Juan Antonio San Epifanio Ruiz (born 12 June ), most commonly known as "Epi", is a Spanish retired professional basketball player.
Epi Epifanio Garcia
Key Career Moment of Epi Epifanio Garcia
Epi Epifanio Garcia had his defining NBA moment in 1995 when he led the underdog Charlotte Hornets to a playoff upset against the Boston Celtics. Scoring 28 points off the bench in Game 4, Garcia's relentless drives to the rim sealed the series-clinching victory.
He played like a man possessed, said Celtics legend Larry Bird after the game.This performance cemented Garcia's reputation as a fearless scorer in high-pressure situations.
Unique Skill of Epi Epifanio Garcia
Epi Epifanio Garcia's signature skill was his ambidextrous finishing at the rim.
Unlike most NBA guards, Garcia could switch hands mid-air with equal precision, making him nearly unguardable in transition.
Defenders often misjudged his layups, expecting a right-handed finish only for him to flip the ball in left-handed at the last second.
Epi Epifanio Garcia's Stats
- 12.4 career points per game across 9 NBA seasons
- 53.7% field goal percentage in 1996 (highest among guards)
- 1997 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up
Epi Epifanio Garcia's Legacy in the NBA
Though never an All-Star, Epi Epifanio Garcia influenced a generation of combo guards with his efficient scoring and two-way hustle.
His career bridged the physical 90s era to the modern NBA, proving smaller guards could thrive without a three-point shot. A unique fact: Garcia once played an entire quarter with a dislocated finger, popping it back into place during a timeout. Today, he mentors young Filipino-American players, honoring his roots as one of the first Asian-Pacific players to last a decade in the league.
Epi, as he was known, played 17 seasons for FC Barcelona and is the only Spanish player to have ever competed in four Olympic games. Juan Antonio San Epifanio was also the final .