D. J. Mbenga facts for kids
Mbenga with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 30, 1980 Kinshasa, Zaire (now DR Congo) |
| Nationality | Belgian / Congolese |
| Listed height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Listed weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA Draft | 2002 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 2001–2013 |
| Career history | |
| 2001–2002 | Spirou Gilly |
| 2002–2003 | Leuven Bears |
| 2003–2004 | Spirou Charleroi |
| 2004–2007 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2007–2008 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2008–2010 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2010–2011 | New Orleans Hornets |
| 2012 | Qingdao DoubleStar |
| 2013 | Barako Bull Energy |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Didier "D. J." Ilunga-Mbenga (BEN-ga; born December 30, 1980) is a former professional basketball player. He has dual citizenship, meaning he is a citizen of two countries. D. J. Mbenga is from both Belgium and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also played for the Belgian national basketball team.
Early Life and Escape
Mbenga was born in Kinshasa, which is now in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His father worked for the government there. When a new government took over, it caused problems for many families. Mbenga and his family were put in prison.
His father helped Mbenga and his mother escape the country. They found safety in Belgium. While living in a refugee center, a famous Belgian basketball player named Willy Steveniers discovered D. J. Mbenga. Steveniers became Mbenga's special basketball teacher and helped him a lot.
Professional Basketball Career
Starting in Belgium (2001–2004)
D. J. Mbenga began his professional basketball journey in Belgium. In 2001, he joined a team called Spirou Gilly in the Belgian Division II league. This was his first time playing professionally.
In 2002, he moved to the Leuven Bears in the top Belgian Basketball League. He played 21 games there, scoring about 8 points per game. The next year, in 2003, he joined Spirou Charleroi, another team in the Belgian League. He also played in the ULEB Cup games with this team.
Playing for the Dallas Mavericks (2004–2007)
On July 14, 2004, Mbenga signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He joined them for the NBA Summer League. In his first season (2004–05), he played in 15 games.
In 2005–06, Mbenga played in 43 games for the Mavericks. During the 2006 playoffs, he was suspended for six games. This happened because he went into the stands to help the coach's wife, who was being bothered by fans. The Mavericks made it to the 2006 NBA Finals but lost to the Miami Heat.
Mbenga signed with the Mavericks again in 2006. However, he got a serious knee injury in February 2007. He only played 21 games that season. He was later released by the Mavericks in October 2007.
Golden State Warriors (2007–2008)
After leaving the Mavericks, Mbenga signed with the Golden State Warriors on November 17, 2007. He played for them for a short time before being released in January 2008.
Winning Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (2008–2010)
On January 21, 2008, Mbenga joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a contract for the rest of the 2007–08 season and then re-signed with them in September 2008.
On March 6, 2009, Mbenga had a great game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He scored 10 points and blocked 5 shots. The Lakers went on to win the 2009 NBA Finals, making Mbenga an NBA champion!
In November 2009, Mbenga started his first game for the Lakers. This happened because other players like Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum were injured. He had his first "double-double" (scoring 10 points and getting 12 rebounds) against the New Orleans Hornets. On April 9, 2010, he scored a career-high 11 points. The Lakers won the 2010 NBA Finals, giving Mbenga his second NBA championship!
New Orleans Hornets (2010–2011)
On October 13, 2010, Mbenga signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Hornets. His last NBA game was on April 28, 2011, against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the playoffs. The Hornets lost that game and the series.
Playing in China and the Philippines (2012–2013)
In July 2012, Mbenga played for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Summer League, but he didn't stay with them. In November 2012, he signed with the Qingdao Eagles in China. He played there for a short time.
In April 2013, Mbenga joined the Barako Bull Energy team in the Philippines. He later signed with the New York Knicks in October 2014 but was released before the season started.
Personal Life
D. J. Mbenga is very good with languages! He can speak five different languages: French, Portuguese, English, Lingala, and Tshiluba.
In 2005, Mbenga started the Mbenga Foundation. This foundation helps children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and also helps refugees in Belgium. It shows his care for others.
See also
In Spanish: Didier Ilunga-Mbenga para niños
- List of European basketball players in the United States
- List of people banned or suspended by the NBA
