Dante Cunningham facts for kids
Cunningham with the Brooklyn Nets in 2018
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|
| Free agent | |
|---|---|
| Power forward / small forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | April 22, 1987 Clinton, Maryland, U.S. |
| High school |
|
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Villanova (2005–2009) |
| NBA Draft | 2009 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33rd overall |
| Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers | |
| Pro career | 2009–present |
| Career history | |
| 2009–2011 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2011 | Charlotte Bobcats |
| 2011–2012 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2012–2014 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2014–2018 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2018 | Brooklyn Nets |
| 2018–2019 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2019–2020 | Fujian Sturgeons |
| 2021 | Cangrejeros de Santurce |
| 2021–2022 | Le Mans Sarthe Basket |
| 2022–2024 | Changwon LG Sakers |
Dante Lamar Cunningham, born on April 22, 1987, is an American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Villanova University. After college, he was chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2009 NBA draft.
Contents
- Early Life and Family
- High School Basketball Journey
- College Basketball at Villanova
- Professional Basketball Career
- Starting with the Portland Trail Blazers (2009–2011)
- Moving to the Charlotte Bobcats (2011)
- Playing for the Memphis Grizzlies (2011–2012)
- Time with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2012–2014)
- Joining the New Orleans Pelicans (2014–2018)
- Brief Stint with the Brooklyn Nets (2018)
- Playing for the San Antonio Spurs (2018–2019)
- International Play in China (2019–2020)
- Playing in Puerto Rico (2021)
- Playing in France (2021–2022)
- Playing in South Korea (2022–2024)
- Personal Life and Other Interests
- See also
Early Life and Family
Dante Cunningham was born in Clinton, Maryland. His parents are Searcy Blankenship and Ron Cunningham. Dante has an older sister named Davalyn, who also played professional basketball in the WNBA.
High School Basketball Journey
Starting His High School Career
Cunningham started playing high school basketball at St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C.. During his junior year, he was a strong player, averaging 10 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. One of his teammates at St. John's, Dwayne Anderson, later played basketball with him at Villanova.
Leading Potomac High School
For his senior year, Cunningham moved to Potomac High School. He helped lead his new team to an amazing undefeated season, winning all 27 games. Under Coach Rico Reed, he averaged 20 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocked shots per game. Because of his excellent performance, he was named The Washington Post Metropolitan Player of the Year.
College Basketball at Villanova
Freshman Year at Villanova
Dante Cunningham played college basketball for Villanova University. In his first year, known as his freshman year, he played in all 33 games. He even started in four of those games, showing his talent early on.
Senior Year Success
During his senior year, Cunningham became a key player for Villanova. He led the team in scoring, averaging 16.1 points per game. He also won the Big East Most Improved Player award, which is given to the player who shows the most improvement.
Cunningham helped the Wildcats reach the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1985. This is a huge achievement in college basketball. He was also recognized for his skills by being named to the 2008–2009 All Big East second team and the 2009 NCAA Tournament All-Region team.
Professional Basketball Career
Starting with the Portland Trail Blazers (2009–2011)
Dante Cunningham was drafted as the 33rd overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2009 NBA draft. Before joining the team officially, he played in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. There, he showed his skills by averaging over 18 points and 5 rebounds in just four games. He signed his first professional contract with the Trail Blazers on August 21, 2009.
Moving to the Charlotte Bobcats (2011)
On February 24, 2011, Cunningham was part of a trade. He, along with Joel Przybilla and Sean Marks, was sent to the Charlotte Bobcats. In return, the Trail Blazers received Gerald Wallace.
Playing for the Memphis Grizzlies (2011–2012)
On December 20, 2011, Cunningham received an offer to join the Memphis Grizzlies. The Charlotte Bobcats decided not to match the offer, so Cunningham signed a three-year contract with the Grizzlies.
Time with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2012–2014)
Cunningham's journey continued on July 24, 2012, when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This trade involved Wayne Ellington going to the Grizzlies.
Joining the New Orleans Pelicans (2014–2018)
On December 4, 2014, Cunningham signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. He enjoyed his time there and re-signed with the team on July 9, 2015, and again on September 25, 2017.
Brief Stint with the Brooklyn Nets (2018)
On February 8, 2018, Cunningham was traded once more, this time to the Brooklyn Nets. He was traded in exchange for Rashad Vaughn.
Playing for the San Antonio Spurs (2018–2019)
After his time with the Nets, Cunningham signed with the San Antonio Spurs on July 20, 2018.
International Play in China (2019–2020)
On December 11, 2019, Cunningham joined the Fujian Sturgeons, a professional basketball team in China. He made his debut the very next day, scoring 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in a win against the Beijing Ducks. During his time with the team, he averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds per game.
Playing in Puerto Rico (2021)
On July 7, 2021, Cunningham signed with the Cangrejeros de Santurce in Puerto Rico's top basketball league. In 10 games, he averaged 11.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 assists per game.
Playing in France (2021–2022)
On August 27, 2021, Cunningham moved to France, signing with Le Mans Sarthe Basket in the LNB Pro A league.
Playing in South Korea (2022–2024)
From 2022 to 2024, Cunningham played for the Changwon LG Sakers in South Korea.
Personal Life and Other Interests
Dante Cunningham was considered for the Great Britain national basketball team for the Eurobasket 2009 qualifying matches in 2008. However, after an investigation into his family history, he was not able to prove his connection to the UK enough to play for the team.
See also
In Spanish: Dante Cunningham para niños
