DeAndre' Bembry receives ovation in ‘fun' return to Philly

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Once a Hawk, still a Hawk. 

The last time DeAndre' Bembry watched a game at the Wells Fargo Center, he was a college student-athlete at St. Joe’s cheering on former teammate Langston Galloway. This season, he returned to the arena as an NBA player.

Bembry left St. Joe’s after his junior season and was drafted 21st by the Hawks this year. The Patrick School (N.J.) alum arrived back in Philadelphia early Friday evening ahead of the Saturday afternoon contest.

“It feels good just to be back for the first time,” Bembry said. “I really haven’t been back since I left school. I wish I could be here a little longer. It’s been fun so far.”

The Sixers' crowd gave Bembry a loud ovation when he checked in during the fourth quarter of the Hawks’ 104-72 win. He scored two points with two rebounds in six minutes. Bembry had played two minutes on opening night. 

“I’m feeling good whenever I can get out there,” he said. 

Bembry is looking to bring an edge in the pros. Former Sixer Kyle Korver noticed it during an offseason workout. 

“People that come from Philly schools definitely have a different type of hunger for the game,” Bembry said. “Over the summer I was playing against Kyle and I started talking a little smack to him. He said, ‘I like that Philly in you.’”

Bembry averaged 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season at St. Joe’s. He was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.

“I’m happy to be out there and playing my dream,” he said. 

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