Desmond Penigar facts for kids

Desmond Penigar (born July 16, 1981) is an American former professional basketball player. He played as a forward, standing 6 feet 7 inches tall. Desmond is known for his strong play and impressive skills on the court.

He played for the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 2003–04 season. He also achieved great success in the NBA Development League (now called the G League). There, he won the Rookie of the Year award in 2004 while playing for the Asheville Altitude.

Desmond Penigar's career took him to many different countries. He played professionally in places like South Korea, Germany, Austria, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Desmond Penigar's Early Basketball Journey

Desmond Penigar was born in DeQuincy, Louisiana. He started playing basketball at a young age. He attended Upland High School in Upland, California. His talent was clear even then.

College Basketball Success

After high school, Desmond played college basketball. He first went to Ventura College from 1999 to 2001. During his time there, he was recognized as one of the top junior college players in California.

Later, he transferred to Utah State University. He played for the Utah State Aggies from 2001 to 2003. At Utah State, Desmond became a key player. He helped his team win the Big West Conference Regular Season Championship in 2002. He was also named to the All-Big West Conference First Team twice, in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, his team won the Big West Tournament.

Starting His Professional Career

After college, Desmond Penigar began his professional basketball journey in 2003.

NBA Development League Star

Desmond joined the Asheville Altitude in the NBA Development League (NBDL). This league helps players develop their skills. He had an amazing first year. In 2004, he was named the NBDL Rookie of the Year. This award goes to the best first-year player in the league. He was also selected for the All-NBDL First Team.

That same year, his team, the Asheville Altitude, won the NBDL Championship. This was a big achievement for Desmond and his team.

Brief Time in the NBA

Because of his strong performance in the NBDL, Desmond Penigar got a chance to play in the National Basketball Association. He joined the Orlando Magic during the 2003–04 NBA season. Playing in the NBA is a dream for many basketball players.

Playing Basketball Around the World

After his time in the NBA and NBDL, Desmond Penigar's career became truly international. He played for many teams in different countries.

Teams in Asia and Europe

• South Korea: In 2004–2005, he played for the Changwon LG Sakers.
• Germany: From 2005 to 2007, he played for EWE Baskets Oldenburg.
• Austria: He spent time with Panthers Fürstenfeld from 2009 to 2011. While in Austria, he was recognized as one of the best players in the league. He was named to the All-Austrian Bundesliga First Team multiple times. He also won the Austrian Supercup in 2009.
• Kuwait: In 2012–2013, he played for Al Kuwait. He helped his team win the Kuwait Federation Cup and the Kuwait League Regular Season Championship in 2013.
• Saudi Arabia: In 2013, he played for Al-Hilal.
• Lebanon: He played for Sagesse in 2014–2015 and Tadamon Zouk in 2015–2016. In Lebanon, he was recognized for his strong defensive play.

Desmond Penigar's career shows how basketball players can have long and successful careers playing all over the world. He retired from professional basketball in 2016.

See also

In Spanish: Desmond Penigar para niños