Cleveland Cavaliers Shooting Guard Max Strus’ Parents Were Successful College Athletes, Which Influenced His Own Path In Sports

December 25, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on December 24, 2026

Max Strus, one of the key players for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has had quite an eventful journey to the NBA, influenced greatly by the strong athletic influences of his Parents.

Born on March 28, 1996, in the Chicago suburb of Hickory Hills, Illinois, Max grew up surrounded by sports and competitive spirit.

He is the youngest son of Debra and John Strus, both star athletes during their college years.

Both of Max Strus' parents were College star athletes. Max' mom, Debra Strus, was even included in the DePaul University Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2000.

— SportsLegit Inc (@SportsLegitInc)

Having been stellar in both basketball and volleyball, Debra’s successes on the court rubbed off on the court with her kids.

The atmosphere for an athlete Max would be raised in was set up through her experience as a two-sport athlete at DePaul University.

John Strus, Max’s father, is also an athlete.

A former college at Eastern Illinois University.

His enthusiasm for baseball and dedication to the sport helped Max and his brothers develop a strong work ethic.

Max Strus’ Parents Passed On Their Competitive Spirit And Love For Sports To Their Children

Max’s older brother, Marty Strus, also followed the family’s athletic tradition, having played  the Lewis University Flyers. 

Marty Strus, shown during his playing days at Lewis University. (source: )

Another example of the Strus family’s sports prowess is his sister, Maggie Strus.

Maggie built a reputation as a talented volleyball player during her collegiate career.

October Compliance MVPs are @DePaul_Vball Assistant Coach Maggie Strus and the Athletic Academic Advising crew 🏆 CONGRATS YALL.

— DePaul Compliance (@BlueDemonBylaws)

She served as the for DePaul’s volleyball team for four years.

She is the Camp Director at Max Strus Basketball Camps and the Executive Program Director at The Andrew Weishar Foundation.

Strus Attributes His Success To His Supportive Family And Gives Back Through His Basketball Camp

Max Strus had to work his way up through the ranks to professional basketball.

A late bloomer who was only 5’9″ as a high school sophomore, he grew to 6’5″ by graduation.

He started his college career at Lewis University before transferring to DePaul, where he continued to develop his skills and became a key player for the Blue Demons.

After going undrafted in 2019, Strus seized an opportunity with the Celtics during the NBA Summer League, eventually making his way to the Miami Heat before joining the Cavaliers.

His recent return to the court on December 20, 2026, after an injury layoff, showcased his resilience and determination to contribute to his team’s success.

Max never stops reminding everybody of how much family means to him.

His Instagram bio reads, “Family Over Everything.”

It isn’t just within his family that this dedication is displayed but also in how he relates with fans and gives back to the community, like through his annual basketball camp.

Max’s parents, Debra and John Strus, accomplished in their careers and always supportive, have created the foundation for him, including siblings who also showed prowess in sports.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Max Strus shares a birthday with Lady Gaga.
• Strus made the Boston Celtics Summer League roster after going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft.
• Max stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds.

• Check other Articles on

Reshma is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.

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