VITALS: 6-7, 215, Real Madrid (Spain) OVERVIEW: In his debut season with Real Madrid in 2004-05, Gelabale scored 7.9 points on 55 percent shooting and grabbed 3.4 rebounds. In Euroleague play, the 22-year-old raised his play, scoring 8.2 points while shooting 61 percent and pulling down 4.3 boards in 19 games. Gelabale, who made his professional debut in the top league in France in 2001, averaged 4.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in parts of three seasons with Cholet Basket. A native of Pointe Noire, France, the forward competed in the 2004 French All-Star game. He also has been a member of the French Under-20 National Team. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Late first round or early second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Michael Finley COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Calbert Cheaney ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve small forward. POSITIVES: Gelabale has impressed European basketball onlookers with his rapid development in his first season in Spain. Real Madrid is one of the most storied teams in all of Europe and not an easy place for a young player to get playing time. Gelabale has done that and helped Real Madrid reach the ACB (Spanish League) final round. He uses his athletic ability to do all the little things for his team. He gets loose balls, makes the extra pass and hits the offensive boards. SHORTCOMINGS: Gelabale does not yet have the consistent perimeter game one might expect from a small forward. He will have to continue to do the little things to help his team win until he can extend his shooting range. He had not played outside France until this season, so an adjustment to the NBA is in order.
