Elvis Evora

The most physically strong player on the Portuguese National Team, Èlvis Evora has proven himself to be a key for the side. The Cabo Verde native did not start playing organised basketball until he was 19 years old but in the intervening years Evora has worked incredibly hard to improve his once rough game.  A great rebounder and good passer, the 2.05 m big man has the strength to easily get position on the offensive end but still has to improve his lateral moves on defense and his shooting touch. His years with Porto have allowed him to gain invaluable experience at the European level and he has taken an important role with the National Team since 2001. Evora played in Spain’s Liga LEB for a year where he performed well, averaging 4.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game and shooting 54% from the floor.  In the Qualifying Round of the 2007 Eurobasket, Evora played admirably against centers like Todor Gecevski and Ryan Stack of F.Y.R of Macedonia and Jamie Arnold of Israel.  Evora will surely be extremely motivated to play at the EuroBasket and show all of Europe his skills.