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DeJuan Wheat
No. 6, 32
Shooting guard
Personal information
Born (1973-10-14) October 14, 1973 (age 51)
Louisville, Kentucky
Nationality American
High school Ballard (Louisville, Kentucky)
Listed height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Listed weight 165 lb (75 kg)
Career information
College Louisville (1993–1997)
NBA Draft 1997 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
Pro career 1997–2010
Career history
1997–1998 Minnesota Timberwolves
1999 Vancouver Grizzlies
1999–2000 Idaho Stampede
2001–2002 Panteras de Miranda
2002–2003 Buffalo City Thunder
2003–2004 Juarez Gallos de Pelea
2004–2005 Calgary Drillers
2005–2010 Soles de Mexicali
Career highlights and awards
  • Third-team All-American – NABC (1997)
  • 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1996, 1997)
  • Fourth-team Parade All-American (1992)

DeJuan Shontez Wheat, born on October 14, 1973, is a former American professional basketball player. He played in the NBA for teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Vancouver Grizzlies. DeJuan was a standout player at the University of Louisville from 1993 to 1997. He made history there by being the first player in NCAA Division I to reach amazing career totals: over 2,000 points, 450 assists, 300 three-point shots, and 200 steals.

DeJuan Wheat's College Basketball Career

DeJuan Wheat had an incredible college career at the University of Louisville. He became the second all-time leader in three-point shots for the school, with 323 made. He also ranks second in total points scored, with 2,183 points. Plus, he is third in school history for assists, with 498.

Senior Year Highlights

In his senior year, DeJuan was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-America player. This honor came from The Associated Press. He was also named Third Team All-America by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The Sporting News also named him Second Team All-America.

During that season, DeJuan led his team in several important areas:

  • Scoring, with an average of 17.3 points per game.
  • Assists, with a career-high of 4.3 per game.
  • Steals, with a career-high of 1.94 per game.
  • Three-point field goals, making a career-best 97 shots.
  • Minutes played, averaging 34.9 minutes per game.

He had 15 games where he scored 20 points or more. DeJuan helped lead his hometown Louisville Cardinals to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament that season. This is a big achievement in college basketball.

DeJuan Wheat's NBA Journey

After his amazing college career, DeJuan Wheat was chosen in the 1997 NBA draft. The Los Angeles Lakers picked him as the 52nd overall player. However, he was cut from the team before the regular season started.

Playing for the Timberwolves

Before the 1997–98 season began, DeJuan signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played in 34 games for them. He didn't get much playing time, averaging 1.7 points in about 4.4 minutes per game.

Time with the Grizzlies

On January 29, 1999, DeJuan signed with the Vancouver Grizzlies as a free agent. He played in 46 out of 50 games that season. He always came off the bench as a reserve player. During his time with the Grizzlies, he averaged 4.5 points and 2.2 assists. He did this in only 12.8 minutes per game.

Later Career and Retirement

After his time in the NBA, DeJuan Wheat continued his basketball career. He played for several teams outside the NBA. He played for the Idaho Stampede from 1999 to 2000. Later, he played for teams like Panteras de Miranda and Buffalo City Thunder. He also played for the Juarez Gallos de Pelea and Calgary Drillers.

DeJuan retired from professional basketball in 2010. His final season was spent playing in Mexico for Soles de Mexicali.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: DeJuan Wheat para niños

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