Fran Vázquez

Francisco Vázquez González (Galician pronunciation: [fɾanˈθiskʊ ˈβaθkɪθ]; born May 1, 1983), more commonly known as Fran Vázquez, is a retired Spanish professional basketball player who most recently played for Zaragoza of the Liga ACB. Originally drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2005, Vázquez decided to remain in the Spanish ACB League rather than enter the National Basketball Association (NBA).

This article uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Vázquez and the second or maternal family name is González.
Fran Vázquez
Vázquez catching a rebound with Baloncesto Málaga.
Personal information
Born (1983-05-01) May 1, 1983
Chantada, Galicia
NationalitySpanish
Listed height6 ft 10.25 in (2.09 m)
Listed weight232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
NBA draft2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
Selected by the Orlando Magic
Playing career2001–2020
PositionCenter
Career history
2001–2005Unicaja
2003→Bilbao Basket
2003–2004→Gran Canaria
2005–2006Girona
2006–2012FC Barcelona
2012–2016Unicaja
2016–2018Canarias
2018–2020Zaragoza
Career highlights and awards

EuroLeague records since the 2000–01 season

  • EuroLeague all-time leader in blocks

Spanish League career stats leaders

  • Spanish League all-time leader in blocks
Medals
Representing  Spain
Men's Basketball
FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
2002 Lithuania

He is the EuroLeague leader in blocked shots since the 2000–01 season, which comprises the current era of the EuroLeague, since the Euroleague Basketball Company took over the organization of the league. He is also the Spanish League's all-time leader in blocked shots.

Professional career

Vázquez was selected 11th overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He made headlines when he announced that he would remain playing in the Spanish ACB League for at least the following season, after signing for Akasvayu Girona.[1] This came as a surprise to the Magic, who expected him to join Dwight Howard in the front court for the 2005–06 season, and it enraged many Magic fans.[2]

Vázquez originally gave no indication that he would be returning to Europe after he was drafted, and had indicated that he would like to join the Magic. The Magic retain his NBA rights while he plays in a non-NBA League. In 2010, he signed a one-year contract extension with the EuroLeague club Barcelona.[3]

In July 2012, Barcelona decided to trade his rights to Unicaja for the rights of Álex Abrines, who moved to FC Barcelona.[4]

On 17 April 2016, in a game against MoraBanc Andorra, Vázquez became the top shot blocker in Liga ACB history, after surpassing the record of 671 blocks made by Fernando Romay.[5]

On 29 July 2016, Vázquez signed a two-year deal with Iberostar Tenerife.[6]

On July 18, 2018, Vázquez signed a two-year deal with Tecnyconta Zaragoza of the Liga ACB.[7]

On May 7, 2020, Vázquez announced his retirement.[8]

Spain national team

Vázquez played with the senior men's Spain national team at the EuroBasket 2005 and the 2010 FIBA World Championship.[9]

Awards and accomplishments

Club honors

Spanish junior national team

Individual awards

References
  1. Bombazo: Fran Vázquez, cuatro años al Akasvayu; AS.com, 31 July 2005 (in Spanish).
  2. Fran Vazquez: "I will jump to the NBA only when I feel ready".
  3. Barcelona, Vazquez renew deal.
  4. Fran Vazquez to Malaga, Alex Abrines to Barcelona.
  5. "Fran Vázquez ya es el máximo taponador histórico de la Liga Endesa" (in Spanish). ACB.com. 17 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  6. "El Iberostar Tenerife ficha a Fran Vázquez". cbcanarias.net (in Spanish). 29 July 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  7. "ACB.COM - La leyenda de Fran Vázquez llega a Basket Zaragoza". www.acb.com (in Spanish). 18 July 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  8. "Comunicado oficial – Retirada de Fran Vázquez". basketzaragoza.net (in Spanish). 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  9. FIBA.com Profile.
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