Since his days as a star at Boston College, Jared Dudley has been known as the “Junkyard Dog” for his innate ability to find a way to make something happen out of sheer hustle and determination.

That’s cool and all, but as Jared will tell you, he’s worked extremely hard to be much more than that.

In fact, when the Suns received Dudley in the trade for Jason Richardson, Steve Kerr repeatedly said that he could see Jared starting at the 4 position for the Suns in a couple years.

On March 29, 2009, Jared made Kerr look like a genius.

Dudley had his best game as pro scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 27 minutes of action against the Sacramento Kings. After that game, Dudley scored in double-figures for the Suns in four out of the next six games and earned a consistent spot in their rotation not only for the rest of the ‘08-’09 season, but for seasons to come.

As you get to know Jared, it’s easy to see why he’s so well-liked; he’s humble, understands the importance of working hard to stay in the League, and doesn’t take for granted where he’s at.

I caught up with Jared (who is currently training in Vegas) to get his thoughts on the Suns’ off-season, his goals for the ‘09-’10 year, and putting an end to the debate on who is going to hit more threes from the corner – him or Jason Richardson.

(Make sure to follow Jared on twitter @JaredDudley619. He’s actually one of the most active NBA players on there.)

Dime: Describe what it was like playing with such high-profile players in Nash, Shaq, Hill, and Amare.
Jared Dudley: Oh man, for me it was like a dream come true. I always wanted to have those kinds of stars on my team and to play for a team at such a high level; I always wanted that. They were all guys who were down to earth who were just like you; having a good time, sharing their stories, and were all people you could learn from. I had a blast last year.

Dime: You’ve quickly become a fan favorite in Phoenix. What do you attribute that to?
JD: I think fans like the guys who work hard and try to do everything the right way. You know, I’ve worked hard everywhere I’ve gone whether its college or the NBA. People cheer for the underdog. They like effort and people going all out and that’s what I try and do for the Phoenix Suns.

Dime: Do you like the nickname, “Junkyard Dog?”
JD: You know I’ve had that since college and I liked it at the beginning. I think that once I begin to show people that I can do other stuff it’ll change. You gotta show people that you can shoot the three or take people off the dribble. I had it [nickname] my first couple years in college so hopefully this year I can kind of get rid of it.

Dime: Is that game you had against Sacramento last year a taste of things to come?
JD: Well, I think that for me I’m someone that works on everything in the off-season to improve. I worked on jump shots that I know I’ll get to shoot in the game, my pop-up which I know I’m going to use, my post-up I’ll use more this season – I think a more aggressive mindset will definitely be used by me this year.

Dime: Do you have a personal goal for the upcoming season?
JD: For me, I want to have career highs in all my categories. I think this is the perfect team that I’ll get to play a lot, and get to shoot the ball more in Phoenix than I did in Charlotte. I’m someone that wants to shoot at least 38% or higher from the 3, just to prove all my stats. I think that’s a realistic goal of mine.

Dime: What’s the mood/feeling surrounding the Suns this year?
JD: I think it’s more of something to prove. Grant Hill has something to prove. I think Amare has something to prove with maybe a max deal. I think Steve Nash has something to prove that he can get us to the playoffs without Shaq. Players like me, I think I have something to prove. Barbosa too. I think people still don’t realize towards the end of the season we didn’t have Amare Stoudemire, the starting PF on the All-Star team. He’ll definitely make us more of an explosive team.

Dime: How nice is it to already know what the team will look like this year as opposed to the changes in players, coaches, and style that faced the team last year?
JD: That’s key. One, we gotta stay healthy. Two, now we can just focus on basketball. Three, we just have to have fun and getting off to a good start is crucial. When you lose, rumors start to come up but when you win everything goes much better.

Dime: What do you hold as a bigger accomplishment – making it to the NBA or earning your degree at Boston College?
JD: I think making it to the NBA. I’m glad I got my degree but I think the percentage is so small that make it to the NBA. I would say a degree is .01% behind making it to the NBA and I’m glad I stayed all four years at Boston College because basketball is such a short part of your life. My degree will be the next period in my life, which will be the majority of it.

Dime: You do a lot for the community. How important is it for you to give back?
JD: I think every NBA player should definitely give back, more than just having a basketball camp, more than just signing autographs. These days you gotta have a foundation set-up, go to hospitals. It could be kids with cancer, it could be for the less fortunate. I try to personally to 3-4 hospital visits every year. There are just so many people less fortunate you have to do as much as you can, especially in this economy. It’s good that you can make their day and a memory last with them forever.

Quick Hits

Sneakers: I’m sponsored by Nike so I’ve been using the Hyperflights. I use Jason Richardson’s shoes sometimes. It depends. It’s crazy, when you’re younger you want the shoes that look cool but when you’re in the NBA you want it to be more comfortable because you’re playing in them so heavily. I’m with Nike Hyperflights this year but next year you’ll have to see the next shoe that comes out.

Movies: Favorite movie … man that’s a great question. Let’s see, I’m gonna go with “Belly.” That is one of my favorite movies.

Singer/Rapper: I’m a huge P-Diddy fan; he’s an entrepreneur, he’s not a rapper but he raps sometimes, he produces. But when it comes to just rappin’, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent.

Pre-game Music: You know what, I’m one of the few athletes that doesn’t listen to music before games. I don’t even own an iPod! Before the game I was clownin’ around with Shaq, having a good time. On the airplanes I might play some cards or watch some DVDs. I don’t really use music to hype me up. If you need music to hype you up before a game you’re in trouble.

Favorite Female Celeb: I would say Meagan Good. I think she’s engaged now though but I would say Meagan Good definitely.