Drake Richard Diener (born December 19, 1981) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played college basketball at DePaul University.
College career Diener joined the DePaul Blue Demons in 2001, where he was nominated best player on the team in two consecutive years. In 2005, Diener was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.Demon of a time He underwent two surgical operations that took him off the court for one year.
Professional career In June 2006, Diener signed his first professional contract, with Ignis Castelletto Ticino of the Italian Second Division. Thanks to a good season there, in the following year he signed with Orlandina Basket, of the Italian First Division. In February 2008, he signed with Montepaschi Siena.Montepaschi Siena signs combo guard Drake Diener. During that season in Siena, Diener contributed to the team's championship in the Italian League, and a 3rd-place finish in the 2008 EuroLeague Final Four. In October 2008, Diener signed a one-year deal with Scandone Avellino, where he again had the chance to play in the EuroLeague.Avellino tabs Drake Diener.
In July 2009, Diener signed a two-year deal with Teramo Basket.Diener lands in Teramo. During his stay in Abruzzo, he enjoyed great success, confirming himself as one of the best players in the Italian League, and being the main contributor to Teramo's remaining in the Italian top division.
In July 2011, he signed a one-year deal with Dinamo Sassari, where he reunited with his cousin, and former NBA point guard Travis Diener.Dinamo Sassari announces Drake Diener. In June 2012, he re-signed with Sassari, for one more season.Dinamo Sassari officially keeps Travis and Drake Diener. In July 2013, he again re-signed with Sassari, that time for two years.Dinamo Sassari officially re-signed Drake Diener.
On March 16, 2014, Diener scored 44 points against Reyer Venezia Mestre, marking his career high.Watch all of Drake Diener's buckets in his 44-points showcase. He helped his team to win the Italian Cup in 2014. He was also named the regular season MVP of the 2013–14 Italian League season. In June 2014, he left Dinamo Sassari.Drake Diener to leave Banco di Sardegna Sassari.
On July 23, 2014, Diener signed with Pallacanestro Reggiana. He was released by the club on June 30, 2015.DRAKE DIENER E' BIANCOROSSO Drake Diener officially signs with Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia.Drake Diener is released from Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia. On August 23, 2015, Diener signed with CAI Zaragoza, of the Spanish top-tier level Liga ACB.Drake Diener signs with CAI Zaragoza. On December 29, 2015, he parted ways with Zaragoza, after averaging 6.1 points per game in the ACB.Drake Diener, CAI Zaragoza officially part ways.
On July 13, 2016, Diener signed with Orlandina Basket, for the 2016–17 Italian League season.Orlandina Basket signs Drake Diener. On June 26, 2017, Diener signed with Vanoli Cremona.Vanoli Cremona signs Drake Diener.
Coaching career On April 30, 2018, Diener was named the men's basketball head coach at NCAA Division III school Marian University, in Fond du Lac, WI. He replaced Mark Boyle, who spent 30 years leading the Sabres.
Personal Diener suffered from Crohn's disease. During his 2 years in Teramo, he earned the nickname of "Il Drago" (the Dragon), due to the similar sound of his first name to the Italian word. His cousin Travis Diener, also played with Dinamo Sassari. His brother-in-law, Andy Schmidt, was an All Conference wide Receiver for the Fond du Lac Cardinals.
References
External links Euroleague.net profile Lega Basket Serie A profile Spanish ACB League profile Eurobasket.com profile