VITALS: 7-1, 280 Akasvayu Girona (Spain) OVERVIEW: After following his brother, Memphis Grizzlies center Pau Gasol, to the United States, Gasol played two seasons of high school basketball in Tennessee. He then returned to Spain and played three campaigns with FC Barcelona before joining another Spanish club - Akasvayu Girona - this season. Gasol averaged 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds with Akasvayu Girona and also competed with Spain's national team at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second-round pick. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Rasho Nesterovic COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Bruno Sundov ROLE PROJECTION: Backup center. POSITIVES: Gasol is a very smart player who always plays for his team first, without ego. He works the boards hard and isn't afraid to get physical. He uses what he has, and that is strength and size. Gasol shocked some international basketball scouts when he showed an offensive touch at the World Championships in Japan, where he was a key bench player for the gold-medal-winning Spanish team. When he was sent on loan from Winterthur F.C. Barcelona to Akasvayu Girona for the 2006-07 season, he flourished, and showed even more offensive ability. Gasol can score in close with hooks and short jumpers. SHORTCOMINGS: Gasol is not the world's greatest athlete. He is not a great leaper, but at 7-1, he doesn't have to be in order to create a presence in the lane. Until this past season, Gasol was chained to the bench in Barcelona and never got a chance to expand his game or demonstrate his ability. If he comes to the NBA, he'll need to learn the NBA style, although he did play two seasons of high school basketball in the United States. Gasol is not close to brother Pau in talent, but he is a solid center prospect.
