Gary Neal

Gary Neal joined AXA Barça in February 2008 after successful stints at Towson University and in the Turkish league.

Guard Gary Neal is 1.93m tall and was born in Aberdeen (Maryland) on 11th March 1984. He learned his craft at Towson University and joined AXA FC Barcelona from Turkish club Pinar Karsiyaka, one of the biggest team in Turkey that he led to a place in the top six of the Turkish league. His aim now is to build on his university and Turkish experience.

Neal was not drafted though he played an important role with Towson University. Last season he played 32 games with an average of 25.3 points and 36.5 minutes per game. He averaged 44.6 % of field throws, 83.6 % free throws and 33.5 % in triples.

He was watched by teams such as Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards but nothing came together and he decided to try his luck in Europe. This was a risky move at the age of 23 but it turned out well and he demonstrated his ability to lead Pinar Karsikaya. At Barcelona he has the chance to maintain that progression. He has signed a contract for the rest of the 2007-08 season with an option to extend for another season.

PROFILE

Gary Neal’s main strength is his versatility. Players of his characteristics are known in the USA as 'combo guards', in that they combine the characteristics of a shooting guard and a point guard. Gary Neal shoots well, takes the rebounds and is a good finisher. He’s intelligent and takes the best option. He’s a player that doesn’t hide when it comes to taking decisions in a game.