Spain - Juan Antonio San Epifanio “Epi”

DOB: 12 June1959
Place of birth: Zaragoza (ESP)
Height: 198cm
Weight: 90kg
Position: Small Forward

Juan Antonio San Epifanio Ruiz was born on 12th June 1959 in Zaragoza, Spain.

Considered on of the greatest small forwards in the history of the European game, ‘Epi’ – as he’s known – played his entire professional career at FC Barcelona, spending an impressive 18 seasons at the club between 1977 and 1995.

A member of the Barcelona team that broke the dominance of arch-rivals Real Madrid, Epi captured the first of his seven league titles in 1981. His trophy cabinet also includes ten Copa del Rey, one Korac Cup and two Saporta Cups. During his time with the club, Barcelona also made the European Champions Cup final on three occasions, while the title eluded them each time.

He is remembered for scoring 54 points – the second highest game total in Spanish league history – against Joventut during the 1983-1984 season.

A regular feature with Spain’s junior team, Epi made his senior team debut in 1978 in a qualifying tournament for the 1979 EuroBasket in Turin.

For the next fifteen years Epi would be the linchpin of the Spanish team, participating in three World Championships (1982, 1986, 1994) and a record four Olympic Games (1980, 1984, 1988, 1992). With 239 games for the national team, he holds the country’s record for appearances and his 3’358 points scored in those games have ensured him legendary status in Spain.