Off the Court: D.J. Mbenga
Thursday, November 18, 2010
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
New Orleans reserve center D.J. Mbenga recently provided Hornets.com with more information on his unique background and some of his interests away from basketball. Mbenga is a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Best moment as an athlete: "Winning two championship rings with the Lakers."
Favorite thing about New Orleans: "I love food. I love gumbo soup. And I used to not eat fish, but now I eat it every day. And the people are very nice here. I also like the history."
First job: "Basketball player."
Favorite athlete as a kid: "I used to love soccer. As a soccer fan, there were a lot of players, but probably Maradona was my favorite."
What he'd be doing if he werent an NBA player: "I'd be a politician."
Closest friends playing on other NBA teams: "Erick Dampier from Dallas. Kobe, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher."
Favorite type of music: "Im open to everything, but I love African music. It keeps me aware of everything thats going on there."
Favorite TV show: "The Steve Harvey Show."
Favorite movie of all time: "Gladiator. When I watch it, it takes me to another level."
Favorite website: "My foundation's website, the DJ Mbenga Foundation. My foundation is about educating young people so that they will know what to do in the future."