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Sofoklis Schortsanitis (Greek: Σοφοκλής Σχορτσανίτης; born June 22, 1985 in Tiko, Cameroon) is a Greek professional basketball player who currently plays for Olympiacos BC in Greece. A 6'10", 290 lbs. power-forward, Schortsanitis was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2nd round (34th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. His nicknames are Baby Shaq and Big Sofo. Schortsanitis has been playing at professional level in the Greek league since he was a teenager, beginning with the club Iraklis, where he averaged 6.4 minutes and 2.6 points per game. After his return to Greece he made a great effort to once again become the player with "unlimited potential" that had NBA scouts interested and his dramatic increase of ability is closely linked to Olympiacos BC's attempt to regain its past glory days. For the 2005-2006 season, George Garbolas chose him to be Olympiacos BC's new power forward. The press critisized the signing, stating that Schortsianitis is too heavy, but Garbolas proved everyone wrong, as he encouraged Big Sofo to lose weight. The power-forward became a vital member of the team, and his performances impressed Panagiotis Giannakis who called Schortsianitis to the Greek national team. After some friendly and qualifiers, his first appearance at a major competition was at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, where Greece won the silver medal. Most notably, he managed impressive dunks against China's Yao Ming and the Mike Krzyzewski-coached USA team. Schortsanitis is of Cameroonian origin on his mother's side and Greek Macedonian on his father's. [1] Notes and references Links
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