Career: Atenas Cordoba (Argentina, 1995-1998), Olympiakos Piraeus (Greece-ESAKE, 1998-99), Tau Vitoria (Spain-ACB, 1999-2002), Pamesa Valencia (Spain-ACB, 2002-2005), San Antonio Spurs (USA-NBA, 2005-06).

Nine years ago, when he took part in the McDonald's Championship in Paris with Atenas Cordoba, Fabricio Oberto soon realized that something had changed for him. NBA franchises were knocking at the door. He thought it was time, but it didn't happen. Then, the next year, he signed with Olympiakos who put an NBA escape clause in the contract that was worth more than 800.000 dollars. That's pretty much what Vitoria and Valencia did as well when Oberto joined them later on. At first, Oberto was troubled by the missed opportunity. Then, he forgot about it. Last year, at 30, the clause was only 250.000 dollars, so he took a chance and signed with the Spurs. He knew he wouldn't play much, but he wanted to experience playing with Manu Ginobili, whom he says, "you always learn from".

On the most European team in the NBA, Oberto enjoyed his rookie season. But averaging just eight minutes of playing time, he was missing something. He will have the opportunity to spend some time on the court in Japan, in a much valued role - the national team's starting center and its defensive coordinator.