joyce II. And his father was his coach during his high school career. His childhood friend LeBron James is his teammate for a long time. They we’re known as the Fab Five in their high school time. During his career, he was pampered with criticisms with his height. He was generally listed 5’3’ in high school. Then their team compete for State Championship against Jamestown Greeneview. The 13,061 fans at Value City Arena who watched St. Vincent-St. Mary against Jamestown Greeneview in the Division III boys state title game witnessed the most inspirational story of the tournament. It was the story of a 5-foot-3, 95-pound freshman guard from St. V-M. In a game where height usually matters, Joyce never has let his lack of height discourage him. And in the most important game of his young career, Joyce's performance was monumental. That game Joyce came off the bench and made 7-of-7 3-pointers, one shy of the state tournament record in Division III, and finished with 21 points, as the Irish defeated Jamestown Greeneview 73-55 to win their first state title since 1984. St. V-M (27-0) also finished the year as the state's only unbeaten team.
His relationship with his coach/father was rough for him. His father is really hardworking just for Joyce to continue and be successful on his dream. After winning their third Division II state champions, Dru Joyce and his teammate Romeo Travis played college basketball for Keith Dambrot at the University of Akron. From there, he recorded an individual career record for assists, 503(as of 2008 season). 10 ppg and almost 40% from 3-point range.

After graduating in 2007, Dru Joyce began his professional career in Europe. He joined the German Ratiopharm Ulm, where the place has become a leading figure. Good results in the Bundesliga made the team from Ulm decided to tie up with American also in the following season (2008/2009). The striker did not disappoint again noting your account in 34 games, 10.1 points, 1.8 assists and 4.5 collection.

In last summer Joyce decided it was time to change the environment, and signed a contract with Energa Blacks Slupsk. Robust attitude in games has not been matched by his achievements, however, after starting the Polish league. Only when the last match after an injury Česnauskis Mantas has received more minutes on the floor and recorded performance that meets the expectations (13 points, 8 assists and 2 of the collection.) Then signed by Anwil Wloclawek.

He earned himself a career in Europe but then Atlanta Hawks’ owner Michael Gearon watched one of his game in that team and was amazed by his talent. Few months later, he sent an invitation to Joyce to attend their summer circuit, with no hesitations, Dru Joyce accepted it and leave his team. He played 6 games in Hawks and averaged 17.8 ppg, 3.2 apg and 1.5 spg. After 1 week, the Hawks decided to not acquire the short guard. By this, many invitations swarm on his mobile phone. “Ahh, don’t care if it is Lakers, Celtics or whoever it is, I came here because I want to play with him again.” Dru Joyce accepted Cavaliers invitation and currently training with Cavs and his long-time friend, team mate, LeBron James. How come this shorty, but efficient guard not listed on the Draft List? Let’s see if this guy can make his way into the NBA and continue to play with James.

I like it, going to follow

I like it, going to follow

Nice to see you here kababayan Thanks

Chapter 2 - First game with Cavs

"I'm glad he's here again with me. I missed playing with him in the court, it feels like I'm ready again for the title search." LeBron James said to the media yesterday. "Oh man, can't wait again to see James and play with him. I'm hoping he will not tease me again. I'm a little bit taller now I think." Joyce then drink milk then go to sleep.

In the gym... Joyce arrived at Cavs training camp. He received a warmth reception from Mo, Jamario, and even Shaq, but he noticed James isn't there. Coach Mike Brown greeted him. " Welcome here shorty Dru Joyce, hope you'll enjoy this and work hard for your career." Brown said. " Uhh, coach? You sure bout that 'shorty' thingy? Is that my nickname from now on? Where's LeBron by the way?” Dru asked Brown, “ He might just be late, I think he bought you some kicks. “
“So LeBron is really excited for me.” Dru said to himself. Dru dropped his bag on the bench then suddenly Jawad Williams approached him. “Hey shorty, I just heard you’re a teammate of LeBron in highschool? Well, IMO you’re not gonna survive this, LeBron is too high for you, literally speaking.” Jawad laughed. “What’s up with you man? Can’t you just zip your mouth and wait ‘till I play balls in your face? “ Jawad walked away and shoot some balls. Thirty minutes later, LeBron arrived. “Druuuuuuuuuuu! Man, welcome here!” LeBron hugged Dru. “Where have you been Bron? We’re waiting for you to start the game.” Dru said to James. “I just bought some shoes for you mate, here, take it.” LeBron hand Dru a pair of LeBron VII shoes. “This is sick bro, thanks!” LeBron gave Dru a high five and chest bump. “Boys, come here, let’s start this game.” Brown told to his boys. “So, the new guy Dru Joyce will be in red team with LeBron, Antawn, Big Z and another new scrub Long. For the white team, Telfair, Ely, Jawad, Jones, and Shaq. So 1, 2, 3, Team! 4, 5, 6, Work hard!

Yo guys! The first game was awesome, I teamed with my best bud, LeBron, and we've won. I’m still a bit raw of their game. They are running throughout the game, and it wears me out. But it feels very good when I scored my first bucket being in Cavs. So far for the first game, here’s my numbers

As you can see I just scored 21! Shot 42.9% from trifector, but had 4 turnovers, Telfair was all over me. “Dru, you still got your hands ehh?” James said to me after the game. Gonna rest tonight ‘cause tomorrow I will play again in Cavs court. I’ve got only one screenshot here because my camera’s battery drained. And guess who took this pic? Coach Brown! Hahaha, I’m very surprised he’s too kind for me. So Dru here. Outta!

I've missed passing the ball to James, one of my 6 assists that game.

Great idea man. I'm loving this so far.

I can say that so far the My Player stories here have not been very popular. Hope you can keep this one!

Chapter 3 - Your departure comes, because of me

Zup guys? Shorty Dru here again.(still confused if I will accept that nick) Well, I’m really overwhelmed with the comments of my teammates on the performance of yesterday’s game. So now, I’ll be getting my bag and will go to the gym. Dru drinked his height-grower milk and packed his things up. He drived on his wheels and arrived at the Cavs gym early.

Dru walked through the door but Jawad and Telfair blocked his way. “Yo shorty guy, good morning! You surely got your touch at yesterday’s game, but that’s not enough to impress me kid.” Jawad boasted. “Good morning mister, but who are you? I think you’re not the famous one here ehh? I’ve always watched every Cavs game but I can’t see you on court man, but I can see you chatting with your ballboy for almost 48 minutes I think.” Dru said. Jawad was about to beat the hell out of Dru, but Telfair stopped him. “If you think I’m scared of you big fella, don’t just think of it, I’m short yes, but I can still reach your face.” Dru walked away and changed his attire to practice uniforms. Nobody is around yet except for him. He send a message to LeBron, “Yo man? What time will you be coming here? And btw, that Jawad is high-tempered shit. He’s too hot with me, don’t know why though.” Dru listened to music then after ten minutes LeBron replied, “Zup fella, I’m on the way there, oh just ignore that man, he’s nothing compared to you, and I’ve just heard from coach he will cut him in the roster, so chill up and just have fun.” Just after one hour, the team is complete. The team hasn’t mixed up, it’s like the roster yesterday as Dru will teamed with Bron again. Before the tip-off Jawad teased Dru again. “Good luck kid, take care, I might step you later.” “Just shut the fuck up.” Then the game started.

Whew! That black guy is sure not happy having me there in the team. So here are my stats for Game 2, and we’ve won again. LeBron is throwing me passes all over the court, and I just can’t finish it. My shooting percent is off tonight, maybe I’m little annoyed by that Jawad. But after the game, coach talked to him and cut him in the team! And I was like Hahahaha Jawad was disappointed and can’t afford to look at me, he packed his things off, shut the door, and leave the gym.

9/25 is bad. I must fix that shooting woes for the next game. So here’s the screenshot that coach took. Jawad intentionally bumped me, and I pushed him back. Well, he’s my only problem in the camp, I’m glad he was removed from the roster.

Okay you’re taller than me. So what?

I really like the rivalry you created between Dru and Jawad. It would be cool if you guys ended up playing each other on different teams sometime in the future.

It would be cool if you guys ended up playing each other on different teams sometime in the future.

That would be nice. Jawad will surely get a spot in a struggling team, right? He did with the Cavs

I really like the rivalry you created between Dru and Jawad. It would be cool if you guys ended up playing each other on different teams sometime in the future.

It would be cool if you guys ended up playing each other on different teams sometime in the future.

That would be nice. Jawad will surely get a spot in a struggling team, right? He did with the Cavs

Yeah, I also thought of that, but he got cut. Well I'm looking forward to play against him

Chapter 4 - Still surviving

Game 3 just finished, it’s pretty tiring. Team roster getting almost complete now. Marceo Baston just got cut from the team and I’m still surviving. My goal for now is to outplay Daniel Gibson and impress coach I’m way better than him. If that happens, I’ll be the backup point guard for Mo Williams and Delonte West. Well, I’m pretty optimistic I can survive this training camp and get that spot in the official roster for this season.

For this game, I’m on the red team again with Big Z, Powe, Parker and Green and for the other team, LeBron, Telfair, Varejao, Baston, Jones. Whew! LeBron blocked my 3-point attempt midway first quarter and that embarrassed me a lot and don’t shoot threes throughout the game. We built a large lead after the first quarter with 12-3 because of our Nash-Stoudemire-esque pick and roll plays. Big Z is getting all of my assists and converting. And when the pick comes, either Z or Parker is free. On one play Telfair fall hard because of the screen of Z and blamed me. My shooting for tonight is still bad for me. Ain’t satisfied with that. I gotta shoot for about 40% to impress them. The score after second quarter is 16-8 and that 8 points is all scored by my buddy LeBron. We dominate the whole game and end up with the score 48-32 for the win. LeBron praised me after the game and happy for my performance with game 3. I’m just using my Ipod now and on the way home, when I reach home, I’ll upload some pics and show them to you guys. Here are my stats for today’s game.

16 points is not bad, but 7/19 for me is not good. But coach was amazed with my 9 assists, one shy for the first double-double of my career in here. “Your seeing the court so well kid, potential is really in you. Return tomorrow for another game and keep up the good work shorty.” coach said to me. About to rest for tonight. Goodbye folks!

One of my 9 assists. Dru to Z under Brazilian's shoulder.

With teammate grades like C+ you won't make it. Your stats are good, but it's gonna be tough.

With teammate grades like C+ you won't make it. Your stats are good, but it's gonna be tough.

Yeah, that's what I thinking too But next game I'll try to fill that up. Thanks having you here

Who do you think you are calling Andy "Brazilian"?

Who do you think you are calling Andy "Brazilian"?

Anderson Varejao's from Brazil, right? Anyone can call him like that

Who do you think you are calling Andy "Brazilian"?

Anderson Varejao's from Brazil, right? Anyone can call him like that

Who do you think you are calling Andy "Brazilian"?

Yeah he's from Brazil:) I can't come up with a good caption with that screenshot so I came up with that cap

I will use a trainer for these I'll just add skill points:DThis mode is really hard and i don't want to go to D-League shit.

If this is hard,you should know,it will not be easier in NBA.
You can add skill points,but you'll still have to play by yourself so..

If this is hard,you should know,it will not be easier in NBA.
You can add skill points,but you'll still have to play by yourself so..

Yeah. I'll just play more harder if i get to the NBA. Thanks

Chapter 5 - Shorty made it.

What’s up homies? Dru here again. After that poor game 3 I had, I haven’t sleep a well last night. Later, I’ll go to the gym and will play the deciding game whether I’ll can get the roster spot or ended being cut. My field goal percentage is really the problem in that game. I just keep on shooting and surprising almost all of them is falling out. Bron told me that I must not force shots and don’t rush everything. Talent is everywhere in this team and I believe him in that. I will try to cope up with the next game and perform really well. I really want to go to the NBA. “Dru, I heard your playing another game with the Cavs later? So, your really working hard for the spot. Good luck with that and I hope they can fill you in their roster.” Dru Joyce II said to his son. “Thanks Dad, I’ll make you proud if I get that NBA career soon.” Dru responded. I arrived at the gym early to practice my shooting skills. Shooting jumpers, mid-range shoots, threes and layups. Coach arrived at the gym. “Shorty! Your earlier than I expected, so your working on your shooting. Yeah, that’s the only problem I see to you, your shooting percentage is low, and don’t just take shots, take good shots. About passing, your really good into it. Just practice there and I’m gonna write lineups later.” Brown said. “Okay coach, thanks.” Dru replied.

One hour later, the whole team arrived. Brown announced the lineups. “For the red team will be, Joyce, Shaq, Powe, Green and Jones, while on the white, West, Jamison, Moon, Parker and Varejao. LeBron is out with some autograph signing with his new commercial so he will be not around. So play hard for this last game for this new guys and don’t make it easy for them. 1, 2, 3 team! 4, 5, 6 work hard! And the game started.

After the game… Dru got a call, “Dru! So you’re a official Cavaliers now! I’ve heard you just put bunch of points in them? That’s what I’m talking about, your playing with all of your heart and that impresses me.” LeBron almost break Dru’s eardrum. “Chill man, yeah I’m really happy with my performance today, my shots falling in, now I’m looking forward to play with you in the big league and I’m really excited. ‘Till next time bro, keep safe.” Dru ended the call. The team congratulate Dru after the game. “So shorty congratulations, you made up the training camp, and you’ll get the spot for backup guard for Mo and Delonte. Continue to work your very hard and I can see that you’ll be giving us a lot of help to win that title.” Brown handshaked Dru. “Thanks coach! I’ll show to you that I really want this team and I can help all of you to get those W’s and the title. Looking forward to your lessons.” Dru smiled.

I’ve got the spot! Hell yeah! I don’t really want to go down to that D-League. Here are my statistics for the last game.


I came up with 31 points! 4 assists and perfect from charity stripes. This is what I wanted. Scoring well, and being efficient. I can’t show some screenshots because the cam’s memory is full. Thanks for the support guys and watch me on my first game on NBA! Out.

Good job man.

I'm confident here, when I finish my Hornets, next year, I'm going with My Player story!

Great job making the team.

Thierry., remember how that worked out the last time?

Good job man.

I'm confident here, when I finish my Hornets, next year, I'm going with My Player story!

Thanks. Good luck on that. Why just you continue your my player story the one with the Spurs? It's looking good for me.

Great job making the team.

Thierry., remember how that worked out the last time?

Thanks man.