2013 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame: profile of Maria Paula Gonçalves Da Silva (BRA)

MIES (FIBA Hall of Fame) - On Monday 27 May, FIBA announced the 2013 Class of Inductees of the FIBA Hall of Fame. Over the next three weeks (weekdays from 28 May to 12 June), we will profile all 12 of the inductees. Today we look at Brazil's Maria Paula Gonçalves Da Silva.

An iconic figure in Brazilian basketball, Maria Paula Goncalves Da Silva is entering the FIBA Hall of Fame.

A protagonist for the national side throughout her career, the 1.74m 'Magic Paula' amazed with her dribbling, passing and scoring.

The point guard, who came into the world on the 11th of March, 1962, truly was a wizard when the ball was in her hands.

Never was the native of Osvaldo Cruz, Sao Paulo, more important to her Brazil team than in a Semi-Final clash with the United States at the 1994 FIBA World Championship for Women in Australia.

In that young but star-laden American side were Teresa Edwards, Dawn Staley, Sheryl Swoops, Ruthie Bolton Holifield and Lisa Leslie.

But the Brazilians had the dynamic trio of Hortencia Marcari, Janeth Arcain and Magic Paula in their squad.

The players on both teams seemed to run up and down the court at a 100mph that day and mesmerized fans with a scoring explosion the Brazilians ultimately won, 110-107.

Magic Paula converted 15 of 18 opportunities at the free-throw line and drilled a couple of three-balls en route to 29 points.

Brazil then capped the most famous summer in their basketball history with a 96-87 triumph over China in the Gold Medal Game.

Asked to look back at her time as a player after being told she was to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, she answered: "Surely the world title in Australia was the most important of my career and a generation.”

Two years after the world title triumph, Brazil and Magic Paula had another success.

The team reached the Final of the Atlanta Games.

Though they lost to the USA, Brazil were able to celebrate a first-ever medal in the Olympic women’s tournament.

There were other games of huge significance for Magic Paula, like the Gold Medal Game win in Havana against Cuba in the 1991 Pan American Games.

Cuba President Fidel Castro was the most famous spectator at that game.

Magic Paula is elated to be a part of the 2013 Class for the FIBA Hall of Fame.

"It is the recognition of a successful track record in basketball, marked by hard work, a lot of effort and dedication," she said.

"I want to share this award with my teammates, my coaches, my family and all the people who somehow helped and supported me.

"It is gratifying to be remembered almost 14 years after leaving the courts."

FIBA