Didier 'D.J.' Henry Sims scored 23 points, while Alex Cabagnot pitched in 20 to help the Boosters snap a three-game slide while spoiling the debut of former Los Angeles DJ Mbenga. Ex-PBA imports down to 5 in NBA. With starting forward Pau Gasol and center Andrew Bynum injured, Mbenga made his first start for the Lakers on November 6, 2009 in a 114-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. © 2021 SPIN.ph - Sports Interactive Network Philippines, “I mean, I’m a professional. By continued use, you agree to our privacy policy and accept our use of such cookies. Mbenga to . Compare D.J. Jun 30, 2006 - The Dallas Mavericks tendered a Qualifying Offer to make D.J. EDGEDAVAO. Share. 2013–14 Season. Add Your Blog Posts Here; Player News Archive; Player News RSS Feed; Totals. Jul 14, 2004 - D.J. Ginebra Kings, were hoping to sign him. MANILA, Philippines — Former Los Angeles Laker D.J. NEW YORK, October 24, 2014 –- New York Knickerbockers President Phil Jackson announced today that the team has waived center Didier Mbenga and forward Orlando Sanchez. So the seven-foot Belgian national is tearing a page from Laker great Kobe Bryant's playbook in his bid to return to top shape and lead the Energy Cola to the Commissioner's Cup playoffs. [21], On April 3, 2013, Mbenga signed with the Barako Bull Energy of the Philippine Basketball Association. 16 SPORTS. [5] In an injury-riddled first season with the Mavericks in 2004–05, he managed just 15 games while averaging just one point per game. Mbenga, 7-0, 250-pounds, signed with New York on Oct. 8. Shooting. Mbenga a Restricted FA. [22][23], On October 8, 2014, Mbenga signed with the New York Knicks. Before the start of the 39th PBA season, Barako Bull was the subject of all the criticism from league pundits and social media, because of the questionable personnel moves made during the off-season. On April 3, 2013, NBA player DJ Mbenga signed with the Barako Bull Energy. + Follow MBENGA Tag . Mbenga is an eight-year NBA veteran, who owns two NBA championship rings when he played alongside basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in the Lakers’ back-to-back championship run during 2009 and 2010 seasons. The Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed free agent center Didier “DJ” Ilunga-Mbenga, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Adjusted Shooting. Sister teams Ginebra and Petron downed separate foes on Sunday to amass a 7-5 record each. People may expect a lot from him considering his seven-year NBA experience playing for four different teams, but Mbenga said he can’t do the job alone, adding he’ll need the help of the rest of his teammates to help Barako Bull make it to the quarterfinals. [1] While his father was eventually unable to save himself, he did manage to negotiate on behalf of his wife and son, as Mbenga and his mother escaped the nation and were given asylum in Belgium. Mbenga owns a career-NBA average of 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 6.7 minutes through 234 games playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Lakers and finally, with the New Orleans Hornets during the 2010-2011 season. Mbenga signed a multi-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Two-time NBA champion and former teammate of Kobe Bryant at the Los Angeles Lakers cap DJ Mbenga is in town to try and save Barako Bull from going into an early break. I’ll do what I have to do to get into shape, even if I’m not 100 percent now,” Mbenga told Spin.ph shortly after his first workout with the Barako Bull coaching staff led by consultant Rako Toroman and Bong Ramos at the Ronac gym in San Juan. Edge Davao 5 Issue 246, February 14, 2013. The win also meant that Petron formalized their entry to the quarterfinals. Mbenga bolsters Hornets' frontcourt", "Mavericks add three to training camp roster", "Dallas Mavericks waive Tu Holloway and DJ Mbenga", "DJ Mbenga inks with Barako Bull Energy in the Philippines", "Barako Bull expects 'more inside presence' from ex-Laker DJ Mbenga", "Knicks Waive Orlando Sanchez, Didier Mbenga", "Jaeger-LeCoultre hosts Los Angeles Lakers at the Beverly Hills boutique", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=D._J._Mbenga&oldid=1002585556, Belgian expatriate basketball people in the United States, Democratic Republic of the Congo emigrants to Belgium, Democratic Republic of the Congo expatriate basketball people in the United States, Expatriate basketball people in the Philippines, National Basketball Association players from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Philippine Basketball Association imports, Undrafted National Basketball Association players, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 25 January 2021, at 03:32. [19], In November 2012, Mbenga signed with Qingdao DoubleStar of the Chinese Basketball Association. J." ADVERTISEMENT. THE time is so short for former Los Angeles Laker DJ Mbenga to adjust to Barako Bull’s system. [8], On November 17, 2007, Mbenga signed with the Golden State Warriors. “I mean, I’m a professional. ", "Kobe scores 24,000th point as short-handed Lakers get by Grizzlies", "D.J. [25], Mbenga speaks five languages: French, Portuguese, English, Lingala and Tshiluba. By Joaquin M. HensonJoaquin M. Henson Play-by-Play. Mbenga, … Jun 26, 2002 - D.J. During the 2006 Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Mbenga was suspended for six games for going into the stands, after he saw the wife of coach Avery Johnson being harassed by fans. THE continuing saga of Ginebra's search for a new import has just taken a new twist. “(I learned from Kobe) hard work, be more professional. Sure, 14 points and 12 rebounds isn’t terrible, but if you factor in how Mbenga was huffing and puffing throughout the game, obviously out of shape, you’d kinda wish Evan Brock was still suited up instead of watching from the first row. The Barako Bull management had to let go of Evan Brock and acquired former Lakers center DJ Mbenga in the process. Don’t feel bad, neither did Barako Bull. VOL.5 ISSUE 246 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013. ABS-CBN News. On June 30, 2006, the Mavericks extended a qualifying offer to Mbenga in order to make him a restricted free agent. [2], Mbenga was born and raised in Kinshasa, Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where his father was a government employee. THE time is so short for former Los Angeles Laker DJ Mbenga to adjust to Barako Bull’s system. Mbenga could don an Alaska jersey in the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup — but only if he agrees to accept the Aces’ offer. Facebook To get the job done and do what we need to do in game,” Mbenga said in his African accent as he shares the valuable lessons he learned from the 6-foot-6 former NBA MVP. Ginebra wants ex-Laker Mbenga G [20] On December 12, 2012, he played his final game for Qingdao before being replaced in the line-up by Chris Daniels. Player News. Hinihintay pa ng Philippine agent ni Mbenga na si Sheryl Reyes ang tugon ng Congolese-Belgian 7-footer. Then in 2003, he joined Spirou Charleroi also of the Belgian Basketball League for the 2003–04 season where he played both league games and ULEB Cup games. [26], List of European basketball players in the United States, "NBA Teams Prepare For The D.J. However, he managed just 21 games in 2006–07 after suffering a torn right ACL on February 7, 2007. I’ll do what I have to do to get into shape, even if I’m not 100 percent now,” says former Laker and new Barako Bull import DJ Mbenga. 9. On October 13, 2010, Mbenga signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Hornets. [17], In July 2012, Mbenga joined the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2012 NBA Summer League. Find out more here. [16] Mbenga went on to win his second NBA championship after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 4 games to 3 in the 2010 NBA Finals. "it's like wrestling out there", says DJ Mbenga after his PBA debut with the BARAKO BULL ENERGY COLA Shot location data available for the 1996-97 through 2020-21 seasons. He appeared in one preseason game, sc On April 9, 2010, he recorded a career high 11 points in a 97-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. [24] However, he was later waived by the Knicks on October 24, 2014. Barako Bull head coach Bong Ramos is still optimistic of … By Alder Almo, The Philippine Star. Mbenga Suspended Six Games", "Knee injury to sideline Mavs' Mbenga for season", "Warriors Sign DJ Mbenga, Waive Stephane Lasme", "Warriors Waive Mbenga in Favor of Center Perovic from D-League", "After two 10-day contracts, Lakers sign Mbenga for rest of year", "Lakers 110, Minnesota 90: Hugs for all the people! The 2013 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup was the second conference of the 2012–13 PBA season. Mbenga Free Agency Sweepstakes In 2010", "Hoopsworld: Mbenga provides some perspective", "Poulain van Willy Steveniers tekent contract bij Dallas Mavericks", "Dallas' D.J. [10], On January 21, 2008, Mbenga signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. In this June 4, 2009, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers center DJ Mbenga (28) of the Democratic Republic of Congo runs down court against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA basketball finals in Los Angeles. MANILA, Philippines—Petron Blaze head coach Olsen Racela simply summed up his game plan in one word: defense. As stated in earlier reports, Barangay Ginebra yearned for the services of the 7-foot former Laker center DJ Mbenga and even gave him a formal offer sheet to sign for the Ginebra Kings as their reinforcement on the just starting PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The two-time NBA champion, who replaced Evan Brock at Barako, has been out of commission for the past three months since his last stint with the Qingdao DoubleStar of the Chinese Basketball Association. [12] On September 24, 2008, he re-signed with the Lakers.[13]. Even as I play with the best players in the world, it takes five to win, by themselves they can’t win. KC Cruz. Barako Bull, Mbenga still positive despite loss. In July 2005, Mbenga re-joined the Dallas Mavericks for the 2005 NBA Summer League, and went on to play in 43 regular season games for the franchise in 2005–06. AP . Sa ngayon ay sinasabing nagpadala na ng offer sheet ang Ginebra kay dating 2-time NBA champion DJ Mbenga ng Los Angeles Lakers. J." [18] However, he was later waived by the Mavericks on October 2, 2012. On September 27, 2012, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. On March 6, 2009, Mbenga recorded a then career high 10 points on 4–5 shooting, along with 4 rebounds and 5 blocks, in a 110-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. ADVERTISEMENT MANILA, Philippines — Former Los Angeles Laker D.J. While living in a refugee center, he was discovered by Belgian basketball legend Willy Steveniers, who eventually served as Mbenga's personal basketball mentor.[1][4]. Didier "D. Posted at Feb 13 2013 11:28 PM | Updated as of Feb 14 2013 09:55 PM. On February 11, 2008, he signed with the Lakers for the rest of the 2007–08 season. Posted at Apr 09 2013 11:38 AM | Updated as of Apr 09 2013 07:38 PM. With the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round entering its homestretch, Petron Blaze and Barako Bull made last-minute import changes to bolster their respective drives. Both the Talk N Text Tropang Texters and Alaska Aces snagged a win in the second game off of their respective series, which brings the competition back to square one. Didier "D. Choice is: Ex: LeBron James, Michael Jordan. [7] He returned to the court on October 23, 2007 in the Mavericks' preseason finale against the Chicago Bulls where he recorded 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 assist in 12 minutes of action. Two-time NBA Champ DJ Mbenga made his PBA debut on Sunday. In 2002, he joined the Leuven Bears of the Belgian Basketball League for the 2002–03 season where in 21 games he averaged 8.1 points per game. [14] The Lakers went on to win the 2009 NBA championship after they defeated the Orlando Magic 4 games to 1 in the 2009 NBA Finals. There will be no Mbenga sighting that will happen on the PBA. Pangkumpleto lang kung baga. In 2001, Mbenga joined Spirou Gilly of the Belgian Division II league where he made his professional debut in 2001–02. With Barako Bull going up against Petron on Sunday followed by games against Rain or Shine and Globalport to round out its elimination-round schedule, Mbenga said he’ll do a little of everything and try to fit in as quick as possible with his teammates. Their new import DJ Mbenga, the celebrated ex-Laker backup center, had a quiet debut finishing with 14 points and 12 boards. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2450/didier-ilunga-mbenga He has also played for the Belgian national basketball team as he is a dual citizen of both his native countries. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Advanced. Gary David (L) led a valiant charge to end the Commissioner's Cup with a win, but DJ Mbenga and the rest of Barako Bull had other plans. Four game dates in and both semis series are tied. [3] When a new regime took over power, it sought out everyone who worked for the previous leader. (Updated 6:25pm) The Petron Blaze Boosters spoiled the PBA debut of former LA Laker DJ Mbenga with an 88-77 victory over Barako Bull Energy Cola, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Didier Ilunga Mbenga, mainly know as DJ Mbenga was born in Zaire on December 30th 1980 and is a 7ft center currently playing for the Los Angeles … To me, they’re just The 10th Team In The PBA. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on Spin.ph. Career Powered by . The latest stats, facts, news and notes on DJ Mbenga of the New York Barako Bull Energy Cola salvaged a rocky PBA Commissioner's Cup elimination round performance with a win over GlobalPort Batang Pier, 96-87, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, in the last assignment of both these two squads. Mbenga's journey in the NBA comprised of eight seasons with four teams, with the pinnacle being a fruitful stint with the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers from 2008 to 2010. After again playing for the Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Summer League, Mbenga re-signed with the franchise to a three-year, non-guaranteed contract on July 13, 2006. The 7-foot Congonese-Belgian player was much talked about prior to the start of the PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup because a few teams, including Brgy. PBA 2013 Semis Series Both Tied. Richard Dy. So the seven-foot Belgian national is tearing a page from Laker great Kobe Bryant's playbook in … [11] On February 1, 2008, he signed a second 10-day contract with the Lakers. Ilunga-Mbenga (pronounced Benga; born December 30, 1980) is a Belgian-Congolese retired professional basketball player. With the Lakers, Mbenga collected rings courtesy of the purple and gold's back-to-back triumphs in 2009 and 2010. In the three seasons he played as backup center to Andrew Bynum with the Lakers, Mbenga said he saw first-hand how hard Bryant worked to polish his game and lead the franchise to victory. [15] Two days later, Mbenga recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, in addition to 4 blocks, in a 104-88 win over the New Orleans Hornets. [6] He went on to manage seven playoff games in the Mavericks' playoff run that ended in Game 6 of the NBA Finals where they lost to the Miami Heat. [9] On January 6, 2008, he was waived by the Warriors. Didn’t notice? Ilunga-Mbenga (pronounced Benga; born December 30, 1980) is a Belgian-Congolese retired professional basketball player. Since Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol were injured, DJ Mbenga gets his 4th career start and records a double-double and 4 blocks. Mbenga. Per 100 Poss. “One person can’t make it. As unrest in the country escalated, Mbenga and his family were imprisoned. Minor edits have been made by the TopGear.com.ph editors. A week later, he was waived by the Mavericks. [2], In 2005, Mbenga started the Mbenga Foundation with the goal to help children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and refugees in Belgium. Spin.ph reports that former Lakers Center DJ Mbenga is on top of the Ginebra King’s wishlist to be their reinforcement on this year’s on-going Commissioner’s Cup. I expect the team to be together to win,” he added. DJ Mbenga blocks June Mar Fajardo PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio . “As a basketball player, I come to do my job, score, rebound, work together as a team, and then we’ll win,” added the 32-year-old NBA journeyman. On July 14, 2004, Mbenga signed a two-year, $3.4 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks and joined them for the 2004 NBA Summer League. Mbenga went undrafted in the 2002 NBA Draft making him an Unrestricted FA. Per 36 Minutes. Well that debut went… pfffft: Former LA Laker DJ Mbenga had a tough time in his first PBA game. D.J. “Three games, five games, 100 games, it’s basketball, we’ll do what we have to do,” he said. Luke Theodore Walton (born March 28, 1980) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach of the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has also played for the Belgian national basketball team[1] as he is a dual citizen of both his native countries.