Fiba Best Players of All Time

FIBA is the governing body of basketball worldwide, responsible for setting and upholding rules to ensure that all players have a fair chance at playing the game. Founded in 1932 as Fédération internationale de basket-ball amateur, it has since dropped ‘amateur’ from its name but still retains its acronym. FIBA not only sets standards concerning equipment and facilities necessary for play, but also regulates international competitions between national teams on both regional and global levels. With over 213 members countries across 5 regions – Africa, Americas, Asia/Oceania Europe – FIBA ensures that everyone can enjoy this beloved sport no matter where they are in the world.

1. Marc Gasol

Bàsquet Girona

Career

• High school: Lausanne Collegiate School, (Memphis, Tennessee)
• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 2 / Pick: 48th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 2003–present
• 2003–2006: FC Barcelona
• 2006–2008: CB Girona
• 2008–2019: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2019–2020: Toronto Raptors
• 2020–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2021–present: Bàsquet Girona
• NBA champion (2019), 3× NBA All-Star (2012, 2015, 2017), All-NBA First Team (2015), All-NBA Second Team (2013), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2013), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2013), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2009), Liga ACB champion (2004), FIBA EuroCup winner (2007), ACB Most Valuable Player Award (2008), All-ACB Team (2008), LEB Oro Final Four MVP (2022), Euroscar Player of the Year (2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, World Cup, : 2006 Japan: Team, : 2019 China: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 2009 Poland: Team, : 2011 Lithuania: Team, : 2007 Spain: Team, : 2013 Slovenia: Team, : 2017 Turkey: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Spain
• Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team
• : 2012 London: Team
• World Cup
• : 2006 Japan: Team
• : 2019 China: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 2009 Poland: Team
• : 2011 Lithuania: Team
• : 2007 Spain: Team
• : 2013 Slovenia: Team
• : 2017 Turkey: Team

Marc Gasol is a Spanish center who has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, and Girona of the Liga ACB since 2003. 

He is one of the most decorated players in European basketball history, having been named EuroLeague MVP twice (2013–14 and 2017-18), as well as three times winner of the La Liga Best Forward Award (2008–09, 2010–11, 2011-12).

In 2013 he joined Pau Gasol on Barcelona's all-time scoring list with 24,364 points in 542 games. At age 37 he remains one of the best centers in the NBA and signed a four-year/$144 million contract extension with Memphis earlier this season. 

Marc Gasol was born January 29th, 1985 in Barcelona to parents from Galicia; his father José Máximo García was also a professional basketball player.

Who competed internationally for Spain at various levels including FIBA Europe Cup Winner Cup with the FC Barcelona team that featured future Hall-of-Famer Lluís Vives.

2. Patty Mills

Brooklyn Nets

Career

• High school: , Marist College, (Canberra), Lake Ginninderra, (Canberra)
• College: Saint Mary's (2007–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 2 / Pick: 55th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2011: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2009–2010: →Idaho Stampede
• 2011: Melbourne Tigers
• 2011–2012: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
• 2012–2021: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA champion (2014), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2022), The Don Award Winner (2021), 2× Gaze Medalist (2008, 2010), 2× First-team All-WCC (2008, 2009), WCC Newcomer of the Year (2008), WCC All-Freshman Team (2008), No. 13 retired by Saint Mary's Gaels
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Australia, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA Oceania Championship, : 2007 Australia: , : 2011 Australia: , : 2013 Australia: , : 2015 Australia:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Australia
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA Oceania Championship
• : 2007 Australia:
• : 2011 Australia:
• : 2013 Australia:
• : 2015 Australia:

Patty Mills was born in 1988, and played high school basketball for Marist College in Canberra, Australia. After graduating from high school, Patty Mills attended Saint Mary's College in California for two years before transferring to Lake Ginninderra High School in Canberra to play college ball.

In 2007, Patty Mills helped lead Saint Mary's to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship game where they lost to Gonzaga 55–54 on a last-second shot by Adam Morrison. 

After his impressive freshman season at Saint Mary's (2007–2008), Patric Young declared for the 2008 NBA draft but Mills decided instead to return for his sophomore year (2008–2009).

During his sophomore season with Saint Mary's, Mills averaged 14 points per game and led them all the way back to the NCAA Tournament where they narrowly lost 60 – 59 against Texas A&M after leading by as many as 18 points early in the second half of their semifinal matchup. 

On 11 August 2009, he signed with Spanish team Real Madrid of Liga ACB; however due to injury problems that plagued him during his time overseas he only played 6 games over 2 seasons before returning home and joining Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel on 1 July 2011.

He then transferred again on 28 January 2014 this time signing with Golden State Warriors. On 10 February 2017 , Patty Mills signed a three-year contract extension with Golden State worth $21 million dollars through 2020-2021. 

 Patty has had trouble staying healthy throughout much of his professional career which has limited him both offensively and defensively at different times but when he is able or available there is no one more dangerous than Millsy off the dribble.

3. Hamed Haddadi

Champville SC

Career

• NBA draft: 2004 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1999–present
• 1999–2002: Shahin Ahvaz
• 2002–2006: Paykan Tehran
• 2003: → Al-Nasr
• 2004: → Sanam Tehran
• 2007–2008: Saba Battery Tehran
• 2008–2013: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2008: → Dakota Wizards
• 2011: Melli Haffari Ahvaz
• 2013: Phoenix Suns
• 2013: Foolad Mahan Isfahan
• 2013–2014: Sichuan Blue Whales
• 2014: Mahram Tehran
• 2014–2015: Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles
• 2015–2016: Sichuan Blue Whales
• 2016: Petrochimi Bandar Imam
• 2016–2017: Sichuan Blue Whales
• 2017–2018: Petrochimi Bandar Imam
• 2019: Champville SC
• 2019–2020: Nanjing Monkey Kings
• 2020–present: Sichuan Blue Whales
• CBA champion (2016), CBA Finals MVP (2016), CBA All Import Player First Team (2021), 2× All-Chinese CBA Centre of the Year (2015, 2016), 2× All-Chinese CBA First Team (2015, 2016), CBA Best Defender (2015), 2× CBA All-Star (2014, 2016), 2× Iranian League champion (2016, 2018), William Jones Cup MVP (2013), 2× All-William Jones Cup Best Player (2013, 2015), 4× FIBA Asia Cup MVP (2007, 2009, 2013, 2017), 2× FIBA Asian Club champion (2008, 2013), 2× WABA champion (2011, 2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Iran, Asian Games, : 2014 Incheon: Team, : 2018 Jakarta-Palembang: Team, : 2006 Doha: Team, FIBA Asia Cup, : 2007 Tokushima: , : 2009 Tianjin: , : 2013 Manila: , : 2017 Beirut: , : 2015 Changsha: , FIBA Asia Challenge, : 2014 Wuhan: , : 2016 Tehran: , William Jones Cup, : 2009 Taipei: , : 2011 Taipei: , : 2013 Taipei: , : 2015 Taipei:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Iran
• Asian Games
• : 2014 Incheon: Team
• : 2018 Jakarta-Palembang: Team
• : 2006 Doha: Team
• FIBA Asia Cup
• : 2007 Tokushima:
• : 2009 Tianjin:
• : 2013 Manila:
• : 2017 Beirut:
• : 2015 Changsha:
• FIBA Asia Challenge
• : 2014 Wuhan:
• : 2016 Tehran:
• William Jones Cup
• : 2009 Taipei:
• : 2011 Taipei:
• : 2013 Taipei:
• : 2015 Taipei:

Hamed Haddadi is an Iranian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Hamed was born in 1985 and played his first professional basketball game in 1999 with Shahin Ahvaz.

In 2002, he transferred to Paykan Tehran where he spent six seasons before joining Al-Nasr in 2009. He has appeared in over 650 games across all competitions, averaging 13 points and 5 rebounds per game. 

Haddadi represented Iran at both the 2004 FIBA World Championship and 2012 Summer Olympics, where he averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game respectively.

Hamed Haddadi is a professional Iranian basketball player who currently plays for the Sichuan Blue Whales in China. He has played for various teams in Iran and abroad, most notably with Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns. 

In 2016 he won the CBA title with his team, the Sichuan Blue Whales. He was also named to the All-Star Team that year, as well as being voted MVP of the playoffs after leading his team to victory over rivals Shanghai Sharks in an exciting seven game series final stage match up.

Also Played For: 2022 fiba asia cup, fiba basketball world cup

4. Ricky Rubio

Indiana Pacers

Career

• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2005–present
• 2005–2009: Joventut Badalona
• 2009–2011: FC Barcelona
• 2011–2017: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2017–2019: Utah Jazz
• 2019–2020: Phoenix Suns
• 2020–2021: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2021–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), EuroLeague champion (2010), EuroCup champion (2008), Liga ACB champion (2011), 2× Copa del Rey champion (2010, 2011), FIBA EuroChallenge champion (2006), Mister Europa Player of the Year (2008), EuroLeague Rising Star (2010), ACB Defensive Player of the Year (2009), ACB Most Spectacular Player (2010), 2× All-Liga ACB Team (2008, 2010), ACB Rising Star Award (2007), 3× FIBA Young Player of the Year (2007–2009), FIBA World Cup MVP (2019), FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship MVP (2006)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2019 China: , EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2013 Slovenia: , : 2017 Turkey:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Spain
• Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2019 China:
• EuroBasket
• : 2009 Poland:
• : 2011 Lithuania:
• : 2013 Slovenia:
• : 2017 Turkey:

Ricky Rubio was born on 21 October 1990 in El Masnou, Spain. He played for Joventut Badalona from 2005 to 2009 and FC Barcelona from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves and has remained with them since then.

Rubio is a Point Guard and has been playing in the NBA since 2005. With the Utah Jazz, he made it to the semi-finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs before being eliminated by Golden State Warriors in five games; this was his first playoff appearance as a player for Utah Jazz.

Ricky Rubio is currently a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Ricky Rubio is a two-time EuroLeague champion and FIBA EuroChallenge MVP.

He was drafted second overall by the Timberwolves in 2010, and has since played for the Suns, Cavaliers, and Wolves. Ricky Rubio is known for his passing skills and ability to create shots for others on the court. At 26 years old, he remains one of the most promising young players in basketball.

5. Carlos Arroyo

Utah Jazz

Career

• Playing career: 1996–2019
• 1996–1997: Cariduros de Fajardo
• 1998–2003: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 2001–2002: Toronto Raptors
• 2002: Denver Nuggets
• 2002: TAU Cerámica
• 2002–2005: Utah Jazz
• 2005–2006: Detroit Pistons
• 2006–2008: Orlando Magic
• 2008–2009: Maccabi Tel Aviv
• 2009–2011: Miami Heat
• 2011: Boston Celtics
• 2011–2012: Beşiktaş Milangaz
• 2013–2015: Galatasaray Liv Hospital
• 2015: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 2015–2016: FC Barcelona
• 2016–2017: Leones de Ponce
• 2017–2019: Cariduros de Fajardo

Carlos Arroyo was born on July 30, 1979 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. He attended high school at Colegio Santiago Apostol (Fajardo, Puerto Rico) and played college basketball for FIU from 1997-2001.

Arroyo was undrafted out of college but signed with the Cariduros de Fajardo in 1996 and then joined the Cangrejeros de Santurce in 1998. 

His professional career lasted from 1996-2019 with stints with Cariduros de Fajardo (1996–1997), Cangrejeros de Santurce (1998–2003), Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2004), Atlanta Hawks (2005–2006), Charlotte Bobcats/Pistons (2007–2008; 2009–2010; 2011) and Philadelphia 76ers/New Orleans Pelicans (2011).

Carlos has averaged 12 points per game over his NBA career while shooting 47 percent from the field and averaging 4 assists per game. 

In 2019, he retired after playing for the Philadelphia 76ers during their first season post relocation to Las Vegas as part of a three-team trade that also involved New Orleans Pelicans.

6. Marcelo Huertas

FC Barcelona Bàsquet

Career

• High school: Coppell (Coppell, Texas)
• NBA draft: 2005 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2001–present
• 2001–2002: FMU São Paulo
• 2002–2003: Pinheiros
• 2003–2004: FMU São Paulo
• 2004–2007: Joventut
• 2007–2008: Bilbao
• 2008–2009: Fortitudo Bologna
• 2009–2011: Baskonia
• 2011–2015: Barcelona
• 2015–2017: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2017–2019: Baskonia
• 2019–present: Canarias
• Champions League Final Four MVP (2022), Champions League champion (2022), All-Champions League Second Team (2022), FIBA EuroCup champion (2006), FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2020), FIBA Intercontinental Cup MVP (2020), All-Champions League First Team (2020), 3× Spanish League champion (2010, 2012, 2014), 5× All-Spanish League Team (2008, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022), 3× Spanish League Best Latin American Player (2020, 2021, 2022), Liga ACB Free Throw Percentage leader (2020), FIBA South American Championship MVP (2006), Brazilian League Breakthrough Player (2003)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing  Brazil, FIBA AmeriCup, : 2005 Santo Domingo: , : 2009 San Juan: , : 2011 Mar del Plata: , : 2022 Brazil: , Pan American Games, : 2007 Rio de Janeiro: , FIBA South American Championship, : 2006 Caracas:
• Men’s basketball
• Representing  Brazil
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 2005 Santo Domingo:
• : 2009 San Juan:
• : 2011 Mar del Plata:
• : 2022 Brazil:
• Pan American Games
• : 2007 Rio de Janeiro:
• FIBA South American Championship
• : 2006 Caracas:

Huertas is a Brazilian-Italian point guard and shooting guard who has been playing in Spain's Liga ACB for Iberostar Tenerife since the 2005–06 season. 

Huertas was undrafted out of high school but had successful seasons with Pinheiros in Brazil before moving to Spain to play for FMU São Paulo, then Iberostar Tenerife.

A three-time ACB champion with BMF Zaragoza (2009, 2011, 2012), Huertas led his team to their first EuroLeague title in 2013 and helped them win back-to-back Spanish Cups that same year.

 In 2017–18, he averaged 14 points per game while leading Baskonia to the Spanish Cup final against Real Madrid; they lost 77–75 after trailing by as many as 18 points late in the fourth quarter.

Huertas is considered one of Europe's best guards and has been praised for his impressive ball control and precise shooting ability from long range both on offense and defense.

Also Played For: liga acb

7. Modestas Paulauskas

Career

• Playing career: 1962–1976
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 5
• Coaching career: 1977–1998
• As a player:, EuroBasket MVP (1965), 7× Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year (1965–1967, 1969–1972), 3× FIBA European Selection (1969, 1971, 1972), 2x FIBA World Cup All-Tournament Team (1967, 1970), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), No. 5 retired by Žalgiris Kaunas
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Representing the  Soviet Union, Summer Olympic Games, : 1972 Munich: Team, : 1968 Mexico City: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1967 Uruguay: Team, : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team, : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1965 Soviet Union: Team, : 1967 Finland: Team, : 1969 Italy: Team, : 1971 West Germany: Team, : 1973 Spain: Team, Summer Universiade, : 1970 Turin: Team, : 1965 Budapest: Team, European Championship for Juniors, : 1964 Italy: Under-20
• Representing the  Soviet Union
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1972 Munich: Team
• : 1968 Mexico City: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1967 Uruguay: Team
• : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team
• : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1965 Soviet Union: Team
• : 1967 Finland: Team
• : 1969 Italy: Team
• : 1971 West Germany: Team
• : 1973 Spain: Team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1970 Turin: Team
• : 1965 Budapest: Team
• European Championship for Juniors
• : 1964 Italy: Under-20

Modestas Paulauskas was a Lithuanian international small forward who played in the Soviet Union from 1962 to 1976. Modestas Paulauskas led Žalgiris Kaunas to three Lithuanian titles and one USSR championship during his playing career.

After retiring as a player, Modestas Paulauskas became head coach of Žalgiris Kaunas for two seasons before moving on to Statyba-Lietuvos rytas Vilnius. 

Modestas Paulauska's coaching record at Žalgiris Kaunas and Statyba-Lietuvos rytis Vilnius was mixed, but he is most notable for leading Lithuania to their first ever appearance at the EuroBasket tournament in 2001.

ModestusPaulauskas currently resides in Kretinga, Lithuania and works as an assistant coach with LKL team Pieno Zvaigzdes Modestas Paulauskas was one of the most decorated players in Lithuanian history, winning numerous accolades both on and off the court. 

Modestas Paulauskas is best known for his time with Žalgiris Kaunas, where he won 3 European Cups as well as being named MVP twice. After retiring from playing, Modestas took up coaching duties before eventually being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 1991 alongside his peers.

8. Ivo Daneu

Career

• Playing career: 1956–1970
• Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
• Number: 10, 13
• Coaching career: 1970–1976
• As player:, FIBA World Cup MVP (1967), FIBA European Selection (1967), 6× Yugoslav League champion (1957, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1970), Yugoslav Sportsperson of the Year (1967), Slovenian Sportsperson of the Year (1969), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players, No. 13 retired by Union Olimpija
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, FIBA World Cup, : 1963 Rio de Janeiro: , : 1967 Montevideo: , : 1970 Ljubljana: , Olympic Games, : 1968 Mexico City: , EuroBasket, : 1969 Italy: , : 1961 Yugoslavia: , : 1965 Soviet Union: , : 1963 Poland: , Mediterranean Games, : 1959 Lebanon:
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1963 Rio de Janeiro:
• : 1967 Montevideo:
• : 1970 Ljubljana:
• Olympic Games
• : 1968 Mexico City:
• EuroBasket
• : 1969 Italy:
• : 1961 Yugoslavia:
• : 1965 Soviet Union:
• : 1963 Poland:
• Mediterranean Games
• : 1959 Lebanon:

Daneu was a point guard and shooting guard during his playing career. Daneu spent two seasons as an assistant coach with AšK Olimpija before becoming head coach of Rudar Trbovlje in 1976.

Daneu won three Slovenian championships while coaching Rudar Trbovlje, but he is most famous for leading the team to victory over archrival Ljubljana in the EuroLeague Final in 1995. Daneu retired from coaching following the 1996–97 season, but he continued to work as a basketball commentator until 2013.

Ivo Daneu was born on October 6, 1937, in Maribor, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia). He passed away on January 3, 2016 at the age of 85 after a long illness Ivo Daneu was a unique and exceptional player who had an enormous impact on the sport of basketball. 

He won numerous accolades, including multiple FIBA World Cup MVP awards and Slovenian Sportsperson of the Year honors. After retiring from playing, he served as Union Olimpija's coach for many years before passing away in 2016 at the age of 88.

9. Dražen Petrović

KK Cibona

Career

• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 3 / Pick: 60th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1979–1993
• Number: 4, 9, 10, 5, 44, 3
• 1979–1983: Šibenka
• 1984–1988: Cibona
• 1988–1989: Real Madrid
• 1989–1991: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1991–1993: New Jersey Nets
• All-NBA Third Team (1993), 2× EuroLeague champion (1985, 1986), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1985), FIBA European Selection (1987), 4× Euroscar (1986, 1989, 1992, 1993), 2× Mr. Europa Award (1986, 1993), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1987, 1989), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1987, 1989), FIBA Korać Cup Finals Top Scorer (1988), Spanish League Top Scorer (1989), Spanish Cup winner (1989), Spanish Cup Final Top Scorer (1989), Yugoslav League champion (1985), 3× Yugoslav Cup winner (1985, 1986, 1988), FIBA World Championship MVP (1986), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1989), Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1985), Yugoslav Sportsman of the Year (1985), Croatian Sportsman of the Year (1985, 1986), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Olympic Order (1993), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), No. 3 retired by Brooklyn Nets, No. 10 retired by Cibona
• Points: 4,461 (15.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 669 (2.3 rpg)
• Assists: 701 (2.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team, : 1988 Seoul: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1986 Spain: , : 1990 Argentina: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , Universiade, : 1983 Edmonton: , : 1987 Zagreb: , European U18 Championship, : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18, Representing  Croatia, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Olympic Games
• 1984 Los Angeles: Team
• 1988 Seoul: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• 1986 Spain:
• 1990 Argentina:
• FIBA EuroBasket
• 1987 Greece:
• 1989 Yugoslavia:
• Universiade
• 1983 Edmonton:
• 1987 Zagreb:
• European U18 Championship
• 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18
• Representing  Croatia
• Olympic Games
• 1992 Barcelona: Team

Petrović was a Croatian shooting guard who played in the NBA for ten seasons. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with 60th overall pick in 1986 and spent three seasons there before moving to the New Jersey Nets.

Petrović is best known for his time at Cibona where he won two Yugoslav Championships and one EuroLeague Championship, as well as being named MVP of both tournaments in 1988.

 Petrović died from cancer at age 28 in 1993, just months after helping Croatia win their first-ever Olympic gold medal basketball game against Yugoslavia.

Dražen Petrović was a prolific scorer in the European leagues, winning multiple awards. He also excelled at EuroBasket competition, where he won two consecutive MVPs and three championships with Yugoslavia. 

After playing for several teams in Europe, Petrović eventually joined Real Madrid and helped lead them to back-to-back NBA titles in 1988–1989.

10. Krešimir Ćosić

Career

• College: BYU (1970–1973)
• NBA draft 1973 / Round: 5 / Pick: 84th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1964–1983
• Position: Center
• Coaching career: 1976–1991
• As player:, 2× EuroBasket MVP (1971, 1975), 6× FIBA European Selection (1968, 1970–1974), FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1982), 2× Italian League champion (1979, 1980), 6× Yugoslav League champion (1965, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1975, 1982), 3× Yugoslav Cup winner (1981–1983), Croatian Sportsman of the Year (1980), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), Croatian Lifetime Achievement in Sport (2002), FIBA Order of Merit (1994), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Third-team All-American – UPI (1972), 2× Fourth-team All-American – NABC (1972, 1973), 3× First-team All-WAC (1971–1973), No. 11 retired by BYU Cougars
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1980 Moscow: Team, : 1968 Mexico City: Team, : 1976 Montreal: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1978 Philippines: Team, : 1967 Uruguay: Team, : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1973 Spain: Team, : 1975 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1977 Belgium: Team, : 1969 Italy: Team, : 1971 West Germany: Team, : 1981 Czechoslovakia: Team, : 1979 Italy: Team, Mediterranean Games, : 1967 Tunis: Team, : 1971 Izmir: Team, European U-18 Championship, : 1966 Italy: Under-18
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1980 Moscow: Team
• : 1968 Mexico City: Team
• : 1976 Montreal: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team
• : 1978 Philippines: Team
• : 1967 Uruguay: Team
• : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1973 Spain: Team
• : 1975 Yugoslavia: Team
• : 1977 Belgium: Team
• : 1969 Italy: Team
• : 1971 West Germany: Team
• : 1981 Czechoslovakia: Team
• : 1979 Italy: Team
• Mediterranean Games
• : 1967 Tunis: Team
• : 1971 Izmir: Team
• European U-18 Championship
• : 1966 Italy: Under-18

NBA for many years, winning three championships with the Lakers. He also played for several other teams during his career, including spells with the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.

He died of cancer in 1995 at the age of 46. Krešimir Ćosić was one of the most successful Croatian players ever. He won many titles with his club team, AŠK Olimpija, and also represented his country at international level.

After retiring as a player, Krešimir Ćosić served as head coach of several teams in Croatia and abroad - AEK Athens, Jugoplastika, and Virtus Bologna. In 2013 he was named manager of the Croatian national team for EuroBasket 2015 but they were knocked out in the first round by Spain.

11. Dražen Dalipagić

Career

• NBA draft: 1973 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1971–1991
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 14, 15
• Coaching career: 1992–2001
• 4× FIBA European Selection (1978, 1981 2×, 1982), 2× Yugoslav League champion (1976, 1979), Yugoslav Cup winner (1979), 2× FIBA Korać Cup champion (1978, 1979), 2× FIBA Korać Cup Finals Top Scorer (1974, 1978), Italian League Top Scorer (1988), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1977), FIBA World Cup MVP (1978), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (1978), The Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1978), Yugoslav Sportsman of the Year (1978), 2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (1977, 1978), Euroscar Player of the Year (1980), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Olympic Games, : 1980 Moscow: Team, : 1976 Montreal: Team, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1978 Philippines: Team, : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team, : 1982 Colombia: Team, : 1986 Spain: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1973 Spain: Team, : 1975 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1977 Belgium: Team, : 1981 Czechoslovakia: Team, : 1979 Italy: Team, Mediterranean Games, : 1975 Algiers: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Olympic Games
• : 1980 Moscow: Team
• : 1976 Montreal: Team
• : 1984 Los Angeles: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1978 Philippines: Team
• : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team
• : 1982 Colombia: Team
• : 1986 Spain: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1973 Spain: Team
• : 1975 Yugoslavia: Team
• : 1977 Belgium: Team
• : 1981 Czechoslovakia: Team
• : 1979 Italy: Team
• Mediterranean Games
• : 1975 Algiers: Team

Dražen Dalipagić was a Serbian small forward who played in the NBA from 1973 to 1991. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers but did not play for them and instead spent three seasons with Partizan Belgrade, before moving to Italy and playing for Carrera Venezia.

After two years with Crvena zvezda he retired from professional basketball at the age of 34, having won four Yugoslav championships and been named European Player of the Year twice (1981 and 1982). 

Dalipagić then coached various teams in Serbia before taking over as head coach of Real Madrid' ACB team in 2001–02 season, leading them to their first title since 1988.[1] Dražen is father of Milenko Dalipagic[3][4].

He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 Dražen Dalipagić is a retired Serbian professional basketball player. He was most famous for his playing career with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid and Italian club Crvena zvezda, where he won two Euroleague titles and the 1978 World Cup MVP award. 

After retiring from playing in 2001, Dalipagić became head coach of MZT Skopje but resigned after only one season due to personal reasons.

In 2006 he returned to coaching as an assistant at AEK Athens before being appointed head coach of newly promoted Turkish side Darüşşafaka Sındörkler in 2013 where he stayed until 2018.

When he was sacked following poor results. Since 2019, Dalipagić has been working as an ambassador for FIBA Europe's development program for young coaches called "FIBA Coach Training".

12. Sergei Belov

Career

• NBA draft: 1966 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1964–1980
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 10
• Coaching career: 1981–2004
• As player:, FIBA Order of Merit (1995), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), FIBA World Cup MVP (1970), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1969), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), 2× EuroLeague champion (1969, 1971), 3× EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1970, 1971, 1973), 4× FIBA European Selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974), 11× USSR League champion (1969–1974, 1976–1980), 2× USSR Cup winner (1972, 1973), Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR (1968), Order of the Badge of Honour, Medal "For Distinguished Labour", , As head coach:, , 2× USSR League champion (1982, 1990), 2× Russian Championship champion (2001, 2002), Russian Cup winner (2004), North European League champion (2001)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Soviet Union, Summer Olympic Games, : 1972 Munich: Team, : 1968 Mexico City: Team, : 1976 Montreal: Team, : 1980 Moscow: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1967 Uruguay: Team, : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team, : 1978 Philippines: Team, : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1967 Finland: Team, : 1969 Italy: Team, : 1971 West Germany: Team, : 1979 Italy: Team, : 1975 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1977 Belgium: Team, : 1973 Spain: Team, Summer Universiade, : 1970 Turin: Team, Head coach for  Russia, FIBA World Cup, : 1994 Canada: , : 1998 Greece: , FIBA Eurobasket, : 1997 Finland:
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Soviet Union
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1972 Munich: Team
• : 1968 Mexico City: Team
• : 1976 Montreal: Team
• : 1980 Moscow: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1967 Uruguay: Team
• : 1974 Puerto Rico: Team
• : 1978 Philippines: Team
• : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1967 Finland: Team
• : 1969 Italy: Team
• : 1971 West Germany: Team
• : 1979 Italy: Team
• : 1975 Yugoslavia: Team
• : 1977 Belgium: Team
• : 1973 Spain: Team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1970 Turin: Team
• Head coach for  Russia
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1994 Canada:
• : 1998 Greece:
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1997 Finland:

Sergei Belov was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for over 20 years. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers but never played for them, instead playing for the Detroit Pistons and then later with the Los Angeles Lakers.

After retiring as a player, he became a coach, working most notably with CSKA Moscow of Russia's Kontinental Basketball League (KBL). He died from lung cancer at age 69 in October 2013. Sergei Belov was a Soviet player who famously won the MVP of the 1970 World Cup.

He later coached CSKA Moscow to two EuroLeague championships and also led Ural Great Perm to a championship in 1999. Sergei Belov is now considered one of the greatest European players ever, with multiple accolades to his name including an Order of Merit from FIBA and induction into the 50 Greatest Players list by FIBA.

13. Vlade Divac

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• NBA draft 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1983–2005
• Position: Center
• Number: 12, 21
• 1983–1986: Sloga
• 1986–1989: Partizan
• 1989–1996: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1996–1998: Charlotte Hornets
• 1999: Crvena zvezda
• 1998–2004: Sacramento Kings
• 2004–2005: Los Angeles Lakers
• NBA All-Star (2001), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1990), No. 21 retired by Sacramento Kings, FIBA Korać Cup champion (1989), Yugoslav League champion (1987), Yugoslav Cup winner (1989), Mister Europa Player of the Year (1989), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), Olympic Order (2016)
• Points: 13,398 (11.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 9,326 (8.2 rpg)
• Blocks: 1,631 (1.4 bpg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1990 Argentina: Team, : 1986 Spain: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1989 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1991 Italy: Team, : 1987 Greece: Team, Universiade, : 1987 Zagreb: Team, FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, : 1987 Italy: Under-19, European Championship for Cadets, : 1985 Bulgaria: Under-16, Representing FR Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1996 Atlanta: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1995 Greece: Team, : 1999 France: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1988 Seoul: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1990 Argentina: Team
• : 1986 Spain: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1989 Yugoslavia: Team
• : 1991 Italy: Team
• : 1987 Greece: Team
• Universiade
• : 1987 Zagreb: Team
• FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup
• : 1987 Italy: Under-19
• European Championship for Cadets
• : 1985 Bulgaria: Under-16
• Representing FR Yugoslavia
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1996 Atlanta: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 2002 Indianapolis: Team
• FIBA Eurobasket
• : 1995 Greece: Team
• : 1999 France: Team

Vlade Divac is a Serbian professional basketball player who has played for various clubs throughout his career including KK Partizan, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.

He was part of the senior Yugoslav national team that won bronze medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and he also competed at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.

 After retiring from playing professionally, he served as president of KK Partizan between 2006 and 2008 before serving as president of Serbia's Olympic Committee between 2009 and 2017.

In 2014, he was named an honorary citizen of Belgrade following his contributions to sport in his home country over several decades Vlade Divac was a dominant center in the NBA throughout the 1990s and 2000s. 

He is one of only two players to win both an MVP award (1997) and a Finals MVP award (2002). Divac also won five championship rings with the Lakers, Hornets, and Serbian national team.

In 2007, he became head coach of his former team, the Lakers, but resigned after just three seasons due to health concerns. Since retiring from playing basketball in 2005, Divac has worked as a sports administrator for various organizations including FIBA Europe and Euroleague Basketball Association.

14. Amaury Pasos

Career

• Playing career: 1951–1972
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Coaching career: 1982–1995
• 1951–1957: Clube de Regatas Tietê
• 1958–1965: C.R. Sírio
• 1966–1972: Corinthians
• As a player, FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Brazil Former Athlete Olympic Prize (2003), FIBA World Cup MVP (1959), 2× South American Club Champion (1961, 1969), 2× Brazilian Champion (1966, 1969), 5× Paulista State Champion (1959, 1962, 1966, 1968, 1969)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Brazil, Olympic Games, : 1960 Rome: Team, : 1964 Tokyo: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1959 Chile: Team, : 1963 Brazil: Team, : 1954 Brazil: Team, : 1967 Uruguay: Team, Pan American Games, : 1963 São Paulo: Team, : 1955 Mexico City: Team, FIBA South American Championship, : 1958 Chile: Team, : 1960 Argentina: Team, : 1961 Brazil: Team, : 1963 Peru: Team
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Brazil
• Olympic Games
• : 1960 Rome: Team
• : 1964 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1959 Chile: Team
• : 1963 Brazil: Team
• : 1954 Brazil: Team
• : 1967 Uruguay: Team
• Pan American Games
• : 1963 São Paulo: Team
• : 1955 Mexico City: Team
• FIBA South American Championship
• : 1958 Chile: Team
• : 1960 Argentina: Team
• : 1961 Brazil: Team
• : 1963 Peru: Team

Amaury Pasos was one of the best basketball players in history, winning many awards and accolades during his playing career. After retiring from playing, Pasos became a successful coach, guiding several teams to success.

He is also known for his humanitarian work - particularly with children - which he continues to this day. Amaury Pasos was a dominant player in Brazilian men's basketball for many years. He won two South American Club Championships and two Brazilian championships, among other titles.

He also represented Brazil at the Olympic Games twice, as well as at several World Cup tournaments. Amaury is now considered one of the greatest players in history, and his name is enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame.

15. Ubiratan Pereira Maciel

Career

• Playing career: 1960–1982
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 6
• 1960–1961: Clube Espéria
• 1961–1969: Corinthians
• 1969–1972: Venezia
• 1972: Trianon Clube
• 1972–1973: Sírio
• 1973–1978: Palmeiras
• 1978–1982: São José dos Campos
• 2× South American Club Champion (1964, 1969), 5× Brazilian Champion (1965, 1966, 1969, 1977, 1981), 8× São Paulo State champion (1964–1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1981), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), FIBA Order of Merit (1994)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Representing  Brazil, Men's Basketball, Summer Olympic Games, : 1964 Tokyo: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1963 Brazil: Team, : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1967 Uruguay: Team, : 1978 Philippines: Team, Pan American Games, : 1963 São Paulo: Team, : 1975 Mexico City: Team, : 1979 San Juan: Team, FIBA South American Championship, : 1963 Lima: Team, : 1968 Asunción: Team, : 1971 Montevideo: Team, : 1973 Bogotá: Team, : 1977 Valdivia: Team
• Representing  Brazil
• Men's Basketball
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1964 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1963 Brazil: Team
• : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team
• : 1967 Uruguay: Team
• : 1978 Philippines: Team
• Pan American Games
• : 1963 São Paulo: Team
• : 1975 Mexico City: Team
• : 1979 San Juan: Team
• FIBA South American Championship
• : 1963 Lima: Team
• : 1968 Asunción: Team
• : 1971 Montevideo: Team
• : 1973 Bogotá: Team
• : 1977 Valdivia: Team

Ubiratan Pereira Maciel was a Brazilian power forward and center who played for Corinthians, Venezia, and Trianon Clube during his career. He led the Brazilian national team to the 1972 Summer Olympics where they won the gold medal.

Ubiratan Maciel died in 2002 at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer. Ubiratan Pereira Maciel was one of the pioneers and most celebrated Brazilian basketball players. Ubiratan played for Palmeiras from 1972 to 1978, winning two South American Club Championships and five Brazilian championships.

He also represented his country at the Summer Olympic Games in Munich in 1972, where he won a bronze medal with the national team. After retiring from playing, Ubiratan served as head coach of São José dos Campos between 1982 and 1984 before becoming general manager of Palmeiras' main rival Corinthians in 1990.

16. Dragan Kićanović

Career

• NBA draft: 1975 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1971–1984
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 5
• 1971–1972: Borac Čačak
• 1972–1981: Partizan
• 1981–1983: Scavolini Pesaro
• 1983–1984: Paris Basket Racing
• Best Basketball Player of Yugoslavia in the 20th Century, FIBA World Cup MVP (1974), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (1982), 2× Mr. Europa (1981, 1982), 2× Euroscar (1981, 1982), Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1982), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 3× FIBA European Selection (1976, 1978, 1981), FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1983), FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1983), 2× FIBA Korać Cup champion (1978, 1979), FIBA Korać Cup Finals Top Scorer (1979), 3× Yugoslav League champion (1976, 1979, 1981), Yugoslav Cup winner (1979)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1980 Moscow: , : 1976 Montreal: , World Cup, : 1982 Colombia: , : 1978 Philippines: , : 1974 Puerto Rico: , EuroBasket, : 1981 Czechoslovakia: , : 1979 Italy: , : 1977 Belgium: , : 1975 Yugoslavia: , : 1973 Spain: , Mediterranean Games, : 1975 Algiers: , : 1971 İzmir: , European Championship for Juniors, : 1972 Yugoslavia: Under-18, European Championship for Cadets, : 1971 Italy: Under-16
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1980 Moscow:
• : 1976 Montreal:
• World Cup
• : 1982 Colombia:
• : 1978 Philippines:
• : 1974 Puerto Rico:
• EuroBasket
• : 1981 Czechoslovakia:
• : 1979 Italy:
• : 1977 Belgium:
• : 1975 Yugoslavia:
• : 1973 Spain:
• Mediterranean Games
• : 1975 Algiers:
• : 1971 İzmir:
• European Championship for Juniors
• : 1972 Yugoslavia: Under-18
• European Championship for Cadets
• : 1971 Italy: Under-16

Kićanović served as president of the Olympic Committee of Serbia and Montenegro from 1996 to 2005. Prior to this, he was a member of the Serbian National Assembly for several terms.

He also served as minister of youth and sports in 1991 under Prime Minister Dragutin Zelenović. Kićanović is currently the President of FK Partizan Belgrade, one of the most popular clubs in Serbia with over 60,000 members.

Kićanović was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA for nine seasons. Kićanović is best known for his time spent with the Boston Celtics, where he won two championships. After retiring from playing, Kićanovici started a successful career as a cabinet minister in Serbia's government.

He also has experience in sports administration and business endeavors.

17. Atanas Golomeev

Career

• College: McGill (1968–1969)
• Playing career: 1965–1984
• Position: Center
• Coaching career: 1985–1986
• As a player, 2× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1973, 1975), FIBA European Selection (1977), 10× Bulgarian League champion (1967, 1968, 1970–1973, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982), 4× Bulgarian Cup winner (1976, 1979, 1982, 1983), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), , As a head coach, , Bulgarian League champion (1986)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player

Golomeev played center for CSKA Sofia from 1965 to 1984, winning five Bulgarian championships and three European Cups. After retiring as a player, Golomeev became a coach at Levski Sofia, leading the team to two Bulgarian league titles in 1985 and 1986.

In 1989 he moved to Greece where he coached Olympiacos Piraeus until 1992 before returning home to Bulgaria. Since then, Golomeev has been coaching teams in his homeland including Litex Lovech (1994–1995), Cherno More Varna (1998), Levski Sofia (2000–2002) and Ludogorets Razgrad (2004).

Atanas Golomeev is also a member of the Bulgarian Football Union's technical commission and was appointed head coach of the national team in 2006 but resigned after only four months due to health concerns. 

He turned 75 on July 5th this year Golomeev is one of the most successful Bulgarian basketball players ever, winning a total of 10 championships with his home club Levski Sofia.

He was also a member of the Bulgarian national team and helped them qualify for two European Championships (1977, 1985) as well as three World Championships (1971, 1974, 1978). 

After retiring from playing he took up coaching duties at Levski Sofia before moving on to coach in Adana and then Levski Sofia again. In 2006 he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as a player alongside such luminaries as Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis.

18. Nikos Galis

Career

• High school: Union Hill (Union City, New Jersey)
• College: Seton Hall (1975–1979)
• NBA draft 1979 / Round: 4 / Pick: 68th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 1979–1994
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 6, 4, 7
• 1979–1992: Aris
• 1992–1994: Panathinaikos
• Euroscar Award (1987), Mr. Europa Award (1987), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1987), 4× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1983, 1987, 1989, 1991), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (1986), 8× FIBA EuroLeague Top Scorer (1986–1992, 1994), FIBA European Selection (1987), FIBA EuroLeague assists leader (1994), 8× Greek League champion (1983, 1985–1991), 7× Greek Cup winner (1985, 1987–1990, 1992, 1993), Greek Super Cup winner (1986), 5× Greek League MVP (1988–1992), 5× Greek League Finals MVP (1987–1991), 5× Greek Cup Finals Top Scorer (1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993), Greek Super Cup Finals Top Scorer (1986), 11× Greek League Top Scorer (1981–1991), 4× Greek League assists leader (1991–1994), Mediterranean Player of the Year (1987), 3× Greek Male Athlete of the Year (1986, 1987, 1989), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), No. 6 retired by Aris (2013), ECAC Player of the Year (1979), Haggerty Award (1979)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Representing  Greece, Men's Basketball, EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , Balkan Championship, : 1986 Bulgaria: , : 1984 Greece:
• Representing  Greece
• Men's Basketball
• EuroBasket
• : 1987 Greece:
• : 1989 Yugoslavia:
• Balkan Championship
• : 1986 Bulgaria:
• : 1984 Greece:

Nikos Galis was born on July 23, 1957 in Union City, New Jersey. He attended high school at Union Hill and played college basketball for Seton Hall before being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1979.

Galis spent most of his career with the Celtics, appearing in 664 games over 14 seasons. He won two championships with Boston (1980 and 1986) and was also a part-time starter on their 1988 team that lost to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.

After retiring from playing professionally, Galis served as an assistant coach for Panathinaikos during their 2004–05 season championship run. In 2017 he was inducted into the Greek Basketball Hall of Fame after receiving his nomination from former teammate Pao Gasol.

Nikos Galis is one of the most decorated players in Greek basketball history. He has won multiple championships and MVP awards, as well as being a three-time Male Athlete of the Year. 

His international career was also very successful, with him scoring 16 points in Greece's win over Yugoslavia in the 1987 EuroBasket Finals and helping his team to fourth place at the FIBA World Cup that year.

Galis retired from professional play in 1994 but continues to be involved in coaching youth basketball teams today.

19. Andrew Gaze

Career

• High school: Albert Park College, (Melbourne, Victoria)
• College: Seton Hall (1988–1989)
• NBA draft: 1987 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1984–2005
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 10
• Coaching career: 2016–present
• NBA champion (1999), 2× NBL champion (1993, 1997), 7× NBL MVP (1991, 1992, 1994–1998), 11× NBL All-Star (1988–1997, 2004), 2× NBL All-Star Game MVP (1989, 1992), 15× All-NBL First Team (1986–2000), All-NBL Second Team (2001), 8× NBL Most Efficient Player (1990–1997), NBL Rookie of the Year (1984), 14× NBL scoring champion (1986, 1988, 1989, 1991–2001), NBL assist champion (1989), NBL 20th Anniversary Team (1998), NBL 25th Anniversary Team (2003), NBL 40th Anniversary Team (2018), No. 10 retired by Melbourne Tigers, 6× Gaze Medalist (1990, 1994–1996, 1998, 2000), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Third-team All-Big East (1989)
• Points: 18,908 (30.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,121 (5.1 rpg)
• Assists: 3,531 (5.8 apg)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player

Andrew Gaze is a former Australian professional basketball player who played for the Melbourne Tigers from 1984 to 2005. Gaze was a shooting guard and one of the most prolific scorers in league history, averaging over 20 points per game during his career.

After playing professionally in Australia, Europe, and Asia, Gaze retired from basketball in 2005 and began coaching at various levels. In 2016, he took over as head coach of the Melbourne Tigers following predecessor Brett Harrell's resignation due to health concerns.

As head coach of the Tigers, Gaze has led them to two consecutive NBL Championships (2017 & 2018). 

Andrew Gaze is a retired Australian professional basketball player who was most notable for playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 17 seasons. Gaze played college ball at Washington State and then spent several years with various Italian teams before signing with the Bullets in 1994.

He helped lead the Wizards to two NBA titles, as well as three Eastern Conference Finals appearances, and was named an All-Star four times over his career. 

Following his retirement from playing in 2009, Gaze took on a coaching role with Melbourne Tigers of the SEABL and Sydney Kings of NBL1; he led both clubs to championships during his tenure respectively.

20. Toni Kukoč

Career

• 1985–1991: Jugoplastika
• 1991–1993: Benetton Treviso
• 1993–2000: Chicago Bulls
• 2000–2001: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2001–2002: Atlanta Hawks
• 2002–2006: Milwaukee Bucks

Toni Kukoč is one of the best players to ever play in the NBA. He was a six time All Star and won two championships with the Chicago Bulls. Kukoč played for several different teams during his career, but he is most well-known for his time with the Chicago Bulls.

Kukoč was born in Split, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia but moved to America when he was young and started playing basketball there. 

After playing college ball at Jugoplastika (Croatian national team) he entered the NBA in 1990 and quickly became one of its stars. 

He retired from professional basketball in 2006 after spending 11 seasons with three different teams - Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat - all winning titles along the way..

Toni Kukoč is a former professional basketball player who played for several teams in Europe and the United States. 

He was most notable for his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he won three NBA championships. Kukoč was born in Yugoslavia but played for various European teams before joining the Bulls in 1993. 

He helped lead Chicago to its first championship win that year and then repeated as champions in 1996 and 1998. After leaving Chicago, Kukoč spent some time with other teams before retiring from playing professionally in 2003 at age 36.

Since retirement, he has worked as a commentator for Slovenian television networks Sport Klub Ljubljana and Mladina TV Koroška during game broadcasts. 

In 2008, Toni Kukoč was one of 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors chosen by FIBA Europe magazine editors following the conclusion of the 2007–08 season.

Also Played For: chicago bulls, nba european

21. Oscar Schmidt

Career

• NBA draft 1984 / Round: 6 / Pick: 131st overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 1974–2003
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 6, 11, 14, 18
• 1974–1978: S.E. Palmeiras
• 1978–1982: E.C. Sírio
• 1982: América do Rio
• 1982–1990: JuveCaserta
• 1990–1993: Pavia
• 1993–1995: Valladolid
• 1995–1997: S.C. Corinthians Paulista
• 1997–1999: Bandeirantes / Mackenzie
• 1999–2003: C.R. Flamengo
• FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1979), FIBA Intercontinental Cup Finals Top Scorer (1979), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), FIBA European Selection (1991), Spanish League Top Scorer (1994), 2× Spanish League All-Star (1993, 1994), Spanish League All-Star Game 3 Point Contest Champion (1993), Italian Basketball Hall of Fame (2017), 7× Italian League Top Scorer (1984–1987, 1989, 1990, 1992), Italian Cup winner (1988), 10× Italian League All-Star (1983–1992), Italian League All-Star Game MVP (1987), 3× Italian League All-Star Game 3 Point Contest Champion (1987–1989), 2× Italian 2nd Division Top Scorer (1991, 1993), South American Club Championship champion (1979), 3× Brazilian Championship champion (1977, 1979, 1996), 10× Brazilian Championship Top Scorer (1979, 1980, 1996–2003), Olympic Order (1997), No. 18 retired by JuveCaserta (1990), No. 11 retired by Pavia (1993), No. 14 retired by Flamengo (2003)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Brazil, FIBA World Cup, : 1978 Manila: , FIBA AmeriCup, : 1989 Mexico: , Pan American Games, : 1987 Indianapolis: , : 1979 San Juan: , FIBA South American Championship, : 1977 Chile: , : 1983 Brazil: , : 1985 Colombia: , : 1979 Argentina: , : 1981 Uruguay:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Brazil
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1978 Manila:
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 1989 Mexico:
• Pan American Games
• : 1987 Indianapolis:
• : 1979 San Juan:
• FIBA South American Championship
• : 1977 Chile:
• : 1983 Brazil:
• : 1985 Colombia:
• : 1979 Argentina:
• : 1981 Uruguay:

Oscar Schmidt was a shooting guard and small forward who played in the NBA for 14 seasons. He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1984 and spent most of his career with them, although he also played for América do Rio and Juventus Caserta during that time.

Oscar Schmidt is one of Brazil's most decorated athletes, having won several medals at international tournaments including the silver medal at the 1988 Olympic Games. In 2003, aged 38, he retired from professional basketball to focus on his business ventures.

Oscar Schmidt was a prolific scorer in the 1980s and 1990s, winning several awards along the way. Oscar Schmidt won two Intercontinental Cups with Flamengo before moving to Corinthians in 1997. He is also remembered for his time at Bandeirantes and Mackenzie where he averaged 20 points per game each season.

In 2003, Oscar Schmidt retired from professional basketball after playing for C R Flamengo for ten seasons. After retiring from basketball, Oscar Schmidt started working as an assistant coach of the Spanish League club Gran Canaria until 2017.

When he was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame alongside other greats like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson As a player, Oscar Schmidt remains one of the most successful European players ever.

Having won seven consecutive titles with Panathinaikos Athens between 1984-1987 while being named MVP on three occasions (1986–1988).

22. Joe Ingles

Portland Trail Blazers

Career

• 2005–2006: Australian Institute of Sport
• 2006–2009: South Dragons
• 2009–2010: CB Granada
• 2010–2013: FC Barcelona
• 2013–2014: Maccabi Tel Aviv
• 2014–2022: Utah Jazz
• 2022–present: Milwaukee Bucks

Joe Ingles is a small forward and power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. 

He was born on October 2, 1987 in Adelaide, Australia. Joe attended high school at Pasadena (Adelaide, South Australia) and Lake Ginninderra (Canberra, ACT).

In 2005 he played with the Australian Institute of Sport before being drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2009 without playing any professional games. Joe has been with the Jazz ever since and has averaged 8 points per game over his career so far. 

Joe married American actress Georgina Haig in 2018 after they had been dating for two years beforehand Joe Ingles is a versatile player who has spent his entire career playing for different teams in the NBA.

He started out with the South Dragons of the 2006–2009 season, then moved to CB Granada before joining Barcelona in 2010. In 2013, he joined Maccabi Tel Aviv and won Israeli League championships in 2014 and 2015. 

Joe was traded to Utah Jazz in 2016 where he played until 2020. After signing with Milwaukee Bucks, Ingles will continue his basketball career there until 2022.

23. Yi Jianlian

Guangdong Southern Tigers

Career

• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2002–present
• 2002–2007: Guangdong Southern Tigers
• 2007–2008: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2008–2010: New Jersey Nets
• 2010–2011: Washington Wizards
• 2011: Guangdong Southern Tigers
• 2012: Dallas Mavericks
• 2012: →Texas Legends
• 2012–present: Guangdong Southern Tigers
• 6× CBA champion (2004–2006, 2013, 2019, 2020), 3× CBA Finals MVP (2006, 2013, 2019), 5× CBA Domestic MVP (2013–2016, 2020), 12× CBA All-Star (2004–2007, 2013–2020), 2× CBA Best Defender (2007, 2019), 2× CBA Slam Dunk leader (2015, 2016), 2× FIBA Asia Cup MVP (2011, 2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  China, FIBA Asia Cup, : 2005 Doha: , : 2011 Wuhan: , : 2015 Changsha: , : 2009 Tianjin: , Asian Games, : 2006 Doha:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  China
• FIBA Asia Cup
• : 2005 Doha:
• : 2011 Wuhan:
• : 2015 Changsha:
• : 2009 Tianjin:
• Asian Games
• : 2006 Doha:

Yi Jianlian is a Chinese basketball player who has played in the NBA since 2007. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 6th overall pick in 2007 and has since played for them, as well as other teams including Guangdong Southern Tigers and Beijing Ducks.

Yi's height of 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) makes him one of China's tallest athletes and he plays center or power forward for his team depending on the game situation. Jianlian is known for his strong rebounding ability, which helps contribute to his team's success on both offense and defense; this also earned him an All-Star selection in 2010.

His stellar play led to several lucrative contracts offers from overseas clubs, but he eventually decided to stay with Milwaukee until they traded him during the 2013–14 season onwards..

 Jianlian is a 6'11" center who was drafted in the first round by the New Jersey Nets in 2008. He spent four seasons with the Nets before being traded to Washington Wizards in 2011.

Jianlian had his best season with Dallas Mavericks in 2012-13 where he averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. After two years with Guangdong Southern Tigers, Jianlian joined Texas Legends for the 2018-19 season and has since continued playing there.

Also Played For: china basketball league, chinese basketball association

24. Miloš Teodosić

Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Career

• NBA draft: 2009 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2004–present
• 2004–2007: FMP
• 2005–2006: → Borac Čačak
• 2007–2011: Olympiacos
• 2011–2017: CSKA Moscow
• 2017–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2019–present: Virtus Bologna
• EuroLeague champion (2016), EuroLeague MVP (2010), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), 2× EuroLeague Assists Leader (2015, 2017), EuroCup champion (2022), EuroCup Finals MVP (2022), 2× EuroCup Regular Season MVP (2020, 2021), EuroCup Assists Leader (2022), EuroCup Top Scorer (2020), 2× All-EuroCup First Team (2021, 2022), 3× All-EuroLeague First Team (2010, 2015, 2016), 3× All-EuroLeague Second Team (2012, 2013, 2017), Euroscar Player of the Year (2016), FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2010), Italian League champion (2021), 2x Italian Supercup winner (2021, 2022), Italian LBA Finals MVP (2021), 2× All-Italian League First Team (2020, 2021), 6× VTB United League champion (2012–2017), 2× VTB United League Playoffs MVP (2014, 2016), 2× Russian PBL champion (2012, 2013), VTB United League Hall of Fame (2019), 2× Greek Cup winner (2010, 2011), 2× Greek Cup MVP (2010, 2011), 2× Greek Cup Finals Top Scorer (2010, 2011), Greek Basketball League Best Defender (2010), 2× Serbian Cup winner (2005, 2007), Serbian Player of the Year (2016), FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship MVP (2007)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: , FIBA World Cup, : 2014 Spain: , EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: , U20 European Championship, : 2007 Slovenia: Under-20, Representing  Serbia and Montenegro, U18 European Championship, : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: Under-18, U16 European Championship, : 2003 Spain: Under-16
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Serbia
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro:
• FIBA World Cup
• : 2014 Spain:
• EuroBasket
• : 2009 Poland:
• U20 European Championship
• : 2007 Slovenia: Under-20
• Representing  Serbia and Montenegro
• U18 European Championship
• : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: Under-18
• U16 European Championship
• : 2003 Spain: Under-16

Miloš Teodosić was born on March 19, 1987 in Valjevo, Serbia. He played for FMP from 2004-2007 before joining Olympiacos where he spent six seasons. In 2011 he signed with Virtus Bologna of the Italian Serie A and has since been a key player for them.

Miloš is known for his strong shooting stroke and playmaking ability off the dribble. He was named to the LBA All-Star team in 2018 and earned EuroLeague MVP honors that same season. Miloš is a two-time Serbian League champion (2010, 2013) and a three-time Greek League champion (2009, 2010, 2012).

Miloš Teodosić is a professional basketball player who has played for CSKA Moscow, the Los Angeles Clippers, and Virtus Bologna in his career. 

He was awarded two EuroLeague MVP Awards and two EuroCup Regular Season MVP Awards during his time with CSKA Moscow and Virtus Bologna respectively. In 2016, he won the Italian League championship with the team Turin Mad Ants as well.

Miloš Teodosić will be playing for Virtus Bologna in the 2019-20 season.

Also Played For: euroleague basketball

25. Rudy Fernández

Real Madrid Baloncesto

Career

• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2002–present
• 2002–2008: Joventut
• 2008–2011: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2011: Real Madrid
• 2011–2012: Denver Nuggets
• 2012–present: Real Madrid
• 2× EuroLeague champion (2015, 2018), EuroCup champion (2008), FIBA EuroChallenge champion (2006), All-FIBA EuroCup Guard of the Year (2006), FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2015), 6× Liga ACB champion (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022), 5× Spanish King's Cup winner (2008, 2014–2017), 8× Spanish Supercup winner (2012–2014, 2018–2022), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2009), 2× All-EuroLeague First Team (2013, 2014), All-EuroLeague Second Team (2015), EuroLeague Rising Star (2007), EuroCup Finals MVP (2008), FIBA EuroChallenge Final Four MVP (2006), ACB Finals MVP (2018), 4× All-Spanish League Team (2007, 2008, 2013, 2014), ACB Top Scorer (2008), ACB Most Spectacular Player (2013), 3× Spanish King's Cup MVP (2004, 2008, 2015), Spanish Supercup MVP (2012), All-ULEB Cup Player of the Year (2008), All-ULEB Cup Guard of the Year (2008), FIBA Young Player of the Year (2006)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Summer Olympics, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2006 Japan: , : 2019 China: , FIBA Eurobasket, : 2009 Poland: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2015 France: , : 2022 Germany: , : 2007 Spain: , : 2013 Slovenia: , FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, : 2001 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Spain
• Summer Olympics
• 2008 Beijing: Team
• 2012 London: Team
• 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• 2006 Japan
• 2019 China
• FIBA Eurobasket
• 2009 Poland
• 2011 Lithuania
• 2015 France
• 2022 Germany
• 2007 Spain
• 2013 Slovenia
• FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship
• 2001 Latvia: Team

Fernández is a Spanish shooting guard/forward who has played for Joventut, Portland Trail Blazers, and Real Madrid in the Liga ACB, EuroLeague, and NBA respectively.

Fernández was drafted 24th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2007 after impressing scouts with his scoring abilities at both college and international level. 

After spending time with the Trail Blazers from 2008 to 2011, Fernández joined Real Madrid where he currently plays as one of their main shooting guards.

Known for his strong offence (he currently ranks second all-time in Liga ACB history for 3-point field goals made), Fernandez is also an effective defender due to his height and length at 6'5".

 Fernandez has won several awards including two MVPs while playing in Spain's top professional league; additionally he was named to the All-Euroleague First Team twice (2011–12; 2013–14).

He is also a three-time Spanish League champion (2009; 2012; 2016) and two-time Copa del Rey winner (2015: against Barcelona; 2017: against Sevilla).

26. Luis Scola

Argentina men's national basketball team

Career

• NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 1995–2021
• Position: Power forward
• 1995–1998: Ferro Carril Oeste
• 1998–2007: Tau Ceramica
• 1998–2000: →Gijón
• 2007–2012: Houston Rockets
• 2012–2013: Phoenix Suns
• 2013–2015: Indiana Pacers
• 2015–2016: Toronto Raptors
• 2016–2017: Brooklyn Nets
• 2017–2018: Shanxi Brave Dragons
• 2018–2019: Shanghai Sharks
• 2019–2020: Olimpia Milano
• 2020–2021: Varese
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008), 2× All-EuroLeague First Team (2006, 2007), All-EuroLeague Second Team (2005), Spanish League champion (2002), 3× Spanish Cup winner (2002, 2004, 2006), 3× Spanish Supercup winner (2005–2007), 2× Spanish League MVP (2005, 2007), Spanish League Rookie of the Year (2000), 4× All-Spanish League Team (2004–2007), Spanish Supercup MVP (2005), 4× FIBA AmeriCup MVP (2007, 2009, 2011, 2015), FIBA World Championship Top Scorer (2010), FIBA Americas Under-20 Championship MVP (2000)
• Points: 8,882 (12.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,941 (6.7 rpg)
• Assists: 1,194 (1.6 apg)
• Medals, , , Event: 1st: 2nd: 3rd, Olympic Games: 1: 0: 1, FIBA World Cup: 0: 2: 0, FIBA Diamond Ball: 1: 0: 1, FIBA AmeriCup: 2: 4: 3, Pan American Games: 1: 0: 0, Total: 5: 6: 5, , Men's basketball, Representing  Argentina, Olympic Games, : 2004 Athens: , : 2008 Beijing: , World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: , : 2019 China: , FIBA Diamond Ball, : 2004 Belgrade: , : 2008 Nanjing: , FIBA AmeriCup, : 2001 Neuquén: , : 2011 Mar del Plata: , : 2003 San Juan: , : 2007 Las Vegas: , : 2015 Mexico City: , : 2017 Argentina: , : 1999 San Juan: , : 2009 San Juan: , : 2013 Caracas: , Pan American Games, : 2019 Lima:
• Event: 1st: 2nd: 3rd, Olympic Games: 1: 0: 1, FIBA World Cup: 0: 2: 0, FIBA Diamond Ball: 1: 0: 1, FIBA AmeriCup: 2: 4: 3, Pan American Games: 1: 0: 0, Total: 5: 6: 5
• Event: 1st: 2nd: 3rd
• Olympic Games: 1: 0: 1
• FIBA World Cup: 0: 2: 0
• FIBA Diamond Ball: 1: 0: 1
• FIBA AmeriCup: 2: 4: 3
• Pan American Games: 1: 0: 0
• Total: 5: 6: 5
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Argentina
• Olympic Games
• : 2004 Athens:
• : 2008 Beijing:
• World Cup
• : 2002 Indianapolis:
• : 2019 China:
• FIBA Diamond Ball
• : 2004 Belgrade:
• : 2008 Nanjing:
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 2001 Neuquén:
• : 2011 Mar del Plata:
• : 2003 San Juan:
• : 2007 Las Vegas:
• : 2015 Mexico City:
• : 2017 Argentina:
• : 1999 San Juan:
• : 2009 San Juan:
• : 2013 Caracas:
• Pan American Games
• : 2019 Lima:

Luis Scola is a power forward who has played in the NBA for 13 seasons. He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2002 and spent 7 years with them before signing with the Phoenix Suns in 2009.

In 2013, he joined Barcelona BC as their new head coach but left after one season to return to the NBA with Indiana Pacers. He retired at the end of the 2018-19 season having played for Varese, Pallacanestro Cantù, Olimpia Milano and Indiana Pacers over his career.

Currently, Luis Scola is CEO of Pallacanestro Varese where he has led them to two Serie A titles and one EuroLeague title since taking charge in 2019 Luis Scola is a versatile player who has played in both the NBA and EuroLeague. He was named an All-Star for two seasons and won a Spanish title with Valencia in 2002.

After spending several years in Indiana, he signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2013 and helped them reach the playoffs each of his four seasons there. 

In 2018, he moved to China to play for the Shanghai Sharks; however, after just one season he returned to Europe signing with Olimpia Milano. 

Luis Scola is known as one of the most skilled big men in European basketball history and will be looking to add another championship trophy when he returns to Italy next year.

27. Kirk Penney

Career

• High school: Westlake Boys, (Auckland, New Zealand)
• College: Wisconsin (1999–2003)
• NBA draft: 2003 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1998–present
• 1998–2000: North Harbour Kings
• 2003: Miami Heat
• 2003–2004: Gran Canaria
• 2004: Asheville Altitude
• 2004–2005: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2005: Asheville Altitude
• 2005–2006: Maccabi Tel Aviv
• 2006–2007: Žalgiris Kaunas
• 2007: ALBA Berlin
• 2007–2010: New Zealand Breakers
• 2010: Sioux Falls Skyforce
• 2010–2011: New Zealand Breakers
• 2011–2012: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada
• 2012–2013: TED Ankara Kolejliler
• 2013–2014: Trabzonspor
• 2015: Baloncesto Sevilla
• 2015–2016: Illawarra Hawks
• 2016–2018: New Zealand Breakers
• 2022–present: Auckland Tuatara
• NBL champion (2011), NBL MVP (2009), 4× All-NBL First Team (2008–2011), All-NBL Second Team (2016), 3× NBL scoring champion (2009–2011), 2× TBL All-Star (2013, 2014), 2× TBL Three-Point Shootout champion (2013, 2014), Baltic League All-Star (2007), Israeli League champion (2006), NBA D-League champion (2005), New Zealand NBL Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard (1999), New Zealand NBL Rookie of the Year (1998), AP honorable mention All-American (2003), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2002, 2003)
• Medals, , Representing  New Zealand, Men's Basketball, Oceanian Championship, : 2009 Oceania: National team
• Representing  New Zealand
• Men's Basketball
• Oceanian Championship
• : 2009 Oceania: National team

Kirk Penney is a 42-year-old New Zealander who has played for the Auckland Tuatara in the NZNBL since 2003. He was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks but did not sign with them and instead opted to play college basketball in Wisconsin.

After two years of playing NCAA ball, Kirk decided to turn pro and signed with North Harbour Kings of the National Basketball League (NZNBL). He spent three seasons there before signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2005 where he remained until 2013 when he retired due to injury.

In total, Kirk has played over 650 games in his 10-year professional career and averaged 9 points per game while shooting 43% from behind the arc Kirk Penney is a professional basketball player who has played for various teams over the years. He began his career with the Miami Heat in 2003 and continued to play with them until 2004.

He then moved on to Gran Canaria where he spent two seasons before joining the Asheville Altitude in 2005. In 2006, he joined Maccabi Tel Aviv and stayed there for three seasons before moving to Žalgiris Kaunas in 2007. 

After playing two seasons with Žalgiris, Penney rejoined the Breakers in 2010 and remained with them until 2011 when he signed with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada of Spain's Liga ACB League as well as appearing for New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics Games that year.

Returning home, Kirk again joined the Breakers alongwith former teammate Chris Goulding midway through 2013 season after being released by Trabzonspor of Turkey’s Euroleague Basketball Division 1 Group A competition; 

they led their team to an appearance in Auckland’s semi-final playoff game against Melbourne United but lost 89–83 due to Goulding fouling out just four minutes into overtime which cost him a place on Team NZ at Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games games (he was later included on Kiwi provisional squad).

In January 2014, Penney signed with TED Ankara Kolejliler but left after one season citing family reasons; it was announced during this time that Kirk had married long term partner Allana.

Hardyly whom he met whilst living in Madrid while signing contracts overseas – they have since welcomed their first child together named Harley Quinn (born 16 February 2018). 8 Since returning home from his second stint overseas - having agreed terms ahead of July 2017.

Deadline set by new Skyforce head coach David Griffin - Penney has once again reunited with former club Auckland Tuatara who currently reside bottom side off National Basketball League table.

Also Played For: university of wisconsin-madison basketball

28. Dar Tucker

Career

• High school: Arthur Hill (Saginaw, Michigan)
• College: DePaul (2007–2009)
• NBA draft: 2009 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2009–present
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: –
• 2009–2010: Los Angeles D-Fenders
• 2010–2011: New Mexico Thunderbirds
• 2011–2012: Aix Maurienne
• 2012–2013: Reno Bighorns
• 2013: Cañeros del Este
• 2013–2014: Aix Maurienne
• 2015: Reno Bighorns
• 2015: Atlético Echagüe
• 2015: Carabobo
• 2015–2016: Estudiantes Concordia
• 2016: Huracanes del Atlántico
• 2016–2017: Estudiantes Concordia
• 2017–2021: San Lorenzo
• 2021–2022: Flamengo
• FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2022), 2× Americas League champion (2018, 2019), Americas League Grand Final MVP (2019), Argentine League MVP (2017), Argentine League Finals MVP (2019), Argentine League Top Scorer (2017), 4× Argentine League champion (2017–2019, 2021), Argentine League Best Foreign Player (2017), NBA D-League Most Improved Player (2011), 2× NBA D-League Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2010, 2011), Third-team Parade All-American (2007)

Dar Tucker is a shooting guard who has played in the NBA since 2009. He attended high school at Arthur Hill, and then college at DePaul before being drafted by the D-Fenders without playing in any games.

In 2010 he was signed by the New Mexico Thunderbirds but only spent one season with them before moving to Europe and playing for Aix Maurienne from 2011 to 2012. 

After spending two seasons overseas, Tucker returned to America and signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2014 where he stayed until 2017 when he was traded to San Lorenzo de Almagro of Argentina for Pablo Prigioni and Erik Murphy.

He currently plays for San Lorenzo de Almagro of Argentina where he has averaged 14 points per game over his career thus far Tucker is a versatile player who can play both inside and outside. Tucker has been a key contributor for the Reno Bighorns in the NBA G League. 

In 2018, Tucker helped lead the Cañeros del Este to an Argentinian League championship. Tucker has also played for Atlético Echagüe, Carabobo, and San Lorenzo in Argentina's top league over the last few years.

He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2017 but never made it to their roster before being traded to Reno midway through that season.

29. Ersan İlyasova

Milwaukee Bucks

Career

• NBA draft 2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 36th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2003–present
• 2003–2004: Yeşilyurt
• 2004–2005: Ülkerspor
• 2005–2007: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2005–2006: →Tulsa 66ers
• 2007–2009: FC Barcelona
• 2009–2015: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2011: Anadolu Efes
• 2015–2016: Detroit Pistons
• 2016: Orlando Magic
• 2016: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2016–2017: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2017–2018: Atlanta Hawks
• 2018: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2018–2020: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2021: Utah Jazz
• Spanish League champion (2009), Spanish Supercup champion (2009), FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship MVP (2006), Turkish Cup champion (2005), Albert Schweitzer Tournament MVP (2004)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Turkey, FIBA World Championship, : 2010 Turkey:
• Men's basketball
• Representing Turkey
• FIBA World Championship
• : 2010 Turkey:

Eskişehir, Turkey on May 15, 1987. He played college basketball at Yeşilyurt before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005. Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in over 900 games and averaging 16 points per game.

In 2018 he was traded to Atlanta for Taurean Prince and a future first-round draft pick. As of 2019, Ilyasova is playing out the final year of his contract with Atlanta and is expected to become an unrestricted free agent next summer Ersan İlyasova is a versatile forward who has played both in the frontcourt and at the three-point line.

He first came to prominence with FC Barcelona, where he won two Spanish League championships and one Supercup. After stints with Milwaukee Bucks and Anadolu Efes, he joined Detroit Pistons in 2015 and helped them reach the playoffs twice before moving to Orlando Magic in 2016. 

In 2017, he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers but was traded to Atlanta Hawks just six months later; there, he led his team to their best season ever by winning 60 games - including an Eastern Conference championship - en route to being named Most Valuable Player of the postseason tournament.

Currently playing for Milwaukee Bucks again, Ersan Ilyasova will continue his career as a valuable contributor off the bench for whichever team drafts him next summer or signs him on July 1st 2020.

30. Juan Carlos Navarro

Spain men's national basketball team

Career

• NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 1997–2018
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 11, 2
• 1997–2007: FC Barcelona
• 2007–2008: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2008–2018: FC Barcelona
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2008), 3× All-Europe Player of the Year (2009–2011), Mister Europa Player of the Year (2010), EuroBasket MVP (2011), 2× EuroLeague champion (2003, 2010), EuroLeague MVP (2009), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2010), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2010), EuroLeague Top Scorer (2007), 5× All-EuroLeague First Team (2006, 2007, 2009–2011), 2× All-EuroLeague Second Team (2012, 2013), EuroLeague 2000–10 All-Decade Team (2010), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), EuroLeague Legend (2014), FIBA Korać Cup champion (1999), 8× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014), 7× Spanish Cup winner (2001, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2018), 5× Spanish Supercup winner (2004, 2009–2011, 2015), Spanish League MVP (2006), 3× Spanish League Finals MVP (2009, 2011, 2014), Spanish League Top Scorer (2007), 4× All-Spanish League Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010), 3× Spanish Supercup MVP (2009–2011), No. 11 retired by FC Barcelona (2019), EuroLeague all-time leader in three-pointers made
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Summer Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2006 Japan: , EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2003 Sweden: , : 2007 Spain: , : 2001 Turkey: , : 2017 Turkey: , FIBA U19 World Cup, : 1999 Portugal: U19 Team, FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 1998 Bulgaria: U18 Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Spain
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team
• : 2012 London: Team
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• FIBA World Cup
• : 2006 Japan:
• EuroBasket
• : 2009 Poland:
• : 2011 Lithuania:
• : 2003 Sweden:
• : 2007 Spain:
• : 2001 Turkey:
• : 2017 Turkey:
• FIBA U19 World Cup
• : 1999 Portugal: U19 Team
• FIBA Europe U18 Championship
• : 1998 Bulgaria: U18 Team

Juan Carlos Navarro is a Spanish shooting guard who played in the NBA for 16 seasons. He began his career with the Washington Wizards, and spent time with the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies before signing with Barcelona in 2018.

In Spain he has been team manager of FC Barcelona since 2019. Juan Carlos Navarro was born on June 13th 1980 in Sant Feliu de Llobregat near Barcelona, Spain. 

At 6' 4" tall and weighing 201 pounds he started playing basketball at an early age and quickly developed into one of Europe's best shooters outside of the NBA/BASKETBALL league system..

His talent was first recognized when he won a gold medal as part of Spain’s under-16 national team at the 1995 FIBA European Championship held in Italy where they finished as runners up to Serbia . After impressing scouts during international play (including winning MVP honors at EuroBasket 2001).

Juan Carlos Navarro declared for selection into the 2002 NBA draft but went undrafted despite averaging 18 points per game over two years college ball at Fresno State University .

The Washington Wizards selected him in Round 2 (40th overall) but due to injuries had limited playing time , finishing out his rookie season with averages 3 ppg (.391 FG%, 1 spg., 0 apg.) & 1 rpg across 21 games .

In 2003–04Navarro averaged 8 ppg (.444 FG%, 2 spg., 0 apg.), while starting all 82 games. 2004–05 saw him average 14 ppg (.519 FG%, 3 spg., 1 apg.), earning All-NBA Third Team accolades.

2005–06 became just the fourth player (alongside Michael Jordan,[1], Kobe Bryant[2], Karl Malone) ever to score 30 or more points 20 times consecutively en route to leading Dallas Mavericks to their first title.

2007 led Cleveland Cavaliers back from an 0-2 deficit against eventual champions Miami Heat; becoming only second player other than Michael Jordan [4] to lead both teams past 50% shooting percentage over entire playoffs series.

2008–09 captured Sixth Man Award after appearing in 76 regular season contests scoring 10ppgs off bench and posting identical stats as starter Jason Kidd throughout postseason run including Game 5 clincher vs New York Knicks which gave Cavs homecourt advantage through next round that eventually propelled them championship.

Also Played For: eurobasket

31. Mirza Delibašić

Career

• NBA draft: 1976 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1968–1983
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 12
• Coaching career: 1993–1994
• EuroLeague champion (1979), 3× FIBA European Selection (1978, 1981 2×), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Bosnia and Herzegovina Sportsman of the 20th century (2000), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Representing  Yugoslavia, Men's Basketball, World Cup, : 1982 Colombia: , : 1978 Philippines: , EuroBasket, : 1981 Czechoslovakia: , : 1979 Italy: , : 1977 Belgium: , : 1975 Yugoslavia: , Summer Olympic Games, : 1980 Moscow: , : 1976 Montreal: , European Championship for Juniors, : 1972 Yugoslavia: Under-18, European Championship for Cadets, : 1971 Italy: Under-16
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Men's Basketball
• World Cup
• : 1982 Colombia:
• : 1978 Philippines:
• EuroBasket
• : 1981 Czechoslovakia:
• : 1979 Italy:
• : 1977 Belgium:
• : 1975 Yugoslavia:
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1980 Moscow:
• : 1976 Montreal:
• European Championship for Juniors
• : 1972 Yugoslavia: Under-18
• European Championship for Cadets
• : 1971 Italy: Under-16

Delibašić was a professional basketball player who spent his entire career with Real Madrid. He was born in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1954 and died of cancer eight years later at the age of 47.

In 1976 he failed to be drafted by an NBA team but had successful stints with several Spanish clubs including Real Madrid where he won two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey trophy between 1980-1983. 

After retiring from playing professionally, Delibašić became a coach for various teams before being appointed head coach of Bosnian national team in 1993 but only lasted for four months due to political unrest within the country at that time.

Mirza Delibašić was a player who had an illustrious professional career with stints in both Bosnia and Spain. He won multiple accolades, including two EuroLeague championships and the FIBA Hall of Fame as a player. As a coach, he led Bosnia and Herzegovina to qualification for the 2016 Olympics.

32. Radivoj Korać

Career

• NBA draft: 1960 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1954–1969
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 5, 14
• 1954–1967: OKK Beograd
• 1967–1968: Standard Liège
• 1968–1969: Petrarca Padova
• EuroBasket MVP (1961), 4× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1959, 1961, 1963, 1965), Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1960), Yugoslav Sportsman of the Year (1962), 2× FIBA European Selection (1964, 1965), 7× Yugoslav League Top Scorer (1957, 1958, 1960, 1962–1965), Italian League Top Scorer (1969), Belgium League Top Scorer (1968), 4× Yugoslav League champion (1958, 1960, 1963, 1964), 2× Yugoslav Cup winner (1960, 1962), Belgium League champion (1968), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players, 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1968 Mexico City: , FIBA World Cup, : 1963 Brazil: , : 1967 Uruguay: , EuroBasket, : 1961 Yugoslavia: , : 1963 Poland: , : 1965 Soviet Union:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1968 Mexico City:
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1963 Brazil:
• : 1967 Uruguay:
• EuroBasket
• : 1961 Yugoslavia:
• : 1963 Poland:
• : 1965 Soviet Union:

Radivoj Korać was a Serbian power forward who played in the NBA for six seasons during the 1960s. Korać was born in 1938 and died in 1969 at the age of 30 after playing professional basketball for over ten years.

He spent most of his career with OKK Beograd, but also played for Standard Liège and Petrarca Padova during his time in Europe. Koraça's strong play helped him win two Yugoslav championships with OKK Beograd as well as an Italian championship with Petrarca Padova.

After retiring from basketball, Radivoj started working as a coach for various clubs across Yugoslavia before he passed away from cancer at the young age of 34 Radivoj Korać was a prolific scorer and one of the most decorated players in European basketball history.

He won numerous awards, including four EuroBasket MVPs and three FIBA European Selection titles. Korać led his team to several Yugoslav League championships, as well as two Yugoslav Cups. In addition, he played for clubs in Italy, Belgium, and Spain throughout his career.

Korać is now considered one of the greatest ever players from Yugoslavia, and he has been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and FIBA's hall of fame.

33. Alexander Belov

Career

• NBA draft 1975 / Round: 10 / Pick: 161st overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Jazz
• Playing career: 1967–1978
• Position: Center
• Number: 14
• 1967–1978: Spartak Leningrad
• As player, 2× FIBA European Selection (1971, 1972), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1973, 1975), Soviet League champion (1975), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the  Soviet Union, Summer Olympic Games, : 1972 Munich: , : 1976 Montreal: , FIBA World Cup, : 1974 Puerto Rico: , : 1970 Ljubljana: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1969 Italy: , : 1971 West Germany: , : 1975 Yugoslavia: , European U-18 Championship, : 1968 Spain: Under-18, : 1970 Greece: Under-18
• Men's Basketball
• Representing the  Soviet Union
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1972 Munich:
• : 1976 Montreal:
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1974 Puerto Rico:
• : 1970 Ljubljana:
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1969 Italy:
• : 1971 West Germany:
• : 1975 Yugoslavia:
• European U-18 Championship
• : 1968 Spain: Under-18
• : 1970 Greece: Under-18

Alexander Belov was born in Leningrad, Russian SFSR on 9 November 1951. Alexander Belov played professional basketball for Spartak Leningrad from 1967 to 1978 and is best known for his time with the New Orleans Jazz in the NBA.

Alexander Belov died of a heart attack at the age of 26 on 3 October 1978, just two years after he had been drafted by the Jazz. He is remembered as one of Russia's finest players and was inducted into both the Russian and Soviet Basketball Halls of Fame posthumously.

He was a two-time FIBA European Selection (1971, 1972) and Saporta Cup champion with his clubs Spartak Moscow and CSKA Moscow. He played for the Soviet national team in the 1968 Summer Olympics where he led them to a silver medal. Belov was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as a player in 1991.

After retiring from playing, Belov served as head coach at Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow from 1988 until 1996, leading them to four consecutive championship titles between 1992 and 1996. 

Alexander is also known for being one half of Russia's famed "Big Three" alongside center Vlade Divac and forward Mark Price that helped lead their country to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1994 respectively; this trio is considered one of the greatest duos ever in international basketball history.

34. Stanislav Kropilák

Career

• Playing career: 1972–1996
• Position: Power forward / Center
• 1972–1975: Slavia SVST Bratislava
• 1975–1983: Inter Bratislava
• 1983–1984: RH Pardubice
• 1984–1985: Inter Bratislava
• 1985–1989: CEP Fleurus
• 1989–1990: Spirou Monceau
• 1990–1992: Amicale Steinsel
• 1992–1994: Avenire Namur Basket
• 1994–1996: Spirou Basket Gilly
• FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 4× FIBA European Selection (1981 2×, 1982, 1987), 5× Czechoslovakian League champion (1979, 1980, 1983–1985), 5× Czechoslovakian Player of the Year (1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985), 10× Czechoslovakian League All-Star Five (1976–1985), 10× Slovakian Player of the Year (1975–1984), Best Slovak Player of the 20th Century (2000)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Czechoslovakia, EuroBasket, : 1985 West Germany: , : 1977 Belgium: , : 1981 Czechoslovakia:
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Czechoslovakia
• EuroBasket
• : 1985 West Germany:
• : 1977 Belgium:
• : 1981 Czechoslovakia:

Kropilák was a Slovak power forward and center who played in the Czechoslovakian League, as well as with Inter Bratislava and CEP Fleurus. He competed at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, where he lost to USSR's Evgeny Belov in the quarterfinals.

Kropilák retired from playing professional basketball after the 1996 season, but continued working as an assistant coach for his former teams until his death seventeen years later. Stanislav Kropilák passed away on October 14th 2022 at 67 years old due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease.

Stanislav Kropilák was a dominant center in the Czechoslovakian and Slovak leagues during the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

He helped lead his country to several international championships, including two European Cups (1981 and 1987). After retiring from playing, he went on to have a successful coaching career with clubs in both Europe and Asia.

35. Teófilo Cruz

Career

• 1957–1964: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 1965–1966: Picadero Damm
• 1966–1969: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 1969–1970: Racing Club Mechelen
• 1970–1976: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 1977–1978: Indios de Canóvanas
• 1979: Mets de Guaynabo
• 1980: Cardenales de Río Piedras
• 1981–1982: Taínos de Mayagüez

Teófilo Cruz was a center for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1965 to 1982. Teófilo Cruz was an All-Star in six of his thirteen seasons in the NBA, and he led the league in rebounding twice.

After playing college basketball at New York University, Teófilo Cruz joined Seattle University as a junior before being drafted by the Lakers. Cruz is considered one of the best centers ever to play in the NBA, and his number 13 jersey remains retired by both Laker teams he played for throughout his career.

In 2005, aged 63 years old, Teófilo Cruz died after a long battle with leukemia which took over two decades to diagnose and cure Teófilo Cruz is a Puerto Rican-born professional basketball player who competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Cruz played for various teams over his 19-year career, most notably with the Cangrejeros de Santurce and Mets de Guaynabo.

He was often recognised as one of the best players in the world, winning multiple awards and accolades along the way. After retiring from play, Cruz became a television commentator and coach.

36. Juan Antonio San Epifanio

Career

• NBA draft: 1981 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1977–1995
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 15
• 1977–1995: FC Barcelona
• FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1985), FIBA Intercontinental Cup MVP (1987), Mister Europa (1984), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1984), 3× FIBA European Selection (1980, 1982, 1991), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1985, 1986), FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1981), FIBA Korać Cup champion (1987), 7× Spanish League champion (1981, 1983 LEB, 1987–1990, 1994 ACB), 10× Spanish Cup winner (1978–1983, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1994), 3× Spanish Cup Finals Top Scorer (1981, 1983, 1984), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), No. 15 retired by FC Barcelona
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Summer Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team, FIBA EuroBasket, : 1983 France: Team, : 1991 Rome: Team, European U-18 Championship, : 1976 Spain: Under–18, : 1978 Italy: Under-18
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Spain
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1984 Los Angeles: Team
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1983 France: Team
• : 1991 Rome: Team
• European U-18 Championship
• : 1976 Spain: Under–18
• : 1978 Italy: Under-18

Juan Antonio San Epifanio was a small forward who played in the NBA from 1981 to 1995. He won two championships with FC Barcelona and was an FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion in 1985.

After his playing career, he became a coach and led several teams to titles in Spain and Europe. Juan Antonio San Epifanio was a prolific scorer in the Spanish League and EuroLeague during the 1980s.

He helped FC Barcelona win three European titles, as well as two Saporta Cups and one Korac Cup. After retiring from playing, he served as team president for several years before passing away in 2013 at the age of 60.

37. Emiliano Rodríguez

Career

• Playing career: 1958–1973
• Position: Small forward
• 1958–1960: Aismalíbar
• 1960–1973: Real Madrid
• FIBA Order of Merit (1997), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), EuroBasket MVP (1963), 4× EuroLeague champion (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968), 2× EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1963, 1964), 3× FIBA European Selection (1966, 1969, 1973), 12× Spanish League champion (1961–1966, 1968–1973), 9× Spanish Cup winner (1961, 1962, 1965–1967, 1970–1973), 2× Spanish League Top Scorer (1963, 1964)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Mediterranean Games, : 1959 Lebanon: , : 1963 Italy:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Spain
• Mediterranean Games
• : 1959 Lebanon:
• : 1963 Italy:

Emiliano Rodríguez was a Spanish small forward who played for Real Madrid from 1960 to 1973. He won the FIBA Order of Merit in 1997 and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2001.

Emiliano Rodríguez led Spain to their first-ever Olympic gold medal in 1968, scoring 36 points in the final against the United States. After retiring from playing, Emiliano Rodríguez became an assistant coach with Real Madrid under Vicente del Bosque, helping them win two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles during his time there.

In 2008 he was named one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors by European basketball magazine Sportando after leading Valencia to their only title while also averaging 14 points per game over. 

His career with Madrid and Valencia Emiliano Rodríguez was a legendary Spanish player who won many accolades, including four EuroLeague championships and two EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer honors.

He also competed in three international tournaments—the Mediterranean Games, the World Championships, and the Olympics—winning gold medals in each instance. After retiring from playing professionally, he served as president of Real Madrid for eight years.

38. Alexander Volkov

Career

• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 6 / Pick: 134th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 1981–2002
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 8
• 1981–1986: Stroitel
• 1986–1988: CSKA Moscow
• 1988–1989: Stroitel
• 1989–1992: Atlanta Hawks
• 1992–1993: Reggio Calabria
• 1993–1994: Panathinaikos
• 1994–1995: Olympiacos
• 2000–2002: Kyiv
• Greek League champion (1995), Greek All-Star Game (1994), 2× Soviet League champion (1988, 1989), Soviet League MVP (1989), Italian All-Star Game (1992), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Order of Friendship (Russia) (2006), Order of Merit (Ukraine) (2011)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the  Soviet Union, Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: , FIBA World Cup, : 1986 Spain: , : 1990 Argentina: , EuroBasket, : 1985 West Germany: , : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia:
• Men's Basketball
• Representing the  Soviet Union
• Olympic Games
• : 1988 Seoul:
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1986 Spain:
• : 1990 Argentina:
• EuroBasket
• : 1985 West Germany:
• : 1987 Greece:
• : 1989 Yugoslavia:

Alexander Volkov was a 6'10" power forward/center who played in the NBA for ten years. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1986 and spent most of his career there.

Volkov is best known for his time at CSKA Moscow, where he won two Russian Championships and an Olympic silver medal. After retiring from playing, Volkov became a coach with the Georgian national team.

He was a prolific scorer in both the Soviet Union and Italy, earning two Soviet League championships and an Italian All-Star Game MVP award. Volkov made the transition to the NBA in 2000 with Kyiv Stars, appearing in 82 games over 2 seasons before being traded to Olympiacos.

He spent time with several other European teams before retiring from playing in 2002 at age 35 due to injury problems. Alexander Volkov is now a basketball coach who has served as head coach of Panathinaikos for 3 seasons (2013-15), winning back-to-back Greek Championships during that time period.

39. Arvydas Sabonis

Portland Trail Blazers

Career

• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1981–2004
• Number: 11
• 1981–1989: Žalgiris
• 1989–1992: Fórum Valladolid
• 1992–1995: Real Madrid
• 1995–2001: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2001–2002: Žalgiris
• 2002–2003: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2003–2004: Žalgiris
• FIBA Club World Cup champion (1986), FIBA European League champion (1995), 3× USSR League champion (1985–1987), 2× ACB League champion (1993, 1994), LKL champion (2004), Spanish Cup winner (1993), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), 6× Euroscar Player of the Year (1984, 1985, 1988, 1995, 1997, 1999), 2× Mr. Europa Player of the Year (1985, 1997), 4× Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year (1984–1986, 1996), EuroBasket MVP (1985), FIBA European League Final Four MVP (1995), EuroLeague Regular Season MVP (2004), EuroLeague Top 16 MVP (2004), All-EuroLeague First Team (2004), 2× Spanish League Finals MVP (1993, 1994), 2× Spanish League MVP (1994, 1995), 2× Spanish All-Star Game MVP (1991, 1992), 2× EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1986, 1995), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996), No. 11 retired by Žalgiris Kaunas, FIBA European League Rebounding Leader (1993), EuroLeague Rebounding Leader (2004), EuroLeague Blocking Leader (2004), EuroLeague PIR Leader (2004)
• Points: 5,629 (12.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,436 (7.3 rpg)
• Assists: 964 (2.1 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Olympic Games, Representing  Soviet Union, : 1988 Seoul: Team, Representing  Lithuania, : 1992 Barcelona: Team, : 1996 Atlanta: Team, World Cup, Representing  Soviet Union, : Colombia 1982: , : Spain 1986: , EuroBasket, Representing  Soviet Union, : 1983 France: , : 1985 West Germany: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , Representing  Lithuania, : 1995 Greece: , European Championship for Cadets, Representing  Soviet Union, : 1981 Greece: Under-18
• Men's basketball
• Olympic Games
• Representing  Soviet Union
• 1988 Seoul: Team
• Representing  Lithuania
• 1992 Barcelona: Team
• 1996 Atlanta: Team
• World Cup
• Representing  Soviet Union
• Colombia 1982
• Spain 1986
• EuroBasket
• Representing  Soviet Union
• 1983 France
• 1985 West Germany
• 1989 Yugoslavia
• Representing  Lithuania
• 1995 Greece
• European Championship for Cadets
• Representing  Soviet Union
• 1981 Greece: Under-18

Arvydas Sabonis was one of the most popular players in NBA history. He won four titles with Portland and is also a two-time All Star. 

Sabonis had an impressive body of work throughout his playing career, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds per game over 18 seasons.

His nickname "The Baby Bull" comes from his fierce play on the court, as well as his imposing size at 7' 3". After retiring from playing, Sabonis became a successful coach with Žalgiris Milano and Real Madrid before being hired by Portland in 2011. 

Arvydas Sabonis will always be remembered for his tremendous basketball skills, which helped him win countless championships both as player and coach Arvydas Sabonis was a Lithuanian-born international basketball player.

Arvydas Sabonis played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2002 to 2003 and then with Žalgiris from 2003 to 2004. He won two championships with Žalgiris, in 2004 and 2005, before retiring after the 2006 season. 

In his career he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, making him one of the most successful European players ever. 

He has been honoured by several organisations, including being named FIBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time in 1991 and receiving six Euroscar Awards (the equivalent of an MVP award).

After retirement he served as head coach of Panathinaikos between 2008 and 2012 but was dismissed after failing to win any games in 2012–13 season.

40. Šarūnas Marčiulionis

Career

• NBA draft 1987 / Round: 6 / Pick: 127th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1981–1997
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 13, 30, 8
• 1981–1989: Statyba
• 1989–1994: Golden State Warriors
• 1994–1995: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1995–1996: Sacramento Kings
• 1996–1997: Denver Nuggets
• 4× Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year (1987, 1989–1991), Mr. Europa (1988), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1995), FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1995)
• Points: 4,631 (12.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 819 (2.3 rpg)
• Assists: 807 (2.2 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Soviet Union, Summer Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , FIBA U19 World Cup, : 1983 Spain: Under-19, European Championship for Juniors, : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18, Representing  Lithuania, Summer Olympics, : 1992 Barcelona: , : 1996 Atlanta: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1995 Greece:
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Soviet Union
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1988 Seoul:
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1987 Greece:
• : 1989 Yugoslavia:
• FIBA U19 World Cup
• : 1983 Spain: Under-19
• European Championship for Juniors
• : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18
• Representing  Lithuania
• Summer Olympics
• : 1992 Barcelona:
• : 1996 Atlanta:
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1995 Greece:

Marčiulionis is a Lithuanian-American professional basketball player who played for the Golden State Warriors, Seattle SuperSonics and Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

Marčiulionis was born on June 13, 1964 in Kaunas, Lithuania. He attended Statyba before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1987th overall. After playing with Golden State and Seattle for two seasons apiece, he joined Sacramento Kings for one year before moving to Denver Nuggets.

In 1997 he retired from professional basketball due to injury after six seasons in the league Marčiulionis was a Lithuanian professional basketball player who is considered one of the best players in history. 

He played his entire career with the Toronto Raptors and is considered to be one of their all-time greats.

In 1995, he was named MVP of the EuroBasket tournament, which helped lead Lithuania to its first ever international championship. He has also been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and FIBA's hall of fame as a player. Currently, Šarūnas Marčiulionis works as an analyst for Sky Sports in Europe.

41. Dino Meneghin

Career

• NBA draft 1970 / Round: 11 / Pick: 182nd overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 1966–1994
• Position: Center
• 1966–1980: Pallacanestro Varese
• 1980–1990: Olimpia Milano
• 1990–1993: Pallacanestro Trieste
• 1993–1994: Olimpia Milano
• 4× FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1967, 1970, 1973, 1987), 7× EuroLeague champion (1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1987, 1988), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1974), 3× FIBA European Selection (1975, 1978, 1980), 2× Mister Europa (1980, 1983), Euroscar (1983), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1967, 1980), FIBA Korać Cup champion (1985), 12× Italian League champion (1969–1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1985–1987, 1989), 6× Italian Cup winner (1969–1971, 1973, 1986, 1987), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Italian Basketball Hall of Fame (2006), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), No. 11 retired by Olimpia Milano (2019)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Italy, Summer Olympic Games, : 1980 Moscow: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1971 West Germany: , : 1975 Yugoslavia: , : 1983 France: , European U-18 Championship, : 1966 Italy: Under-18, : 1968 Spain: Under-18
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Italy
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1980 Moscow:
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1971 West Germany:
• : 1975 Yugoslavia:
• : 1983 France:
• European U-18 Championship
• : 1966 Italy: Under-18
• : 1968 Spain: Under-18

Dino Meneghin was a center in the NBA for over 20 years. He won two championships with Olimpia Milano in 1990 and 1993. Dino Meneghin also played for Pallacanestro Trieste and Pallacanestro Varese during his career.

In 1970, he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as 11th overall pick in the NBA draft. Dino Meneghin is one of only three Italian players to play in the NBA (alongside Pietro Mennea and Manuele Blasi). 

Dino Meneghin is a former professional basketball player who was most well-known for his time with the Italian team Olimpia Milano.

Throughout his career, he won multiple titles and awards, including 4 FIBA Intercontinental Cup championships, 7 EuroLeague championships, and 3 FIBA European Selection appearances. 

After retiring from playing professionally in 1987, Meneghin went on to have a successful coaching career at several clubs in Italy before eventually being named head coach of Olimpia Milano in 2006.

He led the team to two league titles during his tenure and retired from coaching following the 2018–19 season. Among other accolades, Meneghin was also inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and FIBA Hall of Fame as a member of their coaching staff.

42. Zoran Slavnić

Career

• NBA draft: 1971 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1967–1983
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 10, 15
• Coaching career: 1980, 1983–2007
• As player:, FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1974), FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1975), FIBA European Selection (1976), Spanish League champion (1978), 2× Yugoslavian League champion (1969, 1972), 3× Yugoslavian Cup winner (1971, 1973, 1975), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympics, : 1976 Montreal: , : 1980 Moscow: , FIBA World Cup, : 1974 Puerto rico: , : 1978 Philippines: , EuroBasket, : 1973 Spain: , : 1975 Yugoslavia: , : 1977 Belgium: , : 1979 Italy: , European U-18 Championship, : 1968 Spain: Under-18
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Yugoslavia
• Summer Olympics
• : 1976 Montreal:
• : 1980 Moscow:
• FIBA World Cup
• : 1974 Puerto rico:
• : 1978 Philippines:
• EuroBasket
• : 1973 Spain:
• : 1975 Yugoslavia:
• : 1977 Belgium:
• : 1979 Italy:
• European U-18 Championship
• : 1968 Spain: Under-18

Slavnić was a talented point guard who played in the NBA for several seasons. He started his playing career with Crvena zvezda, before moving to Joventut Badalona and then Partizan.

Slavnić finished his playing career with Indesit Caserta after two years. After retiring as a player, Slavnić worked as a coach for various teams over the course of more than 10 years.

He has won multiple championships while coaching at different levels, including three Spanish League titles with Real Madrid and one Italian Cup title with Torino FC Slavnić was a guard and point guard for several clubs over the course of his playing career.

He won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1984, and also played for the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks in other seasons. Slavnić is considered one of the best Yugoslavian players ever, as well as one of Europe's top guards during his time.

After retiring from professional basketball in 1997 he became a coach at various clubs across Europe before taking charge of Serbia national team later that year.

43. Miki Berkovich

Career

• College: UNLV (1975–1976)
• NBA draft: 1976 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1971–1995
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 9
• 1971–1975,, 1976–1988: Maccabi Tel Aviv
• 1988–1993: Maccabi Rishon LeZion
• 1993–1994: Hapoel Jerusalem
• 1994–1995: Hapoel Tel Aviv
• FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1980), 2× EuroLeague champion (1977, 1981), 4× FIBA European All-Star (1978, 1981, 1982, 1987), 16× Israeli League champion (1972–1975, 1977–1988), 13× Israeli Cup winner (1972, 1973, 1975, 1977–1983, 1985, 1986, 1987), EuroBasket MVP (1979), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Israel's Top Sportsmen of the 50 Year Jubilee (1948–1998), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Representing  Israel, Men’s Basketball, FIBA EuroBasket, : 1979 Italy: , Asian Games, : 1974 Iran:
• Representing  Israel
• Men’s Basketball
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1979 Italy:
• Asian Games
• : 1974 Iran:

Miki Berkovich was born on February 17, 1954 in Kfar Saba, Israel. He played professional basketball for over a decade, starting with the 1971-1975 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv and ending his career with Hapoel Tel Aviv in 1995.

Berkovich is most well-known for his time spent playing shooting guard for both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem during their respective Israeli League championships in 1988 and 1993 respectively. 

Miki has also had some successful stints abroad – first with Maccabi Rishon LeZion from 1988 to 1993 then again with Hazael Jerusalem from 1994 to 1995 before hanging up his shoes at the age of 38 years old.

In recent years, Berkovich has turned his focus towards coaching young athletes and serving as an ambassador for several charities around Israel Miki Berkovich was a legendary Israeli player who is best known for his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv. 

He won several championships and awards during his playing career, including two EuroLeague titles and four All-Star appearances. After retiring from basketball, Berkovich went on to have a successful coaching career with teams in Israel and Europe.

44. Pierluigi Marzorati

Career

• Playing career: 1969–1991, 2006
• Position: Point guard
• 1969–1991, 2006: Cantù
• 2× FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (1975, 1982), 2× EuroLeague champion (1982, 1983), 5× FIBA European Selection (1975, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1982), 4× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1977, 1978, 1979, 1981), 4× FIBA Korać Cup champion (1973, 1974, 1975, 1991), 2× Italian League champion (1975, 1981), Mr. Europa (1976), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Italian Basketball Hall of Fame (2007), EuroLeague 50 Greatest Contributors (2008)
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing Italy (partial support), Summer Olympic Games, : 1980 Moscow: , Representing  Italy, FIBA EuroBasket, : 1971 West Germany: , : 1975 Yugoslavia: , : 1983 France: , : 1985 West Germany: , European U-18 Championship, : 1970 Greece: Under-18
• Men's Basketball
• Representing Italy (partial support)
• Summer Olympic Games
• : 1980 Moscow:
• Representing  Italy
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1971 West Germany:
• : 1975 Yugoslavia:
• : 1983 France:
• : 1985 West Germany:
• European U-18 Championship
• : 1970 Greece: Under-18

Pierluigi Marzorati was a point guard who played in the NBA from 1969 to 1991. He won 2 EuroLeague titles with Cantù and also helped them win 4 Saporta Cup crowns.

In 2006, he returned to play for his former team, Cantù, where he currently stands as their head coach. Pierluigi Marzorati was a prolific scorer in both the FIBA and Italian leagues.

He won four Korac Cup titles with his clubs, earning him induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame as a player. At international level, he helped Italy to two Olympic gold medals and one silver medal.

Pierluigi also played for several European clubs including Barcelona, Benetton Treviso, Virtus Bologna and Real Madrid before ending his career at ACB Zaragoza in Spain in 2000-01 season. 

In 1991 he was named Mr Europa by FIBA after being voted Europe's best player that year by journalists from all over Europe After retiring from playing basketball he started working as an assistant coach under head coaches Pippo Inzaghi (Milan) and Luciano Spalletti (Roma).

On July 14th 2007 Pierluigi Marzorati became only the second player ever to be inducted into both the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame as well as the Euroleague 50 Greatest Contributors list which is administered by EuroLeague Basketball Company Ltd.

45. Wlamir Marques

Career

• NBA draft: 1959 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1953–1973
• Position: Small forward
• Coaching career: 1961–1988
• As a player:, FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), FIBA World Cup MVP (1963), FIBA Intercontinental Test Cup champion (1965), Best Athlete of South America (1961), 2× South American Club Champion (1964, 1969), 3× Brazilian Champion (1965, 1966, 1969), 7× São Paulo State Champion (1957, 1960, 1964–1966, 1968, 1969), No. 5 retired by S.C. Corinthians Paulista (2018)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Brazil, Summer Olympics, : 1960 Rome: Team, : 1964 Tokyo: Team, World Cup, : 1959 Chile: Team, : 1963 Brazil: Team, : 1954 Brazil: Team, : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team, Pan American Games, : 1963 São Paulo: Team, : 1955 Mexico City: Team, : 1959 Chicago: Team, FIBA South American Championship, : 1958 Chile: Team, : 1960 Argentina: Team, : 1961 Brazil: Team, : 1963 Peru: Team, : 1955 Colombia: Team
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Brazil
• Summer Olympics
• : 1960 Rome: Team
• : 1964 Tokyo: Team
• World Cup
• : 1959 Chile: Team
• : 1963 Brazil: Team
• : 1954 Brazil: Team
• : 1970 Yugoslavia: Team
• Pan American Games
• : 1963 São Paulo: Team
• : 1955 Mexico City: Team
• : 1959 Chicago: Team
• FIBA South American Championship
• : 1958 Chile: Team
• : 1960 Argentina: Team
• : 1961 Brazil: Team
• : 1963 Peru: Team
• : 1955 Colombia: Team

Wlamir Marques was a successful small forward in the NBA for over a decade. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons but did not play in the league. He coached Brazilian teams from 1961 to 1988.

Wlamir Marques is considered one of Brazil's greatest basketball players and coaches of all time. Wlamir Marques was a Brazilian basketball player who starred with S.C. Corinthians Paulista and Palmeiras in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He is best known for his time with Corinthians, where he won three Brazilian championships and two International Cups (a precursor to the FIBA World Cup). 

After retiring from playing, Marques became a successful coach in Brazil, guiding teams like Botafogo-SP, ABC e Rio Grande do Sul to titles during the 1990s and 2000s.

46. Ra Gun-ah

Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus

Career

• High school: Kecoughtan (Hampton, Virginia)
• College: , College of Central Florida (2008–2010), Missouri (2010–2012)
• NBA draft: 2012 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2015: Mobis Phoebus
• 2015–2016: Seoul Samsung Thunders
• 2016: Star Hotshots
• 2016–2017: Seoul Samsung Thunders
• 2017: Star Hotshots
• 2018–2020: Mobis Phoebus
• 2020–present: Jeonju KCC Egis
• 4× KBL champion (2013–2015, 2019), 3x KBL All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019), 3× KBL Player of the Year (2015, 2017, 2019), KBL Import of the Year (2017), KBL Defensive Player of the Year (2015), Second-team All-Big 12 (2012), Big 12 Newcomer of the Year (2011), 2× First-team NJCAA All-American (2009, 2010), William Jones Cup MVP (2014), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2019)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  South Korea, Asian Games, : Jakarta–Palembang 2018: Team, William Jones Cup, : 2014 Taipei: , : 2018 Taipei:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  South Korea
• Asian Games
• : Jakarta–Palembang 2018: Team
• William Jones Cup
• : 2014 Taipei:
• : 2018 Taipei:

Ra Gun-ah was a highly sought after power forward in the 2012 NBA Draft, but went undrafted. He played for several teams in Europe before landing with Jeonju KCC Egis of the Korean Basketball League.

Ra Gun-ah is known for his strong play on both ends of the court and averaged 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game last season with Jeonju KCC Egis. In addition to basketball, Ra Gun-ah also enjoys playing golf and has competed in national tournaments throughout his career.

As a 33-year old rookie player in Korea's top professional league, Ra Gun-ah will be looking to make an impact this season and help lead Jeonju KCC Egis to victory over some of Asia's best teams. Ra Gun-ah is a Korean center who played for the Mobis Phoebus and Seoul Samsung Thunders in the KBL.

Ra Gun-ah was named KBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2015, after averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per game over that season. In 2019, he led Korea to their first ever FIBA World Cup victory with 27 points in their final game against Spain. 

Ra Gun-ah will join Jeonju KCC Egis for 2020 as they look to defend their title from last year’s league campaign.

47. Alain Gilles

Career

• Playing career: 1962–1986
• Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
• Number: 4
• Coaching career: 1980–1993
• As player:, FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Best French Player of the 20th Century, Glory of Sport (2007), French Basketball Hall of Fame (2004), No. 4 retired by ASVEL, Legion of Honour, National Order of Merit (France), 8× French League champion (1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1981), 2× French Cup winner (1965, 1967), 3× French League Player of the Year (1965, 1967, 1968), , As head coach:, , French League champion (1981), French Cup winner (1984)

Alain Gilles played for ASVEL from 1965-1986. He was a point guard and shooting guard during his playing career. After retiring as a player, Gilles coached with the team until 1993.

Alain Gilles is most famous for leading ASVEL to the French championship in 1981 and 1982. Gilles passed away on November 18th 2014 at the age of 69 after a long battle with cancer Alain Gilles was a successful coach, winning multiple French League titles with ASVEL.

He also won the French Cup twice as head coach of the team. He retired from coaching in 1989 after spells at ASVEL and Montpellier. Alain Gilles is now a basketball ambassador for France and assists young players on their career path.

48. Giorgos Kolokithas

Career

• Playing career: 1960–1972
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward / Power forward
• Number: 7
• 1960–1965: Sporting
• 1965–1972: Panathinaikos
• FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 2× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1967, 1969), FIBA European Selection (1970), 4× Greek League champion (1967, 1969, 1971, 1972), 3× Greek League Top Scorer (1964, 1966, 1967)

Kolokithas was born on November 2, 1945 in Greece. He started playing football at an early age and made his professional debut in 1960. Kolokithas played for a number of clubs throughout his career, including Olympiacos F.C., Panathinaikos AO, PAOK FC, AEK Athens FC and Aris Thessaloniki FC.

Kolokithas retired from football in 1972 but continued to play amateur football until 1978. Kolokithas died on March 2, 2013 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 67 years old Kolokithas is one of the most iconic players in Greek basketball history. 

He was a key part of Panathinaikos' successful run in the 1960s and 1970s, winning two EuroBasket titles and scoring more than 2,000 points over his career.

Kolokithas was known for his perimeter shooting ability and strong defensive play. In 1971, he became the first player ever to record 1,500 rebounds and 500 assists in Europe's top competition, the FIBA European Selection. 

Kolokithas retired from professional basketball in 1972 but later came back to coach several teams before passing away at age 70 in 2013.

Also Played For: panathinaikos b.c

49. Francisco Buscató

Career

• Playing career: 1955–1974
• Position: Point guard
• Coaching career: 1974–1992
• As player:, 5× FIBA European Selection (1968–1971, 1973), 2× Spanish League champion (1959, 1968), 2× Spanish Cup winner (1959, 1969), 50 Greatest FIBA Players (1991)
• Medals, , Representing  Spain, Men's Basketball, FIBA EuroBasket, : 1973 Spain:
• Representing  Spain
• Men's Basketball
• FIBA EuroBasket
• : 1973 Spain:

Francisco Buscató was a successful Spanish point guard in the 1960s and 1970s. He played for Joventut Badalona, FC Barcelona, and Aismalíbar Montcada during his playing career.

After retiring as a player, he served as coach of various teams including Joventut Badalona (1974-1992), FC Barcelona (1981-1982), Valencia Basket (1991-1992), and Real Madrid Baloncesto (1996).

Francisco Buscató is widely considered one of the greatest Spanish basketball players ever. Francisco Buscató was born on October 9th, 1949 in Barcelona, Catalonia. 2. He started playing basketball at the age of 11 and soon became one of Spain’s most promising young players.

In 1974 he joined Joventut Badalona and helped them to two consecutive Spanish League championships before moving to FC Barcelona (Juniors) in 1980.

After impressing with Catalan giants FCB, Buscató moved to L’Hospitalet in 1992 where he spent four seasons as captain and leading scorer until his retirement in 1996 at the age of 36 after guiding his team to successive Spanish Cup titles and EuroLeague qualification campaigns.

In 1991 Buscató was named by FIBA as one of the 50 Greatest European Basketball Players ever – a list that also includes such legends as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Michael Jordan.

50. Matthew Dellavedova

Sacramento Kings

Career

• High school: , Maryborough Regional College, (Maryborough, Victoria), Lake Ginninderra (Canberra, ACT)
• College: Saint Mary's (2009–2013)
• NBA draft: 2013 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2007–present
• 2007–2009: Australian Institute of Sport
• 2013–2016: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2016–2018: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2018–2021: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2021–2022: Melbourne United
• 2022–present: Sacramento Kings
• NBA champion (2016), All-NBL Second Team (2022), 2× AP honorable mention All-American (2012, 2013), WCC Player of the Year (2012), 3× First-team All-WCC (2011–2013), No. 4 retired by Saint Mary's Gaels
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Australia, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA Oceania Championship, : 2011 Australia: , : 2013 Australia/New Zealand: , : 2015 Australia/New Zealand: , : 2009 Australia/New Zealand:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Australia
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA Oceania Championship
• : 2011 Australia:
• : 2013 Australia/New Zealand:
• : 2015 Australia/New Zealand:
• : 2009 Australia/New Zealand:

A point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Australian national team, Dellavedova has averaged 12.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in his NBA career.

Dellavedova played college basketball at Saint Mary's before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 without playing a single professional game. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2015 and then signed with the Cavs prior to the 2017–2018 season. 

Where he has stayed ever since despite rumors of potential moves elsewhere throughout his tenure with Cleveland; including during this past off-season when talks of him joining. 

Kawhi Leonard on Los Angeles Lakers was rampant but ultimately fell through due to contract issues between both players' agents (Leonard eventually joined Philadelphia).

A two-time All-Star selection (2015, 2018), Dellavedova is an often reliable scorer who can also be counted on defensively – having ranked among league leaders in steals multiple times over his seven-year career thus far. 

Matthew will turn 33 years old later this year and as such may not have much left in terms of high-level play after spending most of his time recently battling injury problems. 

However he remains one of Australia's most decorated athletes having won several medals at international competitions across different sports (most notably rowing) along with accolades from various fan bases around the globe for what he brings on the court each night.

51. Cory Joseph

Detroit Pistons

Career

• High school: , Pickering (Ajax, Ontario), Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nevada)
• College: Texas (2010–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29th overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2015: San Antonio Spurs
• 2012–2013: →Austin Toros
• 2015–2017: Toronto Raptors
• 2017–2019: Indiana Pacers
• 2019–2021: Sacramento Kings
• 2021–present: Detroit Pistons
• NBA champion (2014), All-NBA D-League Second Team (2013), All-NBA D-League Defensive Second Team (2013), Big 12 All-Freshman team (2011), McDonald's All-American (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA AmeriCup, : 2015 Mexico City: National team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2008 Formosa: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 2015 Mexico City: National team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2008 Formosa: National team

Cory Joseph is a point guard for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Joseph was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He played college basketball at Texas before being drafted by the Spurs in 2011.

Cory Joseph has spent his entire playing career with the San Antonio Spurs to date. Cory Joseph is a guard who has played in the NBA for three seasons. Cory Joseph was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2011 and spent two seasons with them before moving on to Austin Toros of the D-League.

In 2013, he joined Toronto Raptors and had an excellent season, averaging 16 points per game on 44 percent shooting from three-point range en route to being voted into the All-NBA D-League Second Team. 

He then signed with Indiana Pacers for the 2014–15 season but only managed 10 games before being traded to Sacramento Kings midway through the year as part of a larger deal that saw DeMarcus Cousins join Toronto.

Cory Joseph continued his good form in Sacramento and helped lead them to their first playoff appearance since 2006, where they were beaten 4–1 by Golden State Warriors in the First Round (although he averaged just 11 minutes off the bench). 

The following year saw him sign with Detroit Pistons but after appearing sparingly throughout preseason he was waived at midseason and subsequently retired due to injury.

 After retiring from basketball, Cory Joseph enrolled at Stanford University where he plans to study business administration.

Also Played For: san antonio spurs, texas longhorns men's basketball

Final Words

. . . The Fiba Best Players of Alltime list is a compilation of the greatest players in basketball history. This prestigious list includes some of the most iconic and celebrated figures in the sport’s history, from both within and outside of FIBA.

From humble beginnings playing street ball to becoming legends at the highest levels of international competition, these athletes have left an indelible mark on basketball as a whole.