Lorenzo Mata


Lorenzo Mata-Real is an American professional basketball player in Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional. He was the center for the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team from 2004–05 until 2007–08, and was an important part of their final four runs in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Born in the United States, Mata has also played for the Mexico national team.

High school

Mata averaged 25.0 points and 15.0 rebounds in his senior season. He led the South Gate Rams to an 18–8 overall record, an unbeaten Eastern League mark and one playoff victory. In the L.A. City Sectional quarterfinal game, future UCLA teammate Josh Shipp's Fairfax High School team defeated South Gate 89–85. In his junior year he led South Gate to their first playoff victory in 11 years.

UCLA career

Mata was recruited by Ben Howland along with Jordan Farmar, Josh Shipp, and Arron Afflalo to attend UCLA. These four led UCLA to the Final Four in back to back seasons. His stats improved each year at UCLA, scoring 6.7 points and pulling down 5.5 rebounds while shooting 67% from the floor during his junior year. In his senior season he added his mother's last name to his jersey.

Professional career

After going undrafted in the 2008 NBA draft, Mata tried out for a team in the Japanese pro league. He then signed onto the Los Angeles Lakers summer league team in order to make a name for himself among NBA scouts.
Mata played in the LNBP for the Halcones de Xalapa and for the Mexico National Team, and for Piratas de Quebradillas, with whom he won the 2013 BSN Championship.
In 2013, Mata helped lead Mexico to victory in the Gold medal game against Puerto Rico at the FIBA Americas Championship.

Pan American Games