Fran Vázquez González

Fran Vázquez started out as a youngster at his local club C.B. Xantada. He then joined the Centre de Formació Segle XXI in Galicia, and stayed there until the 1999-2000 season.

Following a brief spell at Formació Segle XXI in the Basque Country, he signed for Unicaja Malaga. That was in 2001-02, when he played centre in the EBA league for the Andalusian outfit.

In the 2002-03 season he was promoted to Unicaja's first team, but was soon loaned out to Bilbao Basket, then still in the LEB, in order to get more match practice. In similar fashion, he was loaned to AUNA Gran Canària in the ACB the year after. He was outstanding for the islanders, and gradually became a respected figure in the game. In 2004-05, he rejoined Unicaja and confirmed his status as a bright young star. Last season, he was signed by Akasvayu Girona.

In his five years as a professional, Fran Vázquez has averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds a game. 2004-05 was his finest season, in 34 games for Malaga, he averaged 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds. His numbers improved in the play offs with 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds.

He has already featured in the NBA Draft. In 2005, he was declared eligible and Orlando Magic picked him at number 11, the second highest position ever for a Spaniard after Pau Gasol. Vázquez, however, has decided to postpone any potential trip across the water.

CHARACTERISTICS

Vázquez is an agile player, physically strong when it comes to scorings baskets. He is very tall but also well coordinated, and is a useful weapon on the counterattack.

His intimidating 2 metres 9 centimetres make him a top rebounder, and he is also fiercely adept at blocking rivals. Vázquez makes tactical use of his scoring options, an area of his play that has improved remarkably in recent seasons.

HONOURS


FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Cup

Unicaja de Málaga
2004-05 Spanish Cup

Spanish National Team
2001-02 Silver Medal Junior European