Detlef Schrempf facts for kids
![]() Schrempf in 2016
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Personal information | |
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Born | Leverkusen, West Germany |
January 21, 1963
Nationality | German / American |
High school | Centralia (Centralia, Washington) |
Listed height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
Listed weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
Career information | |
College | Washington (1981–1985) |
NBA Draft | 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall |
Selected by the Dallas Mavericks | |
Pro career | 1985–2001 |
Coaching career | 2005–2007 |
Career history | |
As player: | |
1985–1989 | Dallas Mavericks |
1989–1993 | Indiana Pacers |
1993–1999 | Seattle SuperSonics |
1999–2001 | Portland Trail Blazers |
As coach: | |
2005–2007 | Seattle SuperSonics (assistant) |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Career NBA statistics | |
Points | 15,761 (13.9 ppg) |
Rebounds | 7,023 (6.2 rpg) |
Assists | 3,833 (3.4 apg) |
Detlef Schrempf, born on January 21, 1963, is a famous German-American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Washington Huskies from 1981 to 1985. After college, he was chosen by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft.
Detlef was a three-time NBA All-Star, meaning he was picked as one of the best players in the league. He was also the first European player to achieve this honor. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award twice. This award goes to the best player who usually comes off the bench instead of starting the game. In 2021, he was honored by being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
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Detlef's Early Basketball Journey
Detlef Schrempf was born in Leverkusen, West Germany. He started playing basketball for the youth teams of Bayer Leverkusen. Later, he moved to the United States and attended Centralia High School in Centralia, Washington for one year.
In 1981, during his senior year, he led his high school team, the Tigers, to win the state championship. He scored 24 points in the final game, helping his team win 52–43. After high school, he went to the University of Washington in Seattle. There, he played for the Huskies basketball team.
College Success and Awards
With Detlef on the team, the Huskies won their conference titles in 1984 and 1985. They also made it to the "Sweet 16" in the NCAA tournament in 1984. He was chosen as the team captain for his final year. During his college career at Washington, he scored a total of 1,449 points.
Detlef was recognized as one of the best players in his college conference. In 1995, he was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame. He was also named to the University of Washington All-Century Team, which honors the best players from the school's history. While at college, he studied international business.
Detlef's NBA Career Highlights
Detlef Schrempf was picked eighth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1985 NBA draft. He became a regular player in the NBA after being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1989. While playing for the Mavericks, he was very good at shooting three-pointers.
In 1991 and 1992, he won the NBA Sixth Man Award two times in a row. This showed how valuable he was coming off the bench. In the 1992–93 season, he was the only player in the NBA to be among the top 25 in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He was also the first European player ever chosen to play in the NBA All-Star Game. He played in three All-Star Games during his career.
Playing for the Seattle SuperSonics
After the 1992–93 season, Detlef was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. On the Sonics, he was known for his excellent three-point shooting. In the 1994–95 season, he had the second-best three-point shooting percentage in the NBA.
He joined a strong Sonics team that included stars like Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. In 1996, Detlef and the SuperSonics made it all the way to the NBA Finals. They played against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls but lost in six games. Detlef was the first German-born NBA player to reach the NBA Finals. He played in the NBA All-Star game again in 1995 and 1997 while with the Sonics.
Retirement and Coaching
Detlef left the Sonics in 1999 and then signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. He played for the Trail Blazers until he retired from professional basketball in 2001. He played in a total of 1,136 regular season games and 114 playoff games during his career.
After retiring, Detlef returned to the Seattle SuperSonics as an assistant coach in 2006. He worked under coach Bob Hill, who had coached Detlef when he played for the Indiana Pacers.
Playing for His Home Country
Detlef Schrempf also played for the West Germany national team. He first played for them in the 1983 tournament. He was the top scorer for his team in that event.
A year later, he led the team in the 1984 Olympics. In 1985, Detlef helped West Germany achieve their best finish ever at the EuroBasket tournament at that time. He represented his country one last time at the 1992 Olympics.
Giving Back to the Community
Detlef Schrempf started the Detlef Schrempf Foundation in 1996. This foundation helps local charities, especially those that support children. In 2012, he received an award for his good work in the community.
His foundation hosts a special golf tournament each summer. This event has raised about $10 million for children's charities in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Detlef's Life Today
Detlef Schrempf is married to Mari Schrempf. They have two sons named Alex and Michael. Since 2010, Detlef has worked in business development for a wealth management company in Seattle.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Detlef Schrempf para niños