Derek Hood was born in Decatur, Illinois, and attended the University of Arkansas. He was an imposing 6'8" and weighed 222, because of his size and speed he garnered attention from basketball recruiters non stop until he signed. He played two games for the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, from 1999 to 2000. He had the opportunity to play for the Continental Basketball Association, for the teams of Quad City Thunder and the Yakima Sun Kings. He also played in Italy with the Snaidero Udine. He also joined the American Basketball Association playing for the Kansas City Knights. He also played in the NBA minor league with the team Mobile Revelers. He topped off his playing days in France playing with the Ansel Villeuerbanne. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of honor in 2015.
When Derek H accepted the honor of being inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of fame, he said, "I've been all over the world playing basketball from Europe to South America", he started. He continued, "but the one place I loved to play was here in Arkansas. It was truly a special place. Playing for Coach Richardson was one of the most intense things I've ever did." He said at the ceremony he was asked if he still played and he said "no my fighting days are over." Hood went on to thank his many coaches through the years. He thanked, "Coach Richardson for recruiting me to come and play for Arkansas. It truly was honor playing here for four years." He went on to tank his family, his two sisters that were at the ceremony and a third that was not able to make it. He thanked his two sons, Derek and Jordan who were there.