The Adidas Subsequent era Event qualifier was held in Belgrade, Serbia from March 1st-Third, 2004. This was the second of 4 qualifying tournaments the place the perfect U18 golf equipment in Europe play one another for a for an auto bid to the finals that might be held in Berlin throughout the Euroleague Closing 4 (Could 24-26, 2024). The primary qualifier auto bid was earned by Actual Madrid (learn article on prime prospects from first qualifier right here). On this qualifier the 8 groups comprised of (FC Barcelona, Crevna Zvezda, Emporio Armani Milan, Hapoel Yehuda Tel Aviv, Mega Mis, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Partizan Belgrade, and the NGT (all star choose staff from area). The staff incomes the qualifying auto bid was FC Barcelona as they went an ideal 4-0 and defeated EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 104-85 within the remaining. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan having made it to the finals on this qualifier might be within the operating for the 2 or 3 at giant bids for the finals in Berlin. The following qualifier might be held for the primary time in Dubai from March 22-24. Listed here are the highest prospects from this occasion:
High Prospects:
Dame Sarr 6’6 SG Italy 2006 Born FC Barcelona | Highlights
Dame Sarr (pictured, proper) averaged 15.5 factors 4 rebounds 3.8 assists and a couple of.5 steals whereas going 14/17 (82.4%) from the free throw line in these 4 video games. I’ve written about him continuously since his FIBA European U16 displaying, as he’s proficient and performs for one of many largest golf equipment in Europe having even had a cameo on the primary staff this season. At 6’6 with an extended wingspan and good athletic attributes and dedication on protection, he’s the kind of participant that scouts pay shut consideration to. In Belgrade, he continued to point out that he’s disruptive on the defensive finish, each for guards and wings, usually making deflections and stopping the purpose of assault. On offense, he’s finest on the quick break, ending performs off or creating offensive alternatives for teammates. He’s a really keen passer, who gave just a few glorious alley oops to rolling bigs on decide and roll alternatives. He is a superb nook 3 shooter and has a floater and euro step to keep away from prices and a defensive wall on the rim. When attacking, even in half courtroom units, he displayed the flexibility to get downhill with a crossover or with a prime of the important thing decide and roll choice. Nevertheless the hole between him and another gamers in his worldwide class has narrowed. His footwork coming off screens in catch and shoot conditions is inconsistent. Resulting in at occasions gradual launch photographs or off stability photographs. As well as his shot can come off a bit of flat at occasions this mixture all through his youth profession has led to video games the place he’s 3/5 from 3 but in addition 1/7 from three. At this occasion he was 8/27 general. As well as, not like a few of his friends, on the perimeter, he nonetheless actually doesn’t have a elegant go-to transfer. He’s nonetheless a really intuition based mostly participant. When he isn’t in assault mode within the half courtroom set, he turns his physique 3/4 away from the basket, usually takes a detrimental step making it simpler for defenders to disrupt his passes and at occasions inflicting Sarr to get off-balance. He stays a prime 2006 born prospect, however by this stage it could be good to see a bit of extra polish and ability development to his recreation.
Neoklis Avdalas 6’7 CG Greece 2006 Born Karditsas (NGT Belgrade) } Highlights
After coming off a powerful displaying in Indianapolis on the BWB World, there are excessive expectations for Neoklis Avdalas. As well as the meals for thought was having performed on this competitors the final two seasons and now being on a staff of regional All Stars (NGT staff) that Avdalas would lastly be on a staff that might compete for the qualifying championship. That didn’t fairly go as deliberate because the NGT staff went a disappointing 1-3 in Belgrade. Nevertheless, Avdalas did showcase why scouts are excessive on him, as Avdalas appears the half of a professional wing. Together with his peak, size and properly constructed physique, he passes the attention take a look at. As well as, he is an effective athlete with level guard-like handles. He confirmed flashes of issues he might be: opening video games up on a primary possession decide and roll and serving his teammate with a superbly positioned alley oop, displaying good footwork after backing down an opposing wing and ending with an ideal up and below layup, or hitting a fade away baseline jumper after faking center. As well as in half courtroom units he persistently featured his behind the again dribble and crossover in opposition to opposing guards and wings. He made flashy wrap round passes to nook three level shooters and was featured as a excessive utilization offensive creator. He additionally seemed to be a tricky participant to gel with with out intensive apply. Avdalas is a methodical ball pounder. A lot in order that after the primary recreation, NGT head coach Petteri Koponen had different guards deliver the ball up courtroom to get some up tempo move to the sport after which making him a lead guard in halfcourt units. Moreover, Avdalas play choice in half courtroom units was solely in decide and roll motion the place his goal was not aggressively in search of to get downhill however to get switched on an opposing large, as a substitute of a guard, and the end result was usually lacking reads and alternatives. As well as, opposing groups began to leap the display screen and compelled him to again up and make inefficient soar passes. His penchant to aim ill-advised cross nook courtroom passes and soar passes with out a recipient explains for his 14 turnovers ( to 18 assists) in 4 video games. He would profit by making the fundamental move extra continuously and probably resulting in a extra hockey assists. When he did get the swap and was getting defended by the longer bigs, it was usually late within the shot clock (as a consequence of his methodic habits, bringing the ball up courtroom and establishing the decide and roll) forcing him to take a excessive diploma of issue, lengthy distance shot, resulting in going 3/26 from three. Refined adjustments of motion with out the ball, moving into the offense earlier, and never predetermining how he’s going to assault the decide and roll protection are areas to give attention to in enhancing his standing as a prospect and his effectivity as a scorer. His spotlight reel and intensive ability set is tantalizing however not all scoring must be attractive when successful and effectivity get compromised, each on the FIBA and ANGT stage. Avdalas has created some buzz amongst media on the BWB and confirmed sufficient right here to proceed his momentum, regardless of the aforementioned issues. He averaged 11.5 factors 5.2 rebounds 1 steal and 1 block in 4 video games.
Sayon Keita 7’0 Heart Mali 2008 Born FC Barcelona | Highlights
Sayon Keita led the match in rebounds at 10.5 and blocks at 3.5 and supplied the largest defensive performs in Belgrade. 2 years youthful than the vast majority of gamers at this occasion, on protection he primarily performed a drop on decide and roll however every so often he was capable of soar the decide and roll and recuperate in time for blocks. He has good lateral motion on switches and was capable of preserve smaller perimeter gamers from getting downhill, forcing gamers to shoot lengthy distance photographs over his intensive size. On offense, he showcased nice fingers, catching each bounce passes on the transfer and lobs for alley oops. A powerful offensive rebounder together with his athleticism and fingers, he additionally created a number of scoring alternatives. He out runs most entrance courtroom gamers, giving the offense a fast rating in a secondary quick break. He units well timed and robust picks, each on the prime of the important thing and on the wing. Hustles each on offense and protection and tends to maneuver properly as each a assist defender and to search out the open spot on offense when he’s with out the ball with well timed cuts and normal motion. He’s nonetheless very uncooked offensively. Lacks a real publish transfer and infrequently drops the ball waist stage when making a publish transfer, permitting smaller perimeter gamers to become involved with reaching for the ball. Nonetheless wants work as a passer, each because the excessive man in a excessive/low and on the block. Shot 8/14 from the free throw line, however will not be but a decide and pop or perimeter menace.
Kasparas Jakucionis 6’5 CG Lithuania 2006 Born FC Barcelona Highlights
Kasparas Jakucionis adopted up a powerful BWB World Camp in Indianapolis by successful MVP of this match in Belgrade. Averaging 17 factors 7 rebounds 6.2 assists (to three.5 turnovers) and a couple of.2 steals. He showcased a really mature recreation in half courtroom units. Utilizing decide and rolls to get downhill and creating contact to get to the free throw line (the place he was an ideal 27/27). He has a really compact and clean soar shot, permitting him to be very environment friendly within the mid vary. As well as he is superb off the ball with sturdy cuts and nice footwork off catch and shoot alternatives. Will make and take facet step and step again threes however at this occasion general was surprisingly solely 7/23 from lengthy distance. Defensively competes to cease the purpose of assault and rotates properly on the assistance facet. Lacks elite athleticism or size on switches on the block however anticipates properly within the passing lane which permits him to get an excellent share of steals. Whereas he has improved dramatically on this class, there are nonetheless questions if he can man the purpose guard place on the highest stage as he nonetheless has difficulties together with his handles when pressured by a powerful defender or double teamed. He’s an unlikely one and achieved early entrant NBA draft candidate presently, however after observing his progress over two seasons, there isn’t any query that he’s a employee and a excessive basketball IQ participant who can shoot. It’s extremely possible that he’ll eclipse gamers ranked increased in his class just a few years down the street.
Abdramane Siby 6’11 Heart Mali 2006 Born Mega Mis | Highlights
Abdramane Siby was additionally on the BWB World the place he measured out with a 7’4.5 wingspan and 9’4.5 standing attain. At ANGT Belgrade he was voted on the all match staff after averaging 18.5 factors per recreation 8.8 rebounds 2.8 blocks and 1.8 steals. A rim runner, he confirmed an excellent means to complete performs off with dunks and a fluid and athletic physique. Talent sensible he’s way more superior than the earlier than talked about Sayon Keita (however is listed 2 years older and doesn’t catch the ball fairly as cleanly). Siby a pair occasions would seize the rebound and was snug sufficient together with his handles that he would deliver the ball up courtroom. He appeared properly coached, usually making the suitable reads and passes and realizing what to search for. His go to maneuver on offense was to sit down on the left block, shift the defender baseline and take one drible going proper in the direction of the center the place he may shoot a half hook. He stored the defender sincere by having a counter up and below transfer going baseline facet however there was a transparent choice that he wished to go proper to make use of his proper hand. In decide and roll conditions he’s an actual menace for a lob and together with his size has the flexibility to increase performs together with his offensive rebounding. He’s snug at prime of the important thing 3 level prolonged directing visitors to run performs and make passes. If his defender drops too far he’ll shoot and make the shot from there (going 2/6 general from 3). He had a positive whistle at this occasion taking part in in entrance of the house crowd however he didn’t shrink back from contact and was capable of get the road at a excessive clip (20/29 in 4 video games). Defensively performed primarily in a drop and intimidated opponents to keep away from the paint. In all probability wouldn’t be a positive swap on a guard on the NBA stage however held his personal in these conditions on the ANGT stage.
Denis Badalau 6’7 SF/PF Romania 2006 Born EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Highlights
Denis Badalau was one of many large winners at this occasion given he didn’t have the identical publicity as another prospects taking part in in FIBA, having performed within the European B division for Romania. A excessive motor athlete, he was voted to the all -tournament staff whereas averaging 21.2 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Badalau likes to run the lanes. Each play it appears like he’s operating the ground for a fast hitter dunk or to the corners for a possible nook three. On half courtroom units he confirmed the flexibility to catch and shoot, or pump pretend and take a one dribble mid vary soar shot. He additionally continually moved with out the ball ending performs off on cuts or on put again dunks. He’s a bit of little bit of a tweener for the NBA stage at this level. Just a little brief for an influence ahead and lacks the handles or capturing consistency for a small ahead. (He went 6/20 from three and 15/22 from the free throw line). Just a little stiff within the hips, he lacks elite lateral quickness however he makes up for it with the depth he performs on protection.
Mathieu Grujicic 6’5 SF Germany 2007 Born FC Barcelona Highlights
This was Matheiu Grujicic first main match for Barcelona after lacking out on L’Hospitalet following his switch over the summer time from Alba Berlin. Grujicic averaged 15.2 factors for the match. He has a really clean, excessive arching soar shot going 7/12 from three and 14/19 from the charity stripe. His fast launch and accuracy permits him to make lengthy distance photographs in tight areas and makes his capturing means elite. He demonstrated sufficient handles to deliver the ball up courtroom and to get downhill in half courtroom units. At this stage, he can end performs off by creating separation from his opponent through the use of his physique and scoring off the glass. He nevertheless, has athletic limitations which exhibits statistically in his lack of rebounds, steals, and blocks. Given his limitations is unlikely to create for others, thus explaining his low assists numbers (1.5). Maybe getting extra video games below his belt will result in extra consolation/effectivity. One thing to look ahead to for the 2007 born on the ANGT Finals in Berlin this Could.
Savo Drezgic 6’4 PG Serbia 2006 Born DME Academy (Partizan) Highlights
Savo Drezgic has put collectively some memorable weeks, having performed within the BWB World Camp, gone again to play for the DME Academy in Florida, and allowed to play for his house membership Partizan Belgrade for this ANGT occasion. He ended up being voted on the All match staff after averaging 19.2 factors, 5.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a couple of.8 steals. Displaying a clean soar shot and savvy play within the decide and roll, he helped lead his squad to a 3-1 report. Offensively, he confirmed superior level guard choice making expertise, making good reads on decide and rolls, passing the ball out and by no means forcing the difficulty. This allowed him to go 18/27 from 2, 7/20 from 3, and 20/26 from the free throw line whereas averaging over a 2 to 1 help to turnover ratio (5.2 to 2.5). He doesn’t pop athletically and seems to have a really unimpressive standing attain, however some mid main goes to do properly by signing him due to what he can do. Not solely does he take what the protection offers him, he additionally has an uncanny means to complete among the many bushes or to maneuver sufficient with out the ball to search out pockets to take and make his shot.
Diego Garavaglia 6’7 Wing Italy 2007 Born EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Highlights
Diego Garavaglia averaged 10 factors, 7 rebounds, and a couple of.8 steals in Belgrade. A 2007 born, he confirmed some athleticism, hustle, and simply sufficient capturing to face out for this occasion. He has good size for a wing and performs a really bodily model of basketball. He will get within the combine defensively with older and stronger opponents, and continually attempting to get deflections and be disruptive together with his lengthy arms. On offense, he’s finest operating on the break or slicing from the wing on half courtroom units to the center. He has a powerful acute first step that permits him to get downhill and he creates and absorbs contact properly to complete performs off across the rim. He made his threes from the nook (3/15 general) and tends to float a bit of with an uncommon leg kick out when capturing from distance. Milan made it to the finals by emphasizing a small ball model of play in video games the place 2 of the three of Garavaglia, Josovic and Badalau would usually be their entrance courtroom gamers. This labored out properly for a bodily wing like Garavaglia.
Andrej Kostic 6’6 SG Serbia 2006 Born Crevna Zvezda Highlights
Andrej Kostic led the occasion in scoring, averaging 24.2 factors in Belgrade. He normally introduced the ball up the left facet, crossing opponents over on the wing and ending performs on the rim or taking an prolonged layup from above the block to keep away from the shot blockers and banking photographs in off the glass. In half courtroom units he may go left or proper ending performs off with both hand. He confirmed a excessive diploma of effectivity from 2 going 22/36 (61.1%). He additionally was capable of get to the free throw line at a excessive fee, going 20/26 from the charity stripe. He displayed a powerful capturing stroke from the skin however solely went 11/36 within the ANGT match. He lacks splendid athleticism for the NBA and defensively lacks the lateral quickness to remain in entrance of elite guards.
Honorable Point out:
Arturas Butajevas 6’9 PF Lithuania 2007 Born FC Barcelona Highlights
Vuk Danilovic 6’3 PG Serbia 2008 Born Mega Mis
Abdrahamane Kone 6’9 Heart Mali 2009 Born FC Barcelona Spotlight
Aleksa Stanojevic 6’9 PF Serbia 2006 Born KK Joker Sombor (NGT Belgrade) Highlights Voted All match staff
Luigi Suigo 7’1 Italy 2007 Born EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
