Spirou Charleroi announces forward Mickael Gelabale

Belgacom Spirou Basket added experience and versatility before the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds by signing forward Mickael Gelabale to a one-year deal on Thursday. Gelabale (2.01 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Asvel Basket, where he averaged 12.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in six Eurocup games last season. He also played the 2009-10 Eurocup with Cholet Basket and helped the team win the French League that season. Gelabale was named MVP of the 2009-10 French League final. Before joining Cholet, he finished the 2008-09 season with Los Angeles of the D-League, where he recorded 16 points in six games. Gelabale played for Cholet at the start of his career and took part in two ULEB Cup campaigns before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2004. He helped Madrid win the Spanish League title in 2005 and then moved overseas to play for Seattle in the NBA, where he spent two years. Gelabale is an accomplished dunker, who won the Spanish League Slam Dunk contest in 2004 and 2005. He is also a member of the French national team, with whom he won a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2005.