From Malaga to the NBA: Famous Graduates of the Unicaja Malaga Academy

The Unicaja Malaga Academy is more than just a training center. It is a talent factory whose graduates play in the NBA, EuroLeague, and for national teams. Each of their stories is proof that the path from Malaga to the top of world basketball is real.

Domantas Sabonis — 3-Time NBA All-Star

Domantas Sabonis is the most famous graduate of the Unicaja Academy. The Lithuanian center came through the club's youth system before becoming one of the NBA's best players.

Achievements: - 3-time NBA All-Star Game participant - NBA rebounding leader for three consecutive seasons - First Unicaja graduate to become an All-Star

Sabonis is living proof that the Unicaja training system can develop a player to the highest level.

Fran Vazquez — 11th Pick in the NBA Draft

Fran Vazquez was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft — one of the highest draft positions among Spanish players. Before that, he won the Copa del Rey with Unicaja.

Achievements: - 11th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft (Orlando Magic) - Copa del Rey champion with Unicaja (2005) - 3 Spanish league titles - EuroLeague champion - ACB all-time blocks leader

Today, Vazquez is part of the Unicaja coaching staff, where he focuses on developing young talent.

Alex Abrines — From Malaga to the Oklahoma City Thunder

Alex Abrines spent key formative seasons in Malaga before moving to Barcelona and then to the NBA. Three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder established him as one of Spanish basketball's top shooters.

Yannick Nzosa — Young Talent in the NBA

Yannick Nzosa was selected by the Washington Wizards in the NBA Draft, becoming yet another confirmation of the academy's training quality. His physical attributes and shot-blocking ability were honed within the Unicaja system.

Active NCAA Prospects

The academy continues to supply talent at the highest levels. Unicaja graduates currently play at top NCAA universities:

• - Mario Saint-Supery — Gonzaga (MVP U16 European Championship)
• - Ruben Dominguez — Texas A&M (MVP U16 European Championship)
• - Guillermo del Pino — Maryland (MVP U16 European Championship)
• - Alvaro Folgueiras — Iowa
• - Pablo Tamba — LSU
• - Marcus Moller — Michigan

What All Graduates Have in Common

Each of these players went through the same system: training at Los Guindos, living at La Termica, playing matches at Martin Carpena. The Unicaja Academy provides more than just skills — it builds a professional mindset.

Your Child Could Be Next

The Unicaja Malaga Academy continues to scout talent worldwide. If your child dreams of professional basketball, this is the place where dreams become careers.