The story behind DeMar DeRozan's "Deebo" nickname

The nickname origin story goes way back to sixth grade

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

DeMar DeRozan has played 14 seasons in the NBA, but not much is known about his nickname, "Deebo." However, the veteran finally spilled the beans and told the story about it during his appearance on the popular podcast hosted by his fellow All-Star, Paul George.

Began in sixth grade

Being a basketball prodigy, DeRozan often played against kids older than him. He says that while he was in sixth grade, he was hooping with some eighth graders when an altercation broke out.

"It all started I was in sixth grade, and I always used to hoop at PE (physical education) with the eighth graders," DeRozan said. "I remember I got into it with one of the eighth graders. Big dude. We ended up getting in a fight. And I beat him up."

"I was so athletic. I was dunking, doing all this stuff every time. And I always used to beat all the seventh and eighth graders playing," DeRozan continued. "And one of them just fouled me real hard. We got into a scuffle. Turned into a fight. Beat him up and my popularity at school just started from there."

Who’s Deebo?

For those unfamiliar with the character of Deebo, he is a fictional bully from the cult-classic 1995 comedy "Friday." The role was played by actor Tom Lister Jr. and Deebo quickly became an iconic figure in pop culture.

"I've never told this story. I swear to God, I've never told this story. I beat him up. Big dude. And the whole school was like, 'Oh, he got beat up like he was Deebo.' Everybody just stuck with it, calling me it after that."