Basketball player Duom Dawam pleads guilty to driving under the influence

A court has heard how a basketball player, formerly contracted to a Sunshine Coast team, initially refused testing from officers when he was pulled over for drink driving.

Duom Dawam after a previous court appearance. Picture: Patrick Woods

A pro basketball player and youth worker refused a breath test when he was pulled over after a night of drinking, a court has heard.

Semi-professional basketball player Duom Dawam, formerly contracted to the Sunshine Coast Phoenix, pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 7 to one count of driving while under the influence of liquor.

Police prosecutor Mel Pyke told the court Dawam was seen driving out of a unit complex at Buderim on November 24, 2024 about 8.30pm.

Upon seeing police, Dawam pulled over, parked and walked away from his car, leading officers to suspect he was intoxicated.

He was observed to be unsteady on his feet and seemingly intoxicated, the court heard.

Sergeant Pyke said Dawam initially refused a breath test, so he was arrested and tested at a police station where he blew .183.

Dawam, who represented himself in court, said he did youth work in collaboration with NDIS through a program, and is also a basketball player.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist fined him $700 and disqualified his licence for eight months.

A conviction was recorded.

Sunshine Coast Phoenix announced the signing of the “versatile big man” in 2024 after the 208cm “power forward” spent the 2023 season playing in the Indonesian Basketball League.

As of December, 2024, he has not been offered a new contract for the new year.