Early Life and Education of DeMar DeRozan: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of DeMar DeRozan, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
DeMar Darnell DeRozan, nicknamed “Deebo”, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2009 after playing college basketball for USC, DeRozan has become a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team member. He is currently ranked sixth among all active NBA players in all-time scoring.
August 7, 1989: DeMar DeRozan's Birth
On August 7, 1989, DeMar Darnell DeRozan was born. He is now an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings.
1995: Origin of the "Deebo" Nickname
In 1995, DeMar DeRozan got the nickname "Deebo" after beating up an eighth grader during a basketball game in sixth grade.
November 2007: Signed Letter of Intent to USC
In November 2007, DeRozan signed a letter of intent to play basketball at USC, choosing them over Arizona State and North Carolina.
2008: High School Ranking
In 2008, DeRozan was ranked as one of the top college recruits in the nation.
April 8, 2009: Declared for NBA Draft
On April 8, 2009, DeRozan announced his decision to enter the 2009 NBA draft, foregoing his final three years of eligibility at USC.
June 25, 2009: Drafted by Raptors
On June 25, 2009, DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA draft.
2009: Pac-10 Tournament MVP
In 2009, DeRozan earned First Team Pac-10 All-Freshman honors and was named Pac-10 Tournament MVP after leading his team to a win over Arizona State in the Pac-10 Tournament final.
2010: Slam Dunk Competition
In 2010, DeRozan competed in the Sprite Slam Dunk Competition, losing in the final round.
2011: Slam Dunk Competition
In 2011, DeRozan competed in the Sprite Slam Dunk Competition as a replacement and finished in third place.
2013: Birth of Diar DeRozan
In 2013, DeMar DeRozan's daughter, Diar, was born.
2018: Trade to Spurs
In the summer of 2018, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs.
February 19, 2021: Death of Father, Frank DeRozan
On February 19, 2021, DeMar DeRozan lost his father Frank DeRozan after battling several longtime health issues.
2023: Diar DeRozan's Impact on Bulls-Raptors Game
In 2023, Diar DeRozan gained national attention during the Bulls' play-in tournament game against the Toronto Raptors for her consistent shrieking during free throws, which was believed to have contributed to the Raptors' poor free throw performance in their 109–105 loss.
July 2024: Appearance in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Music Video
In July 2024, DeMar DeRozan appeared in Kendrick Lamar's music video for "Not Like Us", a diss track directed at Drake.
November 2024: Drake's Comments and DeRozan's Response
In November 2024, Drake heckled DeRozan at a game and threatened to pull down a potential DeRozan banner, to which DeRozan responded confidently during a press conference.
2024: Publication of "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm"
In 2024, DeMar DeRozan's book, "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm," was published, detailing his experiences with depression, growth, and healing.
2024: Trade to Kings
In the summer of 2024, DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings.
