For a natural-born winner, getting the sweet taste of winning the Euroleague is reason enough to be extremely motivated to try to lift the trophy again. If you add that Pete Mickeal comes off an injury-plagues season in which some even doubted that he would ever play again at this level, the challenge – and the opportunity - is even bigger. No player will be more motivated than Mickeal, whose aggressiveness, winning mentality, experience and strength are critical for FC Barcelona Regal to get back to the Final Four and try to win another Euroleague crown.

Because of his versatility, athleticism and quick feet, Mickeal is a natural mismatch. Not only does he boast a very high basketball IQ, but is able to score with either hand around the basket. Mickeal can slash to the basket or use his one-on-one skills to beat his opponent. He has worked hard on his outside shot too, and is better than ever now. In other words, Mickeal is the complete package and never, ever gives up.

The road to Euroleague success has not been easy for Mickeal since he joined Peristeri in the 2003-04 season. Mickeal moved to Makedonikos, which he led to the ULEB Cup title game in 2005. After a season in Spain with Leche Rio Breogan and another in South Korea with Daegu Orions, Mickeal made his Euroleague debut with Tau Ceramica in 2007-08 and helped the team make it to the Final Four for the fourth consecutive season. Mickeal has been in the Euroleague since then. He earned November 2009 MVP honors and helped Barcelona win its second Euroleague title in 2010. A two-time Spanish League champion, Mickeal wants to keep adding new hardware to Barcelona's trophy case and the Euroleague title is his main goal.

Mickeal missed most of the 2010-11 season due to a pulmonary embolism, an arterial blockage of the lung. Barcelona showed trust and confidence by extending his contract for two more years and Mickeal has delivered as always by offering instant offense and character. With Barcelona superstar Juan Carlos Navarro sidelined for the start of the Top 16, Mickeal will see extended playing time and responsibilities. He is shooting better than ever from downtown (8-of-13, 61.5%) and is one of the leading free throw shooters in competition history (8th overall; 188 of 213; 88.3%). At age 33, Mickeal keeps proving the non-believers wrong with his rock-solid play.

In less than 22 minutes per night, Mickeal is averaging 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds until now. Always thinking team first, Mickeal has great faith in head coach Xavi Pascual, who has always believed in him. Mickeal is one of the team's leaders in defense and helped Barcelona limits its opponents to just 59.9 points in the regular season. On a team with so many Euroleague stars playing together for several years, Mickeal is a critical piece of the puzzle due to his determination, will and courage. Mickeal will not be satisfied until the club wins another Euroleague title.