Dereck Jerome Lively II, born on February 12, 2004, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a rising star in the National Basketball Association (NBA), currently donning the jersey of the Dallas Mavericks as their formidable center. Standing tall at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing 230 pounds, Lively is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court, showcasing his skills and dominance in the league since his professional career in 2023.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Dereck Jerome Lively II
Birth Date	February 12, 2004
Birth Place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nick Name	N/A
Nationality	American
High School	Westtown School
Horoscope	N/A
Father’s Name	Dereck Lively Sr.
Mother’s Name	Kathy Drysdale
Siblings	None
Age	19
Weight	230 lb (104 kg)
Height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 meters)
Build	N/A
Marital Status	Single
Girlfriend	N/A
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
Position	Center
League	NBA
Teams	Dallas Mavericks
Jersey Number	N/A
NBA Draft	2023, 1st round, 12th pick
Net Worth	$300,000
Salary	N/A
Active Status	Instagram Twitter
Social Media	N/A

Dereck Lively II  Early Life and Family Background

Dereck Lively II was born to Dereck Lively Sr. and Kathy Drysdale on February 12, 2004, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Basketball runs in the family, as Kathy Drysdale, Dereck’s mother, was a notable basketball player during her college days at Penn State.

Dereck Lively II’s father, Dereck Lively, faced struggles with drug addiction and, tragically, passed away in 2012 due to a cocaine and heroin overdose when Dereck II was just seven years old. Despite the challenges, Dereck persevered, focusing on his education and basketball career.

Kathy Drysdale, Dereck II’s mother, faced her battles, being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014. Battling cancer for eight years, she finally achieved remission in August 2022. Kathy had an impressive basketball career at Penn State, graduating in 1992 with a general arts and sciences degree. Post-graduation, she contributed to the Philadelphia 76ers franchise from 1993 to 2006 before returning to Penn State in 2011 as a marketing manager for women’s volleyball, wrestling, and softball teams.

Despite the hardships, Dereck Lively II remains the only child of Dereck Lively and Kathy Drysdale, with no half-siblings or step-siblings.

Dereck Lively II  High School Career 

Lively’s journey to basketball stardom began at the Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He led Westtown to a remarkable 31-7 record in high school and secured the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state championship in 2022. As a senior, Lively showcased his versatility, averaging 14.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game. His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the prestigious 2022 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game.

College Career

Before making waves in the NBA, Dereck Lively II honed his skills in the collegiate arena, representing the Duke Blue Devils during the 2022–2023 season. His time at Duke was marked by notable achievements, including being named to the ACC All-Defensive and the ACC All-Freshman teams in 2023. This period solidified his reputation as a rising star in college basketball.

Recruitment and College Commitment

Dereck Lively II’s talent did not go unnoticed, and he became a highly sought-after prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Garnering a consensus five-star rating from significant recruiting services, including a 5/5 star rating from Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN, Lively ultimately committed to playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. His decision to choose Duke over other powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, Michigan, and Penn State highlighted his commitment to excellence.

Professional Draft and Debut

The culmination of Lively’s journey to the NBA came in the 2023 NBA draft, where he was selected as the 12 overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, he found his home with the Dallas Mavericks in a trade move, signing with the team on July 8, 2023. Lively wasted no time making an impact in the NBA, as he made his regular-season debut on October 25, 2023. In a thrilling 126–119 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, Lively showcased his prowess with an impressive stat line of 16 points, ten rebounds, one block, and one steal.

Highlights and Achievements

Lively’s basketball journey has been adorned with accolades, including being named the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022. Additionally, he participated in prestigious events such as the McDonald’s All-American game, the Jordan Brand Classic, and the Nike Hoop Summit, further solidifying his status as one of the most promising talents in the basketball world.

Physical Attributes

Dereck Lively II, the rising star of the NBA, commands attention for his exceptional basketball skills and imposing physical attributes. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) and weighing in at 230 pounds (104 kilograms), Lively’s towering height and robust frame make him a formidable force on the court. With a wingspan measuring 7 feet 7 inches, he possesses a defensive prowess that sets him apart in the highly competitive world of professional basketball.

His physical stature not only contributes to his defensive capabilities, particularly as an efficient rim protector with an average of around 2.3 blocks per game but also positions him as a significant asset for the Dallas Mavericks. Lively’s physical presence and dedication to improving both offensive and defensive facets of his game make him a potential game-changer in the NBA.

Relationship Status

Amidst the intensity of his burgeoning basketball career, it’s notable that Dereck Lively II currently maintains a single relationship status. Amid the fast-paced and demanding NBA lifestyle, he has chosen to channel his energy and focus primarily on his professional journey, sidelining distractions and romantic entanglements.

Lively’s decision to remain unattached romantically underscores his commitment and dedication to achieving success in the highly competitive world of the NBA. While his physical attributes make him a force to be reckoned with on the court, his relationship status highlights his singular focus on maximizing his potential and making a lasting impact in professional basketball. As fans and followers witness his journey, it’s evident that, for now, Dereck Lively II is relentless in his pursuit of excellence, both physically and professionally.

Net Worth

Dereck Lively II’s net worth is reported to be $300,000. This figure reflects not only his early career in the NBA but also the financial landscape for emerging players in professional basketball.

As a young talent in the league, Lively’s net worth is expected to evolve throughout his career, influenced by contract negotiations, endorsements, and overall career achievements. It’s not uncommon for the net worth of professional athletes, particularly those at the beginning of their careers, to experience significant growth as they establish themselves and make notable contributions to their teams.

With his impressive physical attributes and promising skills on the court, Dereck Lively 

FAQs 

What is Dereck Lively II’s height?

Dereck Lively II is 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) tall. He comes from a tall family, with his father standing at 6 feet 7 inches and his mother at 6 feet 4 inches.

Which position does Dereck Lively II play?

With his towering frame, Dereck Lively II played as a center for Duke University in the 2022-23 season.

Is Dereck Lively II going to the NBA?

Yes, Dereck Lively II played his first year at Duke University and has decided to enter the 2023 NBA draft.

When was Dereck Lively II born?

Dereck Lively II was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 12, 2004.

 

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