Greivis Vásquez
A fiery Venezuelan playmaker who carved out an eight-year NBA career with sheer grit and an unshakable competitive swagger.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Venezuelan basketball player and coach·Birthday: January 16·Millennials
Biography
Greivis Vásquez's journey to the NBA reads like an underdog manifesto. Leaving his native Caracas for a Maryland high school, he brought a palpable, infectious passion to the court that became his trademark. At the University of Maryland, he evolved into a college star, orchestrating the offense with a creative flair and defiant confidence that made him a fan favorite. Drafted in the first round in 2010, his NBA tenure was a testament to resilience. Not the most athletic guard, Vásquez compensated with high basketball IQ, crafty passing, and a fearless approach, most notably winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2011. He became a beloved figure for the Venezuelan national team, carrying their hopes on the international stage. After his playing days, he smoothly transitioned into coaching, taking his veteran savvy to the G League. His story is one of relentless self-belief, proving that heart and court vision can open doors at the highest level.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Greivis was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Greivis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Greivis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played eight seasons in the NBA for six different franchises, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors.
- Named the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2011 while with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Had a standout collegiate career at the University of Maryland, earning ACC Player of the Year honors in 2010.
- Represented the Venezuelan national team in multiple FIBA Americas championships.
Did You Know?
He recorded a triple-double in his final home game at the University of Maryland.
He is one of only three players in University of Maryland history to record over 2,000 points and 700 assists.
He played his high school basketball at Montrose Christian School alongside fellow future NBA player Kevin Durant.
“I play with my heart. I play with passion. That's just the way I am.”
