Career: Cholet (France-Pro A, 2000-04), Real Madrid (Spain-ACB, 2004-06).

Totally unknown in Europe until two seasons ago, Gelabale blossomed at Madrid under the tutelage of coach Bozidar Maljkovic. He scored a crucial three-pointer in Real's improbable rally in Game 5 of the 2005 ACB Finals. More importantly, although nobody knew him when "Boja" recruited him, Mickaël started 23 of 34 regular season games for his ACB debut. And he was always the defender assigned to guard the opponent's top offensive threat. He earned his first start ever with the National Team last summer and went on to become a regular starter, mostly because of his defence and ability to make the right choice on offence.