Fabulous Frosh Forward
Asheville's Desmond Penigar named NBDL Rookie of the Year.

 

04.01.04 - Greenville, S.C.– As the top point producer in the league, Asheville Altitude forward Desmond Penigar made a stunning NBDL debut this season. The head coaches in the league certainly took notice and rewarded Penigar's play by selecting him as the National Basketball Development League's 2003-04 Rookie of the Year. Noted for his tireless work habits, Penigar's 19.3 scoring average was the best in the league. So was his team's 28-18 regular season record. Therefore, the Altitude will enter the 2004 NBDL Postseason Classic as the number-one seed.

The Utah State product has played in 36 games for Asheville (31 starts) and is averaging 29.3 minutes, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

"Desmond is a pleasure to coach because he has such a professional work ethic," Altitude Head Coach Joey Meyer said. "He is always working. He works hard before, during and after practice. It's not uncommon for him to even return to the floor after games to put in extra time on his game.

"He can score in a variety of ways and he's such a great kid, a good team guy," Meyer said. "The coaches couldn't have voted for a more deserving player for this award."

The 6-5, 245-pounder recorded his best month in December, averaging 22.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on the way to being named NBDL Player of the Month.

He has failed to score in double figures just four times all season and has scored 20 points or more 12 times.

At least one NBA squad was impressed this season by Desmond's production in the minors . The Orlando Magic signed Penigar to consecutive 10-day contracts in February.

He played in 10 games for the Magic, averaging 8.9 minutes, 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game before returning to Asheville March 11.

"With so many great young players in our league it is difficult to single out just one for Rookie of the Year, but Desmond is a deserving winner," NBDL Director of Basketball Operations Chris Alpert said. "He has worked extremely hard and is a great ambassador for our league."

Penigar joins Fred House of Charleston and Devin Brown of Fayetteville as winners of the NBDL Rookie of the Year Award. House won the award in 2002 and Brown won it last season.