The evolution of Marc Gasol in photos

BARCELONA (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - When Spain show up in Romania to defend their FIBA EuroBasket crown, the fans will get to see up close one of the best stories in basketball for the past decade.

Marc Gasol, who early on didn't look as if he'd make the same type of impact on the sport as his older brother, Pau, blossomed into one of the greatest players in basketball today.

A former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and starting center in the All-Star Game as a Memphis Grizzlies pivot, Marc Gasol has been an integral part of Spain's success, too. A tad overweight at the start of his career, Gasol is now a strapping 2.16m (7ft 1in) in height and 116kg (255lbs) in weight. There is plenty of muscle and hair.

Here's a look back in photos at one of the best centers in the world.

"The Big Burrito" was Division 2's Mr. Basketball in 2003 in Tennessee

Gasol was a man mountain at the U20 European Championship 2005

Gasol helped Spain win the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Japan

 A hirsute Gasol averaged 10.4 minutes per game at FIBA EuroBasket 2007

 Gasol was a force in the lane at the 2008 Beijing Games

 A trimmer, slimmer Gasol helped Spain win their

 

EuroBasket gold in 2009 The big center didn't have his own way against Lithuania in 2010 

In 2011, Pau had his brother's back as Spain romped to the title in Lithuania

Gasol brought out the gun show at the 2012 Olympics

At EuroBasket 2013, Gasol led Spain past Croatia

Gasol visited the barber before playing at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup

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