Pau Gasol
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Early Life and Education
Pau Gasol Sáez was born on July 6, 1980, in Barcelona, Spain. He grew up in a close-knit family with two brothers, Marc and Adrià. His younger brother, Marc Gasol, also became a professional basketball player and played for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 6 Jul, 1980
- Age
- 39 yrs
- Occupations
- Basketball player
Actor
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- Spain
- Birth Place
- Barcelona
- residence
- Barcelona
Los Angeles - Education
- University of Barcelona
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- Spanish basketball player
- Net Worth 2021
- 65 million
Pau attended local schools in Barcelona and had a typical childhood. From an early age, he developed a passion for sports, especially basketball. Initially aspiring to become a doctor, he eventually shifted his focus to a professional career in basketball.
Beginning of a Basketball Career
Gasol began his professional basketball career with CB Cornellà before joining FC Barcelona's junior team. He later advanced to the senior team. During his time with FC Barcelona, Gasol posted averages of 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game, establishing himself as one of Europe's rising basketball talents.
NBA Debut and Early Success
At age 21, Pau Gasol was named the Spanish League Finals MVP. That same year, he was selected third overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks but was promptly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. In his debut NBA season, Gasol earned the 2002 NBA Rookie of the Year Award—becoming the first non-American player to win this honor without having played college basketball in the United States.
Gasol quickly became a cornerstone for the Grizzlies, playing in nearly 80 games during his second season. He helped lead the team to its first-ever NBA Playoffs appearance, although they did not advance past the first round.
