InterBasket > profiles > Calderón
InterBasket > Player Profiles > Jose Manual Calderon, Spain EuroBasket2005.com: Calderón has not only become an NBA player but also a star in the national team. He is one of the most athletic guards around, almost unstoppable 1-on-1 and on the fast break due to his explosiveness and quickness. He is also a great jumper and can easily dunk and block shots. His athleticism makes him a very good 1-on-1 defender and allows him to play a lot of minutes per game. However, he is not only an athlete but also a skilled playmaker who can dish spectacular assists. He rarely makes mistakes and is a good long range shooter. Calderon has been the best clutch player for Tau Ceramica this season and, maybe because of that, fans picked him as Gasol’s heir as the NT leader in an internet survey with more than 20,000 votes. Euroleague.net:  Won the 2004 Spanish National Cup (King's Cup) with Taugres Saski Baskonia Vitoria...has been member of the Spanish Cadets National Team...played at the 1997 European Cadets Championship...has been member of the Spanish Junior National Team...won the 1998 European Junior Championship...has been member of the Spanish Under-20 National Team...won the bronze medal at the 2000 European Under-20 Championship...member of the Spanish National Team...won the silver medal at the 2003 European Championship...played at the 2002 World Championship...played at the 2004 Olympic Games. IBN Facts: Jose was an early entry candidate for the 2002 NBA Draft before he withdrew from consideration, Calderon was eventually signed by the Toronto Raptors 3 years later in August 2005.  Coincidently, Calderon was offered the backup position when Roko Ukic decided to go back to Europe.  And Ukic signed with Calderon's European team, Tau Ceramica!	José Manuel Calderón Profile Name: José Manual Calderon Position: Guard Nickname: JMC Born: 09/28/1981 Status: Active Origin: Villanueva de la Serena, Spain Height: 6-3/1,83m Weight: 210lbs/72,6kg Schools: N/A Drafted: Undrafted, Signed by the Toronto Raptors August 2005 Languages: Spanish, Italian, Greek, English (learning) Website: InterBasket Teams (jersey): Spanish National Team (8), Saski Baskonia Vitoria Juniors, Diputación Foral Alava, Lucentum Alicante, Tau Cerámica (8), Toronto Raptors (8) IBN Notes: "Calderon is fast as hell and has a nice touch from the outside. On defence he puts good pressure on the ball. In general, his playmaking skills are superior to (Mike) James’. But there is one thing above all that makes him special. And it's leadership. He is a true floor general, making his teammates to fully commit with the team. He irradiates a contagious positive attitude. Winning attitude. Calderon is what this team needs right now." (thanks to Kenzuke_Nakanomachi for the comments) Quotes: ''Jose's a very smart player, he's a guy who knows the game.'' - Morris Peterson, Toronto Raptors Forward/Guard
From our forum:  Jose Calderon Thread  Espana Basketball Forum  Article(s):  Jose's Long Journey From Spain (Toronto Star) Rookie Calderon Asserts Himself Well (TSN.ca 2005)  Calderon Transitions to NBA (TSN.ca 2005)