Charlie Villanueva, a member of the Detroit Pistons, is one of the most versatile and talented big men in the NBA. A Rookie of the Year Runner Up (2006), Charlie is also an active spokesman for the NAAF (National Alopecia Areata Foundation), which is aimed at helping those who suffer from Alopecia Areata, a rare skin condition that he suffers from. Charlie received the Community MVP award by the Toronto Raptors in October 2005 and again in November 2005. Selected with the seventh pick of the 2005 NBA Draft, Charlie was a member of the University of Connecticut's NCAA National Championship Team, a McDonald's High School All-American, and New Jersey's State High School Player of the Year (2003).  He joined the Detroit Pistons during the summer of 2009 as a highly sought after free agent.  His strong play and work ethic hope to be the keys to the Pistons once again joining the league's elite.  A proponent of social networking and communicating with his fans, Charlie was one of the first athletes to embrace Twitter.  His honesty and personality have made him a must follow on this platform.  A first generation American, Charlie still feels very close to the Dominican Republic a country where his parents were born.  During the summer of 2009 he was able to secure his sports citizenship and played for his ancestral homeland as they attempted to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.  He also returned to the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2008 on a charitable mission.  Through his foundation and with the help of Crocs and Excel Sports he was able to donate 20,000 pairs of shoes to needy children in the country.
 

Born: Aug 24, 1984 | Height: 6-11 | Weight: 232 lbs. | College: Connecticut | Team: Detroit Pistons | Position: Forward

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