USC men's basketball thanks DeMar DeRozan following recent appearance
As an NBA player, you typically spend more time away from home, especially during the regular season. However, in the offseason, players get an opportunity to return home and spend some time within the communities and institutions that helped them make it to the NBA. And that is just what the Chicago Bulls All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan recently did.
DeRozan, a Southern California native, returned home to Los Angeles, CA, and spent time with the USC Trojans men’s basketball team. The Bulls All-Star still frequents the Trojans facilities after playing there during his own collegiate career. In the video below, USC’s men’s basketball team gave thanks to DeRozan for his continued love and support and his recent interaction with the squad.
DeRozan spent one season at USC from 2008 to 2009. There he started and played in 35 games averaging 33.4 minutes per contest. DeRozan showed his knack for being an offensive aficionado, averaging 13.9 points per game while shooting 52 percent from the field.
This is not the first time DeRozan has given back to this installment of Trojans. Recently the former USC star gave his blessing to one of the Trojans newcomers to sport his number next season. Earlier in July, it was revealed by the Trojans’ basketball Twitter account that D.J. Rodman, the son of NBA Hall-of-Famer Dennis Rodman, will be wearing DeRozan’s old number, 10, next season. The No. 10. jersey was hanging in the rafters of the Galen Center, but Rodman will now be able to wear it since he got approval from the former Trojans’ legend.
DeRozan has established himself as one of the best players in the game
During his time in the NBA, DeRozan has established himself as one of the superstars of the league. He’s been named an All-Star six times already and even helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in Rio De Janeiro.
During DeRozan’s only year with USC, he poured in team-high 21 points in his first performance. He eventually went on to lead the Trojans to a 2009 Pac-10 Tournament crown and won Tournament MVP honors. He also landed on the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team.
DeRozan started all 35 games for USC, scoring in double figures 28 times and posting four double-doubles.
The Compton, California native also guided the Trojans to the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament, where they were defeated by the Michigan State Spartans.
As a high school prospect, DeRozan was one of the most highly regarded prospects in the country. As a senior, he poured in 29.2 points per game and grabbed 7.9 rebounds per game. He was named to the 2008 McDonald’s All-American team and won the slam dunk contest at the event, too. DeRozan has been well-known as one of the game’s most electrifying dunkers throughout his career.
On3’s Joe Tipton also contributed to this article.