Congrats Redz...

Delonte West Settles Down, Settles In







Busy times for a homegrown success: NBA star Delonte West has spent his off-season settling into a million-dollar home in his native Prince George's County -- and getting married.
First, the wedding. It happened in Vegas, where the Eleanor Roosevelt High School grad, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, eloped over the Fourth of July weekend. Clark County, Nev., marriage records identify the bride as Kimberly Ashley Awad, but West's dad says she goes by Kimmie.

Dmitri West told us that Awad was his son's college sweetheart from Saint Joseph's University. "They've been together on and off over the last four years," he said. "She's a nice girl from an upscale family in New Jersey." Only fellow Cavalier Mo Williams and his wife were present at the nuptials. But "down the line he might have a big family wedding," the elder West told us.
(Note to NBA gossip-followers: In early 2007, the Boston Herald reported, an ex-girlfriend of West's was charged with domestic assault in connection with an incident in which she allegedly bit the player and shoved his sister. Don't worry -- different girlfriend!)

West as the Post's high school Player of the Year in 2001 (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

On to the house. West bought the eight-bedroom mansion in Fort Washington near the Potomac River late last year for $1.05 million, according to public records. But it's only been since the season ended that he's spent much time there. A steady stream of visitors and a party last weekend -- it was West's 26th birthday -- caught the attention of neighbors. His dad says it wasn't too rowdy and promises the neighborhood won't see too much of that.

"He's got so many people that want to come by and get a piece of him," Dmitri West sighed. "We wanted to put up a gate, but it looks impersonal." He added that "Delonte owns a lot of cars," which may raise eyebrows among neighbors. "I explained you've got to slow down, keep it quiet."

He said his son traveled to Jamaica recently to do work with his charitable foundation. "That child had it so hard," his father said. "He never had anything, and then he had something. This is the first year he's been able to sit back and relax." While West is keeping a place in Cleveland, "this is home," the elder West said. "He's a P.G. County boy, and he'll be back a lot."

Delonte against Gonzaga in his Junior year on Hawk Hill...

...and when he had time for a picture with 44 & Mr. Chris postgame at the FH.