DeMarcus Cousins Signs With Mongolian Team Selenge Bodons For 2024-25 Season

DeMarcus Cousins, a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team member, has made a groundbreaking move by signing with the Selenge Bodons for the 2024-25 season in the Mongolian Basketball League. This unexpected yet exciting development has sent ripples through the basketball world, as Cousins brings his extensive experience and star power to a burgeoning basketball scene.

Cousins, now 34, has had a prolific career that began when he was selected fifth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. Over 11 NBA seasons, he averaged an impressive 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the most dominant big men of his era. 

His journey took him through top franchises such as the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets, among others. Despite battling injuries in his later years, Cousins continued to contribute meaningfully to every team he joined.

After leaving the NBA, Cousins embarked on an international basketball journey, playing in Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. He made headlines last year in Taiwan’s T1 League, where he led the Taiwan Beer Leopards to a championship and was named Finals MVP, averaging 25.3 points and 14.8 rebounds during the series. His transition to international play has showcased his ability to adapt and excel, even outside the NBA spotlight.

The Selenge Bodons, a team making their debut in the Mongolian Basketball League this season, have already made a significant mark by securing 11 wins and climbing to second place in the league standings. 

The addition of Cousins is a strategic move by team owner Naranbaatar Lunden, who had promised to bring an NBA-caliber player to Mongolia to bolster the team's championship aspirations. Cousins’ arrival not only elevates the Bodons' competitiveness but also brings unprecedented attention to Mongolian basketball on an international scale.

For Cousins, joining the Bodons represents more than just another stop in his career—it’s an opportunity to further enrich his basketball legacy. His presence in Mongolia is expected to elevate the league’s visibility and inspire young basketball players in the region. As a former Olympian and FIBA World Champion, Cousins brings invaluable experience and leadership, which could serve as a cornerstone for the Bodons' championship pursuit.

Despite the excitement surrounding Cousins’ signing, challenges remain. Adapting to a new league, culture, and teammates will require adjustments. Additionally, the pressure to deliver results and live up to his star billing will be intense. However, Cousins has proven his resilience time and again, and his competitive spirit suggests he is more than ready to embrace the challenge.

DeMarcus Cousins' decision to join the Selenge Bodons is a testament to the global growth of basketball. For the Mongolian Basketball League, this is a historic moment that could pave the way for greater international collaborations and talent exchanges. As Cousins suits up for the Bodons, all eyes will be on Mongolia, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his illustrious career.