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 DeRozan 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 is a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team member. Known as "Deebo", DeRozan ranks sixth among all active NBA players on the all-time scoring list, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the league.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 7, 1989: DeMar DeRozan Born

On August 7, 1989, DeMar Darnell DeRozan was born. He is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings.

1995: DeRozan Nicknamed "Deebo"

In 1995, DeMar DeRozan was nicknamed "Deebo" after the character from the 1995 film Friday. He received the name as a sixth grader when he beat up an eighth grader during a basketball game at school.

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November 2007: Signed Letter of Intent to USC

In November 2007, DeMar DeRozan signed a letter of intent to play basketball at USC, choosing USC over Arizona State and North Carolina.

2008: Top College Recruit

In 2008, DeMar DeRozan was ranked as one of the top college recruits in the nation.

2008: Awards and Honors in Senior Year

In 2008, during his senior year, DeMar DeRozan received the Moore League Most Valuable Player Award, was named to the California All-State team, was a member of the McDonald's All-American Team, won the McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Competition, played in the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden, played in the Nike Hoop Summit, earned first-team Parade All-American honors, and earned First Team Best in the West honors.

June 25, 2009: Drafted by Toronto Raptors

On June 25, 2009, DeMar DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA draft to support his mother.

2009: USC Trojans Achievements

In 2009, DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points in an exhibition game against Azusa Pacific, scored 14 points in his first career regular season game against UC Irvine, scored 21 points against UCLA in the Pac-10 Tournament semifinals, scored 22 points against Arizona State in the Pac-10 Tournament final, earned First Team Pac-10 All-Freshman honors, was named Pac-10 Tournament MVP, and went to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament where they lost in the 2nd round to Michigan State.

February 19, 2021: Death of Frank DeRozan

On February 19, 2021, DeMar DeRozan's father, Frank DeRozan, passed away after battling several longtime health issues. DeMar regularly flew to Los Angeles from San Antonio or any city he was playing in to be by his side throughout his last moments.

July 2024: Appearance in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Music Video

In July 2024, DeMar DeRozan appeared in the music video for Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us", a diss track directed at Canadian rapper Drake. In the video, DeRozan is seen giving dap to Lamar and crouching, staring at the camera during the lyric "glad De-Roz (a nickname for DeRozan) came home, y'all didn't deserve him neither".

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November 2024: Drake Heckles DeRozan and Responds to Banner Possibility

In November 2024, while heckling DeMar DeRozan all game, Drake replied to the possibility of the Raptors hanging a DeRozan banner in their stadium, stating he would "go up there and pull it down myself". DeRozan replied in a press conference by stating "He's gonna have a long way to climb... tell him good luck."

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 by Harmony Books. The book describes his experiences with depression, growth, and the slow process of healing.