Luis Scola (PF, Indiana Pacers), Argentina
Height: 2.06m, 6-foot-9 | Weight: 109kg, 240 pounds | Born: 30 April, 1980
--
A veteran knows how to handle business, regardless of his role.
For the 2013-14 season, Luis Scola went from starting for the Suns to coming off the bench for the Pacers. The amiable Scola took the change in stride, remarking only that he was "going to need a coat" for Indiana, and settled into his new role, bringing the Pacers two things they sorely needed: veteran leadership and bench scoring.
In Indiana, Scola played far fewer minutes and posted his lowest averages in seven years, but the accomplished low-post scorer made do by becoming a key off-the-bench threat knocking 47 percent of his two-point shots.
There were flashes of brilliance too: in a start against the Bucks on 9 April, the Argentine legend proved Larry Bird right for picking him up by posting 24 points (11-of-17 shooting), nine rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes. During the postseason, he helped shut down Atlanta by scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds in Game 2 of the Playoffs. And in a grueling series against Miami, Scola put up 12 points in Game 4.
Scola has another year with the Pacers. And after the show he put on at FIBA this summer, he looks ready to make more noise for Indy.
Key Stats
2013-14 Season: GP: 82 | MP: 17.1 | PTS: 7.6 | REB: 4.8 | AST: 1.0 | FG%: 47.0%
Season Highlight: Scola had 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists for a win against the Milwaukee Bucks on 9 April.
Achievements/Awards
*Olympic gold medal (2004)
*FIBA Americas Champion (2001, 2011)
* NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008)
*3× FIBA Championship MVP (2007, 2009, 2011)
*2× Spanish League MVP (2005, 2007)
*2× All-Euroleague First Team (2006, 2007)
*Spanish Supercup MVP (2005)
Five Things To Know
1. He and his wife have four children, ages 7, 6, 4 and 2. He makes his off-season home in his native Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2. He'll wear No. 4 for the Pacers, worn last season by Sam Young. He has worn that number throughout his career, but had to wear 14 in Phoenix because Marcin Gortat had already claimed 4.
3. He has a sense of humor. Asked how long he wants to play in the NBA, he said, "I will play until somebody says 'You cannot play no more. Get out of here. Go home. We don't want you.'" Asked about his initial reaction upon hearing of the trade to the Pacers, he said, "My first reaction was that I need a coat."
4. He is the lowest-drafted player on the Pacers' roster. He was taken with the 56th pick by San Antonio in 2002, but did not enter the NBA until 2007 after playing in Argentina and Europe. C.J. Watson and Donald Sloan were not drafted.
5. Charles Barkley was his idol when he was growing up.
Check out Scola's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
Previous: Dennis Schroder (Atlanta Hawks, Germany) | Next Up: Thabo Sefolosha (Atlanta Hawks, Switzerland)