Prospect Profile

An early entry candidate for the 2009 NBA Draft before withdrawing his name from consideration.

Career Highlights: Began his career with Brazilian club COC Ribeirao Preto, playing two seasons at first and second level leagues. Moved to Spain in 2006-07, playing for Clinicas Rincon Axarquia, Unicaja Malaga’s vinculated team. Spent three seasons there, also making appearances for Unicaja in the last two. Joined C.B Murcia in 2009-10 on loan from Unicaja and is experiencing his first full season in the Spanish ACB. Has played for Brazil’s national team at the junior and senior level.

2009-10: In the Spanish ACB for C.B. Murcia this season, is averaging 9.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 0.7 blocks and 0.8 steals in 24.1 minutes over his first 28 appearances. Has compiled four double-doubles and scored in double figures in seven straight contests during one stretch. Top performances for the year have included 16 points (7-7 FGs) and 11 rebounds vs. Granada; 14 points and nine rebounds vs. Bizkaia Bilbao; 10 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks vs. DKV Joventut; 12 points and 10 rebounds vs. Unicaja; 12 points and nine rebounds vs. Manresa; 10 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes vs. Xacobeo BS; nine points and 13 rebounds vs. Bizkaia Bilbao.

2008-09: In Spain’s LEB Gold for Clinicas Rincon Axarquia, averaged 14.8 points and 0.9 blocks in 27.4 minutes, and ranked second in the league in rebounding (9.5 rpg). Played one game in the ACB for Unicaja Malaga and posted 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes. Also appeared in one Euroleague contest for that club, posting 10 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes vs Lottomatica Roma.

2007-08: In the LEB Bronze for Clinicas Rincon Axarquia, finished fourth in the league in scoring (17.1 ppg) and first in rebounding (9.3 rpg) while also adding 1.2 blocks in 30.7 minutes per game. For Unicaja in the ACB, averaged 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 8.0 minutes in two appearances. Played five games in the Euroleague and averaged 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game. Registered a DNP in Unicaja’s 102-99 defeat of the Memphis Grizzlies in a exhibition match during NBA Europe Live.

2006-07: In Spain’s LEB2 for Clinicas Rincon Axarquia, averaged 11.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 22.1 minutes per outing over 34 appearances. Representing Brazil at the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Championship, averaging 23.0 points, 14.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.4 minutes per outing. Had over 14 rebounds in seven of nine appearances. Top performances included: 31 points and 14 rebounds vs. Serbia, 29 points and 14 rebounds vs. France, 26 points and 14 rebounds vs. China; 26 points and 13 rebounds vs. the United States (against future NBA big men DeAndre Jordan, Michael Beasley and Donte Greene); and 26 points and 19 rebounds vs. Lithuania.

2005-06: In the Brazilian National League, averaged 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 19 minutes over 15 appearances for COC Ribeirao Preto. At the 2006 FIBA Americas U-18 Championship, averaged 20.8 points (2nd in the tournament), 14.2 rebounds (first) and 2.5 blocks in 25.2 minutes per game as he led Brazil to a third-place finish. Shot 55.9 percent from the field. Had 27 points and 26 rebounds vs. Canada, grabbing an incredible 17 offensive rebounds and blocking five shots. Totaled 25 points and 16 rebounds in 25 minutes vs. Argentina. Collected 21 points (7-10 FGs) and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes vs. a United States team that included future NBAers Spencer Hawes, Beasley, Greene, Jerryd Bayless and Jonny Flynn. Also played for Brazil’s senior national team at the 2006 South American Championship and averaged 2.0 points and 0.5 rebounds.

2004-05: Averaged 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 10 minutes over 11 contests for COC Ribeirao Preto in Brazil’s Paulista League. In international competition, helped Brazil capture the Bronze at the U-18 South American Championships.

Personal: Known as “Paulao” in his native Brazil.