Fran Vázquez


Francisco Vázquez González, more commonly known as Fran Vázquez, is a retired Spanish professional basketball player who most recently played for Zaragoza of the Liga ACB. Originally drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2005, Vázquez decided to remain in the Spanish ACB League rather than enter the National Basketball Association.
He is the EuroLeague leader in blocked shots since the 2000–01 season, which comprises the current era of the EuroLeague, since the Euroleague Basketball Company took over the organization of the league. He is also the Spanish League's all-time leader in blocked shots.

Professional career

Vázquez was selected 11th overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He made headlines when he announced that he would remain playing in the Spanish ACB League for at least the following season, after signing for Akasvayu Girona. This came as a surprise to the Magic, who expected him to join Dwight Howard in the front court for the 2005–06 season, and it enraged many Magic fans.
Vázquez originally gave no indication that he would be returning to Europe after he was drafted, and had indicated that he would like to join the Magic. The Magic retain his NBA rights while he plays in a non-NBA League. In 2010, he signed a one-year contract extension with the EuroLeague club Barcelona.
In July 2012, Barcelona decided to trade his rights to Unicaja for the rights of Álex Abrines, who moved to FC Barcelona.
On 17 April 2016, in a game against MoraBanc Andorra, Vázquez became the top shot blocker in Liga ACB history, after surpassing the record of 671 blocks made by Fernando Romay.
On 29 July 2016, Vázquez signed a two-year deal with Iberostar Tenerife.
On July 18, 2018, Vázquez signed a two-year deal with Tecnyconta Zaragoza of the Liga ACB.
On May 7, 2020, Vázquez announced his retirement.

Spain national team

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

Awards and accomplishments

Club honors