Dillon Brooks: The Big Bambina

Introduction

Dillon Brooks is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was born on January 22, 1996, in Mississauga, Ontario. Brooks played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks before being drafted by the Grizzlies in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft. In this article, we will discuss Dillon Brooks’ career and his nickname, “The Big Bambina.”

Early Life

Brooks grew up in Mississauga and attended Father Michael Goetz Secondary School. He started playing basketball at a young age and was coached by his father, Darrell Brooks, who had played professional basketball in Europe. Brooks played for the Mississauga Monarchs AAU team and led his high school team to the Ontario provincial championship in his senior year.

College Career

Brooks played for the Oregon Ducks from 2014 to 2017. In his sophomore year, he helped lead the team to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, where they lost to Oklahoma. Brooks was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year in his junior year and led the Ducks to the Final Four, where they lost to North Carolina. He finished his college career with an average of 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

NBA Career

Brooks was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 45th pick in the 2017 NBA draft. He played in 70 games in his rookie season and started in 16 of them. He averaged 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. In his second season, Brooks played in 82 games and started in all of them. He averaged 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. In his third season, Brooks played in 73 games and started in 71 of them. He averaged 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

The Big Bambina

Dillon Brooks’ nickname, “The Big Bambina,” was given to him by his Grizzlies teammates. The nickname is a play on the classic nickname “The Big Fundamental,” which was given to former NBA player Tim Duncan. Brooks’ teammates started calling him “The Big Bambino” after he hit a game-winning shot against the Brooklyn Nets in his rookie season. The nickname was later changed to “The Big Bambina” because Brooks’ teammates thought it was funnier.

Playing Style

Brooks is known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. He is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions. Brooks is also a tenacious defender and has been praised for his on-ball defense.

Personal Life

Brooks is married to his high school sweetheart, Ashley Henderson. The couple got married in August 2019 and have a son together named Grayson. Brooks is also involved in various charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Conclusion

Dillon Brooks is a rising star in the NBA and has established himself as a key player for the Memphis Grizzlies. His aggressive playing style and tenacious defense have made him a fan favorite, and his nickname, “The Big Bambina,” has become a part of his identity. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Dillon Brooks.