Dexter Pittman
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| No. 45 – Miami Heat | |
|---|---|
| Center | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | March 2, 1988 Rosenberg, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| High school | B. F. Terry HS (Rosenberg, Texas) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 308 lb (140 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | University of Texas |
| NBA Draft | 2010 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32nd overall |
| Selected by the Miami Heat | |
| Pro career | 2010–present |
| Career history | |
| 2010–present | Miami Heat |
| 2010–2011 | →Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) |
Dexter Jerome Pittman (born March 2, 1988 in Rosenberg, Texas) is an American professional basketball player with the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association.
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[edit] High school
Pittman was a three-year starter at B. F. Terry High School, where he averaged 15 points and 8.5 rebounds per game over his career. In his senior season, he was named the Most Valuable Player for District 24-4A.[1] He verbally committed to the University of Texas in October 2005, over scholarship offers from Texas A&M and Arizona State.[2] He was ranked as the 16th best center prospect out of high school, as well as one of the top 150 high school players in the nation.[2]
[edit] College
Pittman was used sparingly in his first two seasons at Texas, averaging less than 3 points per game with just one start.[1] As a junior, he started 24 games–averaging 10 points and 5.5 rebounds per game[3]–and became one of the most dominant centers in the Big 12 conference.[4]
[edit] Weight loss
Pittman weighed 388 lbs [5] as a senior at Terry High School. After receiving weight loss tips from Texas' Strength and Conditioning coach Todd Wright, he was able to drop his weight to 366 lbs before enrolling at Texas.[5] His weight still prevented him from doing basic drills in practice, which caused various back and knee aches.[5] Pittman then dedicated himself to a workout program with Wright, which included 5:30 AM workouts and a complete revamp of his diet. Pittman agreed to call Todd Wright before every meal to evaluate his choices.[5] He later characterized the workout regimen as so tough that "I wanted to cry and say, 'Man, I want to give up'".[5] Since losing almost 100 pounds, he has become an icon for admirers, like Hall of Famer Charles Barkley,[6] who heard about his weight loss.[5]
[edit] Professional career
Pittman was selected in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft, 32nd overall, by the Miami Heat. Pittman signed a 3 year deal on July 16, 2010. On November 26, Pittman was sent to the Sioux Falls Skyforce to play to help develop his basketball skills. On December 18, Pittman was recalled back to Miami. On January 6, 2011 he was once again re-assigned to the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[7]
Dexter Pittman was selected to the 2011 NBA D-League All-Star game along with Sioux Falls Skyforce teammate Patrick Ewing Jr..
Pittman played in his first NBA game for the Miami Heat on April 1, 2011 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Dexter Pittman". TexasSports (The University of Texas). http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/pittman_dexter00.html. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
- ^ a b "Dexter Pittman Profile - Basketball Recruiting". Rivals. http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=32759&Sport=2. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
- ^ "2009 Season Statistics". TexasSports (The University of Texas). http://www.texassports.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2008-2009/texasmbbstats.html. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
- ^ Dan Hurwitz. "Texas Student-Athlete Spotlight: Dexter Pittman". Big 12 Conference. http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&ATCLID=3672855. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
- ^ a b c d e f Marlen Garcia (2009-02-11). "Heavyweight fight has Pittman in shape, ready to roll at Texas". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/big12/2009-02-10-texas-pittman-cover_N.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
- ^ Chuck Carlton. "Pittman's role is now what's huge at Texas". Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/national/tournament/ncaamen/stories/031909dnspocarltonut.34feb9c.html. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
- ^ "Dexter Pittman Re-Assigned To Sioux Falls Skyforce". NBA.com. http://www.nba.com/heat/news/dexter_pittman_reassigned_2011.html. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
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