Marc Gasol Sáez was born January 29, 1985 in Spain. He is the younger brother of NBA star Pau Gasol, who was born in 1980.
Gasol would grow up in the Barcelona area, but moved to Memphis with his family when Pau had his rights traded to the Memphis Grizzlies after being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2001. Nicknamed "The Big Burrito", Gasol dominated in high school: His senior year he averaged 26 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks per game, and was named Division 2's Mr. Basketball.
After graduating high school, Marc returned to play in the Liga ACB for FC Barcelona. He played well in the 2006 FIBA World Championship, and then accepted an offer from Akasvayu Girona. Gasol played there for two season and was was named the 2008 ACB Most Valuable Player.
In the 2007 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the 48th overall pick. On February 1, 2008, the Lakers traded his rights to the Memphis Grizzlies for his brother, Pau. It's the only time in NBA history someone has been traded for his brother.
Since joining the Grizzlies in 2008, Gasol has done nothing but get better. He is a two-time All-Star, including this season, and the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. This season he's averaging 18.9 points a game and 8.2 rebounds with 1.7 blocks. With Memphis playing as one of the best teams in the league, Gasol is a legit MVP candidate.
Here's to you Marc Gasol. Happy 30th Birthday.
