Regardless of his injury woes this season, Max Strus has been vital to Kenny Atkinson’s project. The Cavs might’ve just lost their first game in 17 against Orlando last night, but winning the division title in early March is beyond impressive. And Max has helped out more than ever.
His potential was seen from early on- even before his college days. He might’ve grown up an American, but he has a rich family history from different places around Europe. So we dive deep into this family history, aiming to know more about our resident Cavs no. 1.
Where is Max Strus from? What is the Cavs star’s nationality?
Strus is an Illinois native. He grew up in suburban Chicago, more specifically Hickory Hills. Growing up in Chicago was exactly what he needed to fulfill his dream of becoming a sportsperson. But it wasn’t just Chicago- he has athleticism seeped into every fiber of his family. He grew up in a Catholic family and attended Catholic schools during his upbringing
Max Strus is of Slovenian and German descent, and the youngest child in a family of 5. His parents John and Darla Strus have basketball in their blood just like the rest of their kids. John played basketball at Eastern Illinois University, while Debra was a sensation in two sports at DePaul University- basketball and volleyball. The support his parents showed- not just to him but to his siblings as well- speaks volumes about their success in different sports.
Max played baseball and basketball for Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois. It didn’t seem as if basketball would be his true calling from the get-go, mainly due to his height issues in his sophomore years. He was just 5’9 at the time, but late growth spurs meant that he ended up being 6’5 by his final year. Lucky that happened for him- he’s on course to help the Cavs win their second-only title, and their first in nearly a decade.
Mar 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, he didn’t receive the inflow of NCAA Division I offers as he’d have expected. He only got one- from the Chicago State Cougars. But he instead chose to follow his brother Marty’s footsteps- and committed to play at Division II Lewis University.
Which college did Max Strus attend?
Max Strus spent the first half of his collegiate career at Lewis, where he set the standards from early on. In his freshman year, he started all 31 games, averaging 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) honors. That all but got better in his sophomore year. He led the team with averages of 20.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game that year, including a school-record 52 points against Northwood University. But he knew he had to do it on the bigger stages of NBA teams were to give him a look in.
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