Francisco Marinho Robby Elson (born February 28,
1976 in Rotterdam, Netherlands) is a Dutch
professional basketball player of Surinamese
descent. At 7' 0" (2.13 m) and weighing 235 lbs (107
kg), he currently plays center for the Seattle
SuperSonics of the United States' NBA. On February
21, 2008, Elson was traded by the San Antonio Spurs
along with Brent Barry to the Sonics in exchange for
Kurt Thomas.
His previous team, the Spurs, considered Elson their
most athletic "big man" of their centers and power
forwards. He has earned praise for his ability to
distribute the ball and speed. Among Spurs, he is
ranked second only to Tony Parker in speed down the
court.
Started his career at AMVJ Rotterdam (now Rotterdam
Basketbal) at the age of twelve. After a couple of
years playing he stopped. His gym teacher at the
Maria School asked him to return to the club at the
age of sixteen. Played with, amongst others, Peter
van Rij (Fairfield and Charleston Southern) in the
junior team of coach Jan Bruin in 1975. Benched in
first team Rotterdam Basketball.
