Max Strus, the undrafted rookie guard of the Miami Heat, has been making headlines recently with his incredible journey from Division II Lewis University to being a starter in the NBA playoffs. The Chicago native’s impressive talent, hard work, and determination have helped him overcome the odds and achieve his dream of playing at the highest level of basketball. In this article, we will take a closer look at Strus’ inspiring story, detailing the challenges he faced and the steps he took to rise to the top of his profession.
Last Friday night, several people gathered at the suburban Chicago home of Lewis University’s head men’s basketball coach, Scott Trost, to watch the NBA play-in game between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls. The game was a special one for Trost as he was hosting a recruit that weekend in the hopes of persuading him to join his team. Additionally, he was eager to see Max Strus, who had played for Lewis University and was now a Miami Heat starter, play against the Chicago Bulls, the team that had cut him in 2020.
Strus did not disappoint, scoring 31 points and making 7-of-12 3-pointers as the Heat emerged victorious, advancing to the playoffs and ending the Bulls’ season. Strus’ performance was a reminder to Trost of how far Strus had come; he was now a starter on an NBA playoff team, playing in sold-out arenas, travelling on charter flights and earning over $1.8 million.
However, only a few years ago, Strus was an overlooked player at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois, growing from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-6 in his senior year. Even then, Chicago State was the only Division I college to offer him a scholarship. Instead of signing, Strus headed to Lewis University, where his brother had previously played, and quickly proved himself to be a special player; he started every game in his freshman year and was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. In his sophomore year, he broke a school record by scoring 52 points in just one game.
After his successful stint at Lewis University, Strus transferred to DePaul, where he led the team in scoring for two years. Although he was not selected in the 2019 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics signed him on a two-way contract. Strus was waived but later signed by the Bulls, though he only played in two games before sustaining a devastating injury. As he recovered in 2020, the Bulls cut him, and the Miami Heat then signed him to a two-way contract.
Last season, Strus mostly came off the bench in the season, but he started the final six games of the regular season and all 18 playoff games, helping the Heat reach the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. He performed incredibly well in Games 5 and 6, with 19 points and 10 rebounds and 20 points and 11 rebounds, respectively. This season, Strus has again come off the bench for the most part, but he started the final five games of the regular season and both play-in round games. He even started in Game 1 of his team’s first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Trost, Strus’ former coach at Lewis, still follows Strus’ journey and has amassed a signed Heat jersey from the successful player. Trost describes Strus as an extremely hard worker who put in a lot of time in the gym on his own. He believes that Strus is very deserving of everything he’s achieved to-date in his career.
Max Strus’ journey to the NBA is one of perseverance and hard work. From a Division II player at Lewis University to a starter in the NBA Playoffs for the Miami Heat, Strus has proven that determination and dedication can overcome any obstacle. He has become an inspiration for young players who may not have the same exposure or resources as others, reminding them that if they stay focused and continue to work hard, their dreams are within reach. We can expect great things from Strus in the future and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.
