Tropics Alumni

Guillermo Diaz

Combo Guard

6-2, 190

Current: Pepsi Caserta (Italy)

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers ('07-'08)

College: Miami (FL) ('03-'06)

HS: Miami Christian ('02-'03)

Birthplace: Carolina, Puerto Rico

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BIO

PRO
Diaz made his NBA regular-season debut on Jan. 15, 2008, grabbing 1 rebound in 5 minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers in a 97-90 win over the Phoenix Suns. His first point came on a free throw on Jan. 18 vs. Utah, and his first field goal was vs. New Orleans on Jan. 25. In 2006, Diaz became just the 5th Puerto Rican ever drafted by the NBA - 2nd-round pick, No. 52 overall, by the Clippers. He spent the 2006-2007 season playing pro ball in Europe, first for Nymburk, the top team in the Czech Republic, and then for Patras, a first-division team in Greece. Diaz also played in the Vegas Summer League in 2006 and 2007.

MAKING HISTORY
Diaz became the first Puerto Rican to play in the NBA without having previously played for his home country's pro league or national team.

COLLEGE
Despite playing just three years at the University of Miami, Diaz is the 10th-leading scorer in school history. He made All-ACC second team and All-District first team in his final two years. As a junior, he averaged 17.2 points, leading UM in scoring for the second straight year. He also led UM in assists and led the Canes to their first NIT appearance in 43 years. As a sophomore, he averaged 18.6 points, was second in the ACC in scoring and was named Miami's MVP. As a freshman, he made 18 starts and averaged 11.8 points. He made the All-Big East Freshman Team.

HIGH SCHOOL
Played one season at Miami Christian, averaging 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He won all five dunk contests he entered, including in Iolani Classic in Hawaii, the Orlando Showcase and the Charm City Challenge in Baltimore. He was also the MVP in the Slam Dunk To the Beach in Lewes, Del. He was named All-Tournament in Hawaii and All-Tournament at the Nike Extravaganza in Los Angeles.

PERSONAL
Born: March 4, 1985 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. ... Growing up, he used his 42-inch vertical leap to become a world-class youth volleyball player. ... His nickname is Superman and his complete name is Guillermo Jose Diaz. ... His brother, Carlos Escalera, is a former MVP in Puerto Rico's pro league and also a member of the Tropics family.