DJ Armstrong Jr. is one of those standout guards that you hardly hear in conversations, but should take notice of. Armstrong is averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game and has been one of the primary scoring threats in America East.
His lethal 3-point shooting and ability to deliver clutch plays have also earned him the nickname ‘3-Jay.’ However, did you know that he gets all of this from his dad, a 14-year NBA veteran and a former assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks?
DJ Armstrong Jr. comes from NBA royalty, with his dad being former Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks point guard Darrell Armstrong.
Who is DJ Armstrong Jr.’s Dad Darrell Armstrong?
Darrell Armstrong was a former NBA point guard and an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks until 2025. He played college basketball for Fayetteville State from 1988 to 1991 but went undrafted in 1991. Hence, he began his career in the lower leagues, getting his first big break with the Atlanta Eagles (now Trojans) in the USBL in 1991.
Armstrong was subsequently named to the USBL All-Defensive team for three consecutive seasons (1992-1994) and played for several teams in the league, including the Capital Region Pontiacs and the South Georgia Blues. He also had an overseas career with Pezoporikos Larnaca of Cyprus in 1993, where he averaged 32.0 points and 8.0 assists and won Player of the Year honors. In his final season overseas for Coren Ourense of the Spanish Liga ACB, he averaged 24.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Armstrong got his first break in the NBA in 1995 when the Orlando Magic signed him as a free agent. He went on to play for the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and New Jersey Nets. Over 840 regular-season games, Darrell Armstrong averaged 9.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. During the 1999-2000 season, he averaged 16.2 points per game and was named an All-Star.
Armstrong quickly became a fan favorite in Orlando during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1999, Armstrong became the first player in league history to win both the Most Improved Player Award and the Sixth Man of the Year Award simultaneously.
After his 14-year-long career, Armstrong joined the Dallas Mavericks as an assistant coach for player development in 2009. He helped the organization win its first chip in 2011.
How Has Darrell Armstrong Inspired His Son DJ?
DJ Armstrong Jr. has openly spoken about his bond with his dad, saying he attended his basketball camps from third or fourth grade all the way until he was a teenager.
“He’s always been there throughout my journey, just keeping my head up and telling me to play the game the right way,” DJ said. “He was all known for the heart and hustle. He always said, ‘don’t take possessions off.'” He also added, “Even though he wasn’t physically there, he was mentally there.”
Armstrong Jr.’s numbers are a testament to his ability. DJ has hit multiple buzzer beaters for the UMBC Retrievers and was recently named to the American East All-Academic Team in 2026.
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