Derek Strong
Full Name: Derek Lamar Strong
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-9 / 206
Birthdate: February 9, 1968 (Los Angeles, CA)
High School: Pacific Palisades HS (Los Angeles, CA)
College: Xavier
Selected by Riverdragons as their first pick (6th overall) in 2002 NBDL Draft. Ten-year NBA veteran who has spent most of his career as a valuable frontcourt reserve. Has also played in Spain, the CBA and the USBL. Has NBA regular season career highs of 27 points and 16 rebounds, and playoff highs of 18 points and 16 rebounds. Was named 1992-93 CBA Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year.
Ten-year NBA veteran who has spent most of his career as a valuable frontcourt reserve. Has also played in Spain, the CBA and the USBL. Has NBA regular season career highs of 27 points and 16 rebounds, and playoff highs of 18 points and 16 rebounds. Was named 1992-93 CBA Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year.
Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (47th pick overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft. Spent 1990-91 season in Spain with Huesca La Magia, averaging 16.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in 22 games. Played in the USBL in the summer of 1991 with the Miami Tropics. Made NBA debut with the Washington Bullets in 1991-92, appearing in one game. Played in the CBA with the Quad City Thunder in 1992-93, averaging 20.0 points and 11.3 rebounds, before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks the same season. Stayed with the Bucks for the 1993-94 season, after which he was traded to the Boston Celtics. Played with the Celtics in 1994-95. Signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers, where played the 1995-96 season. Signed as a free agent with the Orlando Magic, where he played for four seasons, from 1996-97 to 1999-00. Traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played the 2000-01 season.
Played three seasons at Xavier, sitting out his freshman season in 1986-87 due to NCAA eligibility requirements. Ranks as Xavier’s 19th all-time leading scorer with 1291 career points. Also ranks in the top ten in career rebounds and free throw percentage. Was a member of three NCAA Tournament teams, including a 28-5 squad that advanced to the Sweet Sixteen his senior season in 1990.
