| 05 April 2009
Well, it's officially April 5th for me (Japan).
And for Unsung Player Day, I thought I'd recognise the efforts of one of the toughest Lakers, DJ Mbenga.
Mbenga's a backup center at LA, and is listed at a hefty 7'0", 255 lbs.
DJ's had a fairly interesting life, even by an NBA player's standards. Born and raised in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Mbenga was imprisoned and sentenced to die due to his father's involvement in the previous government, along with his brothers.
Whilst they sat in a prison cell awaiting execution, his father (unable to save himself) negotiated the freedom of his sons.
DJ fled to Belgium, where he was granted asylum. There, he began playing basketball. After a few years in Dallas, Mbenga was waived and spent a few months at Golden State.
Waived again, he ended up at the LA Lakers on a 10 day contract during the 2007/08 season. They then signed him for the rest of the season, and he's still at LA now. Mbenga's biggest game thus far was against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 6th. In 17 minutes, he amassed 10 points (4-5 shooting), 4 rebounds and 5 blocks.
DJ now is one of the crowd favourites at LA, due to his tenacity and drive... his ability to take each moment he gets, and make the most of that.
As commenter Mr Meeogy summed up (and this was the part I loved best):
"Perhaps the most beautiful part of DJ Mbenga is his actual Basketball game. 1. Although he has a propensity for minor foul trouble, anyone foolish enough to wander into the key when Mbenga is on the court is likely to get smashed in the face. Congo style. 2. Mbenga's jumpshot is Congo Cash. It is also very high arcing. Beautiful." (Mr Meeogy - Voltage Comp)
An unsung hero.
