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Fran VazquezSpanish professional basketball player
Date of Birth: 01.05.1983
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Marc Gasol Biography
Early Life and NBA DraftMarc Gasol, a towering Spanish professional basketball player, was born in 1985. Selected 11th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Gasol initially declared his intent to remain in the Spanish League ACB. This unexpected decision disappointed Orlando fans, who had anticipated his arrival to join Dwight Howard for the 2005-06 season. Despite his decision, the Magic retained his NBA rights indefinitely.
ACB Career
Undeterred, Gasol signed a lucrative contract with Girona in 2005, which entered a period of financial prosperity after securing a sponsorship deal with Akasvayu. Gasol became one of the highest-paid players in the Spanish league. After an unsuccessful stint with Girona, he joined Barcelona the following season.
Success with Barcelona
With Barcelona, Gasol flourished, capturing the Copa del Rey in 2006-2007. He set a record for blocks (12) in a game against Valladolid, as Barcelona emerged victorious with a score of 58-65. Notably, Gasol achieved a triple-double that same season, becoming only the sixth ACB player to do so since 1989.
European and International Success
Gasol's exceptional performance at the 2010 Copa del Rey semi-finals and finals earned him MVP honors, leading his Barcelona team to victory. Shortly after, on May 9, 2010, he became a EuroLeague champion with Barcelona. In the championship game against Olympiacos, Barcelona dominated with an 86-68 triumph.
Gasol also represented Spain at the 2005 European Championship, where they finished fourth after losing to Germany in the semi-finals and France in the bronze medal game. He returned to the national team for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, where Spain placed sixth.
