Joao Braga Class: Sophomore Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil High School: Guilherme Dumont Villares Height / Weight: 6-3 / 206 Position: G

GENERAL...True point guard who makes those around him better through his deft distribution of the basketball... Brings international experience to the Siena program with basketball knowledge well beyond his years... Strong, competitive player who is comfortable with the basketball on the perimeter or driving the lane.

BEFORE SIENA...Made a name for himself this past summer when he was selected to the All-Star team in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Americas Program... Played for several club teams in Brazil, including: Continental Parque Clube (finished fourth in the San Paulo) from 1995-2000, Circulo Militar de SP in 2001, CA Monte Libano in 2002 (finished third in state), Sao Paolo FC (was selected to the all-star team) in 2003 and A Hebraica de SP (finished third in state) in 2004.

PERSONAL... Born on September 15, 1987 in San Paulo, Brazil... An undecided business major at Siena... Has one younger sister, Barbara (14).

The Joao Braga File

Who has been more instrumental in you making it to the Division I level of basketball? Definitely my dad

What's your favorite sports teams? All the New York teams because it's my new home

If you could play one person one-on-one who would it be and why? Pistol Pete. He was one of the greatest showman players. Also there's not much footage of him, so I'm curious

Who first introduced the game of basketball to you? Explain. My dad when I was five. He was a player and a coach

What made you choose Siena? They wanted me so bad here and that made me want them too

On those long bus rides what song would we hear you play the most? U2 "Where the Streets Have No Name."

What was your single best feeling during your playing career? Probably when I was 12 and I hit two winning free throw's in an important game

If you could be interviewed by one person in the media, who would it be and why? Silvio Santos. He is the smartest and most charismatic television host in Brazil

What did your off-season workout routine consist of? I practiced with my Brazilian team five times a week and lifted three times with a personal trainer

What unpopular movies do you love? Elvis' movies

What is your goal for this season? To get the most playing time I can while experiencing the excitement of American College Basketball.

Tell me something about you that might surprise me? JG stands for Joao Guilherme (my whole first name) and its translation is John William.

Who on the coaching staff would you most like to play one-on-one and why? Coach Buonaguro. He's got a nice shot.

What has been the most surprising thing about your college experience so far? Time management is challenging in college even for an organized person like myself

Favorite bus movie? Remember the Titans

The opponent this year that you most want to beat and why? Syracuse. Isn't it obvious?