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The Seattle SuperSonics today announced they have signed 2005 draft pick Mickael Gelabale (pronounced MEE-kah-el Jhay-la-BAHL) . The Sonics selected the 6-7 guard/forward from France in the second round, 48th pick overall, of the 2005 NBA Draft.

“It’s good we’ve signed Mickael before he goes to play for the French National Team later this week,” Sonics General Manager Rick Sund said. “He should be able to add depth and athleticism at our Sonics perimeter.”

Last season, Gelabale averaged 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 23.1 minutes in 22 games with Real Madrid in Spain. In 2004-05, he posted 7.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 24.0 mpg with Real Madrid as the club won the Spanish National Championship. Gelabale made his pro debut with Cholet Basket in France’s Pro A League in 2001 and remained with the team through the 2003-04 season. He was selected to the 2004 French All-Star Game.

The Seattle Sonics & Storm organization manages the Puget Sound region’s professional basketball franchises – the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. The organization oversees all sales, marketing, finance, public relations and basketball operations for the teams. The Basketball Club of Seattle LLC owns both teams.

Discuss Gelabale and the team on the Seattle Sonics Forum.