Dehere was born in New York City, and grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, and played basketball under Coach Bob Hurley while attending St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.[1] It is through this relationship that he is best friends with the coach's son, Bobby Hurley.[2]
College career
Dehere played for Seton Hall from 1989 until 1993, where he had held the school and conference record with 2,494 career points, as well as school career records for 3-point field goals made and 3-point field goals attempted.[3] Dehere also holds single season records for 3-point field goals made and 3-point field goal percentage.[4] He was named Big East Player of the Year in the 1992–93 season, as well as Conference Tournament MVP.
In 1994, Dehere donated $75,000 to rehabilitate the Garfield Park basketball court where he had played in his youth. He also worked with others in the community to rebuild the youth recreational basketball program at the park.[6][7] The court was renamed by the City of Jersey City in Dehere's honor. After retiring from the NBA, Dehere returned to his hometown of Jersey City. He was the owner of Sanai's at the Newkirk-Summit House, a restaurant in the oldest standing building in the city. He is also the Chairman of the Jersey City Community Housing Corporation, a non-profit corporation involved in the construction of affordable housing.[8]
Politics
Dehere made his political debut as a candidate for an at-large council seat in the Jersey City municipal election of 2001.[9][10]
On April 27, 2007, Dehere was elected to serve as a member of the Jersey City Board of Education where he served on the Legal and Affirmative Action Committees.[11] He became vice president of the board on May 21, 2009.[12] He served one term, which expired in April 2010, and was defeated for reelection.[13][14]
Dehere's Seton Hall jersey displayed in his Jersey City restaurant
