NEW YORK, June 25, 2008 -- Today, D.J. Augustin, a point guard out of Texas grinned from ear to ear as the media drilled him with questions about tomorrow's draft. Likely to go early in the first round, Augustin's journey to the NBA has been anything but smooth sailing. A former resident of New Orleans, on Aug. 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home. To ensure his safety, the point guard evacuated the area prior to the storm. Leaving most of his possessions behind except his two state championship rings and his class ring, Augustin attended Hightower High School in Houston, Texas for his senior year.

"I wore the number 14 when I was four and first started playing basketball," Augustin said. "I wore that number my whole life and then when I got to Hightower I changed it to 00 because I felt like I had to start from scratch. "

While still grieving the loss of his home, he displayed his character and determination as he started over in a new city. Refusing to let the devastation be the end of his road, he continued to play basketball, as a point guard for the University of Texas, not only for himself but for his friends, family and the people of New Orleans.

"I have a lot of people back home in New Orleans supporting me and people from New Orleans scattered around across the world that know me as a person and as a basketball player," Augustin said. "For the people of New Orleans, I think it (watching Augustin succeed) gives them hope that they can get out of the situation that they've been in."

In retrospect, Augustin believes that Katrina helped him grow into a young adult with a good head on his shoulders. He showed his level of maturity during his two years at Texas. Determined to be an Academic All-American, Augustin hustled on the court and studied off the court. He finished his fall semester of his sophomore year (fall 2007) with a perfect 4.0 GPA and achieved his goal.

"I wanted to make my parents proud of me and put my all into my work like I do on the court." Augustin explained.

Time and time again, Augustin has challenged himself or has been dealt a tough hand. In either scenario, he has found a way to come out on top. As he prepares to enter the NBA, he is continuously reminded of his height. Listed at 5-11, Augustin is considered vertically challenged by NBA standards, but he shows no fear.

"I am not going to grow but I know size has never been a problem on any level," Augustin said. "I have worked hard and found ways to get over it. And that is what I am going to have to do in the NBA, work hard and find ways to overcome the challenges."

While NBA Commissioner David Stern has yet to shake the former Longhorn's hand and officially declare him an NBA player, the 20 year-old is already a pro when a comes to jumping over hurdles and making it through obstacles. Overjoyed and excited that his diligence and determination has paid off, the New Orleans native remembers the past but his focus is on the future.

"I am proud of myself just like my family is proud of me," Augustin said. "But I am not going to stop here. I am going to keep working hard and hopefully be a great NBA player one day."