Florent PIETRUS
#11 | Forward

At the beginning of Florent’s career, not too many basketball experts were upbeat about his chances of becoming a top level player.

Nevertheless, with a great heart, unbelievable leaping ability and relentless defensive effort, he has proved everybody wrong.

According to his various coaches, Florent – older brother of Mickaël – is one of the best defensive players in Europe.

The only problem is his unselfishness – and arguably the lack of size for a power forward – has somehow hurt his playing time at various Liga ACB clubs.

He may not have that many moves, but his quickness and desire enable him to get his fair share of “garbage” points.

Pietrus has been a bit lost in Unicaja, Estudiantes and Pamesa during his first five seasons outside France. However, as far as the national team goes, he has always stepped up.

At the 2006 FIBA World Championshipn in Japan, he averaged 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest and he has remained productive with the national squad ever since.

Some rumours had him going to Charlotte last summer, as Larry Brown, technical adviser or France during the preparation for EuroBasket 2009 was overwhelmed by Flo’s intensity and heart.

In the end, that never happened and Florent will probably never join his brother in the NBA.