Raptors Have International Flavor
The NBA's Toronto Raptors have assembled diverse team
Toronto is one of the world's most culturally diverse cities. Its NBA basketball team is quickly following suit. There are currently 6 internationally-born players on the Toronto Raptors roster, and others who have played for international teams. They are listed below in order of when they joined the organization.
Jose Calderon (point guard; 6'3", 210 lbs): born in Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoza (western province of Spain). Spent six years playing in Europe and won the 2006 FIBA World Championship with the Spanish national senior team as a teammate of Jorge Garbajosa. Signed with the Raptors on August 3, 2005.
Rasho Nesterovic (center; 7'0", 255 lbs): born in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia. Drafted 17th overall in 1998 by the Minnesota Timberwolves after playing almost 6 season in Europe. Traded on June 21, 2006 to the Raptors from San Antonio Spurs. Current captain of the Slovenian national basketball team.
Andrea Bargnani (power forward/center; 7'0", 250 lbs): born in Rome, Italy. Played with Benetton Treviso from 2003 to 2006. Played pre-season game against Toronto Raptors in 2003. Named Euroleague "Rising Star" in 2005/06. Drafted 1st overall by Raptors on June 28, 2006. Two-time Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. Runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Anthony Parker (shooting guard/small forward; 6'6", 215 lbs): born in Des Moines, Iowa (USA). Drafted 21st overall in 1997 by the New Jersey Nets. Played 3 seasons in NBA before signing in 2000 with Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel). Twice named Euroleague MVP (2005 and 2006). Hit game-winning shot for Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2005 pre-season game against the Toronto Raptors. Signed with the Raptors on July 13, 2006. Recipient of 2006/07 NBA Sportsmanship Award.
Jorge Garbajosa (small/power forward; 6'9", 245 lbs): born in Torrejon de Ardoz, Madrid (capital of Spain). Spent 11 years playing in Europe and won the 2006 FIBA World Championship with the Spanish national senior team as a teammate of Jose Calderon. Was named to all-tournament team with teammate Pau Gasol. Signed with the Raptors on July 24, 2006. Named to 2006/07 NBA All Rookie team.
Carlos Delfino (guard/small forward; 6'6", 230 lbs): born in Sante Fe, Argentina. Played 6 years in Europe. Won gold medal with Argentina basketball team at 2004 Summer Olympics. Drafted 25th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2003. Traded to the Raptors on June 15, 2007.
Giorgos Printezis (small forward; 6'9", 220 lbs): born in Athens, Greece. Selected 58th overall by San Antonio Spurs on June 28th, 2007 and traded to Raptors. Currently plays for Olympiacos BC. Played for Olympia Larrisas BC in 2006/07 and averaged 11.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Expected to remain in Europe for one or two more years.
Maceo Baston (power forward; 6'10", 230 lbs): born in Corsicana, Texs (USA). Drafted 58th overall by Chicago Bulls in 1998. Played in CBA, Italy, Spain, and in Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv between 1998 and 2006. Played for the Raptors during 2002/03 season. Known for his dunking ability and defensive prowess. Signed with the Raptors on July 11, 2007 after one season with the Indiana Pacers.
Toronto Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo has done a remarkable job assembling such a diverse and talented team. In addition to the players he acquired, he also hired Maurizio Gherardini as the Raptors vice president and his assistant general manager. Before his arrival in Toronto, Gherardini was GM of Italy's Benetton Treviso and was credited with molding them into a European basketball powerhouse that won four league championships during his tenure.
The NBA has done a decent job of making the game of basketball international and the Raptors are a large part of that equation. They are opening training camp overseas for the first time in franchise history when they visit Treviso, Italy on October 1st . They will play Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics in a pre-season game October 6th in Rome and will conclude their pre-season against Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain on October 11th.
Click here to read my article "The Remaking of the Raptors"
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