Didier Ilunga Mbenga
Encyclopedia
Didier Ilunga-Mbenga, commonly referred to as D. J. Mbenga (born December 30, 1980), is a Belgian
professional basketball
player who last played for the New Orleans Hornets. He also plays for the Belgian national basketball team.
in Zaire
, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo
, where his father was a government employee. When a new regime took over power, it sought everyone who worked for the previous leader
. As unrest in the country escalated, Mbenga's father was imprisoned. Although he was eventually unable to save himself, he did manage to negotiate on behalf of his sons, who were also imprisoned and waiting to be executed. Mbenga fled the country on a plane to Belgium
, where he received asylum. While living in a refugee center, he was discovered by Belgian basketball legend Willy Steveniers, who eventually served as Mbenga's personal basketball mentor. Mbenga is a dual citizen of both his native countries.
of Lega Basket Serie A for two seasons from 2002 to 2004. At the ULEB Cup 2003–04, Mbenga averaged 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.
during the 2004–05 season. He continued through the 2005–06 season with the Mavericks but when the season ended, Mbenga became an unrestricted free agent. Mbenga extended his contract with the Dallas Mavericks for three seasons for an approximated US$2 million a year.
In the 2006 playoffs
he was suspended 6 games without pay for entering the stands. He saw coach Avery Johnson
's wife being disturbed by some fans, and reportedly went into the stands with owner Mark Cuban
to help usher Mrs. Johnson to the locker room. Regardless of his intentions, the NBA's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson
maintained a hard line against players entering the stands (a direct result of the infamous Pacers–Pistons brawl of 2004
), suspending him for six games without pay. When asked about watching the Finals from home, Mbenga remarked, "Sometimes, I can't watch. When I start watching, especially when Diop or Erick have foul trouble, I get mad. I might shoot the TV."
Mbenga was later waived by the Mavericks in order for them to sign Juwan Howard
. On November 17, 2007, Mbenga was signed to play with the Golden State Warriors
under the direction of his old coach in Dallas, Don Nelson
. On February 7, 2007 against Memphis, Mbenga hurt his knee late in the fourth quarter and limped off the court. It was originally thought that he had only strained his knee and would be back after a week or so, however, later scans found Mbenga had torn an anterior cruciate ligament
, which required surgical reconstruction. As a result of the injury, Mbenga missed the rest of the season.
On January 6, 2008 he was waived by Golden State. Later that month, on January 21, 2008 he was signed to a 10-day contract by the Los Angeles Lakers
. On February 11, 2008 the Lakers signed Mbenga for the rest of the 2007–08 season.
On March 6, 2009 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga scored a career high 10 points on 4–5 shooting with 4 rebounds and 5 blocks in just 17 minutes. On June 14, 2009, Mbenga won his first NBA Title with the Los Angeles Lakers.
With starting forward Pau Gasol
and center Andrew Bynum
injured, Mbenga made his first start for the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6, 2009 against the Memphis Grizzlies
Two days later, Mbenga recorded his first career double double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in addition to 4 blocks against the New Orleans Hornets. On April 9, 2010 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga set a new career high by scoring 11 points. On June 17, 2010, Mbenga won his second NBA title after his Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics
in the Finals
.
During his stay in Los Angeles, he has become a crowd favorite and been nicknamed "Congo Cash".
On October 13, 2010, he signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Hornets.
, Portuguese
, English
, Lingala and Tshiluba.
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Dallas
| 15 || 1 || 3.9 || .429 || .000 || .750 || .5 || .0 || .0 || .3 || 1.0
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Dallas
| 43 || 1 || 5.5 || .533 || .000 || .500 || 1.3 || .0 || .1 || .6 || 1.7
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Dallas
| 21 || 0 || 3.8 || .313 || .000 || .875 || .5 || .3 || .1 || .2 || .8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Golden State
| 16 || 0 || 8.1 || .391 || .000 || .500 || 1.9 || .3 || .2 || .6 || 1.2
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 26 || 0 || 7.5 || .492 || .000 || .400 || 1.6 || .2 || .2 || .6 || 2.5
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 23 || 0 || 7.9 || .474 || .000 || .875 || 1.3 || .4 || .4 || 1.0 || 2.7
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 49 || 2 || 7.2 || .466 || .000 || .474 || 1.8 || .2 || .1 || .6 || 1.8
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 41 || 0 || 8.0 || .469 || .000 || .722 || 2.1 || .1 || .2 || .7 || 1.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 234 || 4 || 6.7 || .470 || .000 || .607 || 1.5 || .2 || .2 || .6 || 1.8
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Dallas
| 7 || 0 || 3.6 || .333 || .000 || 1.000 || 1.1 || .0 || .0 || .1 || .6
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 7 || 0 || 4.3 || .625 || .000 || .000 || 1.3 || .0 || .3 || .1 || 1.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 7 || 0 || 2.3 || .167 || .000 || .000 || .4 || .0 || .0 || .3 || .3
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 3 || 0 || 4.0 || .333 || .000 || 1.000 || 1.7 || .3 || .0 || .0 || 1.7
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 5 || 0 || 5.2 || 1.000 || .000 || .500 || 1.0 || .2 || .4 || .6 || 1.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 29 || 0 || 3.7 || .440 || .000 || .800 || 1.0 || .1 || .1 || .2 || .9
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player who last played for the New Orleans Hornets. He also plays for the Belgian national basketball team.
Early life
Mbenga was born in and raised in KinshasaKinshasa
Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The city is located on the Congo River....
in Zaire
Zaire
The Republic of Zaire was the name of the present Democratic Republic of the Congo between 27 October 1971 and 17 May 1997. The name of Zaire derives from the , itself an adaptation of the Kongo word nzere or nzadi, or "the river that swallows all rivers".-Self-proclaimed Father of the Nation:In...
, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
, where his father was a government employee. When a new regime took over power, it sought everyone who worked for the previous leader
Mobutu Sese Seko
Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga , commonly known as Mobutu or Mobutu Sese Seko , born Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, was the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1965 to 1997...
. As unrest in the country escalated, Mbenga's father was imprisoned. Although he was eventually unable to save himself, he did manage to negotiate on behalf of his sons, who were also imprisoned and waiting to be executed. Mbenga fled the country on a plane to Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, where he received asylum. While living in a refugee center, he was discovered by Belgian basketball legend Willy Steveniers, who eventually served as Mbenga's personal basketball mentor. Mbenga is a dual citizen of both his native countries.
European career
In Europe, Mbenga played in two professional teams: with Spirou Gilly of the Belgian Division II league in the 2001-2002 season and with Pallacanestro VaresePallacanestro Varese
-Notable players:-Notable coaches: Aleksandar Nikolić Nico Messina Sandro Gamba Edoardo Rusconi Joe Isaac Carlo Recalcati Valerio Bianchini Ruben Magnano-Sponsorship names:Through the years, due to sponsorship deals, it has been also known as:...
of Lega Basket Serie A for two seasons from 2002 to 2004. At the ULEB Cup 2003–04, Mbenga averaged 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds.
NBA career
Mbenga was signed by the Dallas MavericksDallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
during the 2004–05 season. He continued through the 2005–06 season with the Mavericks but when the season ended, Mbenga became an unrestricted free agent. Mbenga extended his contract with the Dallas Mavericks for three seasons for an approximated US$2 million a year.
In the 2006 playoffs
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
he was suspended 6 games without pay for entering the stands. He saw coach Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson is a former American professional basketball player and current head coach of the National Basketball Association team New Jersey Nets. He has also coached the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to their first NBA Finals appearance and four consecutive 50+ win seasons...
's wife being disturbed by some fans, and reportedly went into the stands with owner Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban is an American business magnate and investor. He is the owner of the National Basketball Association's Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theatres, and Magnolia Pictures, and the chairman of the HDTV cable network HDNet....
to help usher Mrs. Johnson to the locker room. Regardless of his intentions, the NBA's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson
Stu Jackson
Stuart Wayne Jackson is an American former head coach and current executive in the National Basketball Association. He has coached two different NBA teams: the New York Knicks in 1990 and 1991, and the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1997; he also has served as the Grizzlies' general manager...
maintained a hard line against players entering the stands (a direct result of the infamous Pacers–Pistons brawl of 2004
2004-05 NBA season
The 2004–05 NBA season was the 59th season of the National Basketball Association . It began on November 2, 2004 and ended June 23, 2005. The season ended with the San Antonio Spurs defeating defending champion Detroit Pistons 4–3 in the NBA Finals....
), suspending him for six games without pay. When asked about watching the Finals from home, Mbenga remarked, "Sometimes, I can't watch. When I start watching, especially when Diop or Erick have foul trouble, I get mad. I might shoot the TV."
Mbenga was later waived by the Mavericks in order for them to sign Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard
Juwan Antonio Howard is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . The Heat were his eighth different NBA team. He was drafted fifth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets...
. On November 17, 2007, Mbenga was signed to play with the Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
under the direction of his old coach in Dallas, Don Nelson
Don Nelson
Donald Arvid "Don" Nelson is a former NBA player and head coach. He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors....
. On February 7, 2007 against Memphis, Mbenga hurt his knee late in the fourth quarter and limped off the court. It was originally thought that he had only strained his knee and would be back after a week or so, however, later scans found Mbenga had torn an anterior cruciate ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle , based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur...
, which required surgical reconstruction. As a result of the injury, Mbenga missed the rest of the season.
On January 6, 2008 he was waived by Golden State. Later that month, on January 21, 2008 he was signed to a 10-day contract by the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. On February 11, 2008 the Lakers signed Mbenga for the rest of the 2007–08 season.
On March 6, 2009 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga scored a career high 10 points on 4–5 shooting with 4 rebounds and 5 blocks in just 17 minutes. On June 14, 2009, Mbenga won his first NBA Title with the Los Angeles Lakers.
With starting forward Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol Sáez is a Spanish professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . He was born to Marisa Sáez and Agustí Gasol, and he spent his childhood in Spain...
and center Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . He was drafted 10th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005. Bynum became the youngest player ever to play an NBA game later that year, breaking Jermaine...
injured, Mbenga made his first start for the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6, 2009 against the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
Two days later, Mbenga recorded his first career double double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in addition to 4 blocks against the New Orleans Hornets. On April 9, 2010 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga set a new career high by scoring 11 points. On June 17, 2010, Mbenga won his second NBA title after his Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
in the Finals
2010 NBA Finals
The 2010 NBA Finals was the National Basketball Association championship series for the 2009–10 season. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Los Angeles Lakers, champions of the Western Conference and defending NBA champions, and the Boston Celtics, champions of the Eastern Conference...
.
During his stay in Los Angeles, he has become a crowd favorite and been nicknamed "Congo Cash".
On October 13, 2010, he signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Hornets.
Personal life
Mbenga speaks five languages: FrenchFrench language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
, Portuguese
Portuguese language
Portuguese is a Romance language that arose in the medieval Kingdom of Galicia, nowadays Galicia and Northern Portugal. The southern part of the Kingdom of Galicia became independent as the County of Portugal in 1095...
, English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, Lingala and Tshiluba.
Charity work
The Mbenga Foundation offers help to children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congolese refugees in Belgium (as Didier had been).Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
| 15 || 1 || 3.9 || .429 || .000 || .750 || .5 || .0 || .0 || .3 || 1.0
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Dallas
| 43 || 1 || 5.5 || .533 || .000 || .500 || 1.3 || .0 || .1 || .6 || 1.7
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Dallas
| 21 || 0 || 3.8 || .313 || .000 || .875 || .5 || .3 || .1 || .2 || .8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Golden State
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 16 || 0 || 8.1 || .391 || .000 || .500 || 1.9 || .3 || .2 || .6 || 1.2
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | LA Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 26 || 0 || 7.5 || .492 || .000 || .400 || 1.6 || .2 || .2 || .6 || 2.5
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 23 || 0 || 7.9 || .474 || .000 || .875 || 1.3 || .4 || .4 || 1.0 || 2.7
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 49 || 2 || 7.2 || .466 || .000 || .474 || 1.8 || .2 || .1 || .6 || 1.8
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 41 || 0 || 8.0 || .469 || .000 || .722 || 2.1 || .1 || .2 || .7 || 1.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 234 || 4 || 6.7 || .470 || .000 || .607 || 1.5 || .2 || .2 || .6 || 1.8
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2005–06
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
| 7 || 0 || 3.6 || .333 || .000 || 1.000 || 1.1 || .0 || .0 || .1 || .6
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| align="left" | LA Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 7 || 0 || 4.3 || .625 || .000 || .000 || 1.3 || .0 || .3 || .1 || 1.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 7 || 0 || 2.3 || .167 || .000 || .000 || .4 || .0 || .0 || .3 || .3
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2010 NBA Playoffs
The 2010 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2009–10 season. The playoffs started on April 17, 2010 with ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | LA Lakers
| 3 || 0 || 4.0 || .333 || .000 || 1.000 || 1.7 || .3 || .0 || .0 || 1.7
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
2011 NBA Playoffs
The 2011 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2010–11 season. Eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualified for the playoffs, all seeded 1 to 8 in a tournament bracket, with all rounds in a best-of-seven format. The 2011 NBA Playoffs began on...
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 5 || 0 || 5.2 || 1.000 || .000 || .500 || 1.0 || .2 || .4 || .6 || 1.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 29 || 0 || 3.7 || .440 || .000 || .800 || 1.0 || .1 || .1 || .2 || .9