The Adidas Subsequent technology Match 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 can be held in Berlin in the course of 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 crew from area). The crew 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 closing. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan having made it to the finals on this qualifier can be within the working for the 2 or 3 at giant bids for the finals in Berlin. The subsequent qualifier can be held for the primary time in Dubai from March 22-24. Listed below are the highest prospects from this occasion:
Prime 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 regularly since his FIBA European U16 exhibiting, as he’s gifted and performs for one of many largest golf equipment in Europe having even had a cameo on the primary crew this season. At 6’6 with a protracted wingspan and good athletic attributes and willpower 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, typically making deflections and stopping the purpose of assault. On offense, he’s greatest on the quick break, ending performs off or creating offensive alternatives for teammates. He’s a really prepared passer, who gave just a few glorious alley oops to rolling bigs on decide and roll alternatives. He is a wonderful nook 3 shooter and has a floater and euro step to keep away from expenses 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 possibility. Nonetheless 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 sluggish launch photographs or off steadiness photographs. As well as his shot can come off a little bit flat at occasions this mix all through his youth profession has led to video games the place he’s 3/5 from 3 but additionally 1/7 from three. At this occasion he was 8/27 total. As well as, in contrast to a few of his friends, on the perimeter, he nonetheless actually doesn’t have a cultured 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, typically takes a destructive 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 might be good to see a little bit extra polish and talent development to his sport.
Neoklis Avdalas 6’7 CG Greece 2006 Born Karditsas (NGT Belgrade) } Highlights
After coming off a powerful exhibiting 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 crew of regional All Stars (NGT crew) that Avdalas would lastly be on a crew that would compete for the qualifying championship. That didn’t fairly go as deliberate because the NGT crew went a disappointing 1-3 in Belgrade. Nonetheless, Avdalas did showcase why scouts are excessive on him, as Avdalas appears the half of a professional wing. Together with his top, size and nicely constructed physique, he passes the attention take a look at. As well as, he is an efficient athlete with level guard-like handles. He confirmed flashes of issues he may very well be: opening video games up on a primary possession decide and roll and serving his teammate with a wonderfully positioned alley oop, displaying good footwork after backing down an opposing wing and ending with an ideal up and beneath layup, or hitting a fade away baseline jumper after faking center. As well as in half courtroom units he constantly featured his behind the again dribble and crossover towards 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 gave the impression to be a tricky participant to gel with with out in depth observe. Avdalas is a methodical ball pounder. A lot in order that after the primary sport, NGT head coach Petteri Koponen had different guards deliver the ball up courtroom to get some up tempo circulate 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 searching for to get downhill however to get switched on an opposing huge, as an alternative of a guard, and the end result was typically lacking reads and alternatives. As well as, opposing groups began to leap the display and compelled him to again up and make inefficient leap passes. His penchant to try ill-advised cross nook courtroom passes and leap 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 regularly and presumably resulting in a extra hockey assists. When he did get the change and was getting defended by the longer bigs, it was typically late within the shot clock (as a result of his methodic habits, bringing the ball up courtroom and organising the decide and roll) forcing him to take a excessive diploma of problem, lengthy distance shot, resulting in going 3/26 from three. Delicate adjustments of motion with out the ball, stepping 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 in depth talent set is tantalizing however not all scoring must be attractive when profitable and effectivity get compromised, each on the FIBA and ANGT degree. 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 offered the most important defensive performs in Belgrade. 2 years youthful than nearly all of gamers at this occasion, on protection he primarily performed a drop on decide and roll however every so often he was capable of leap the decide and roll and get well 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 in depth size. On offense, he showcased nice arms, catching each bounce passes on the transfer and lobs for alley oops. A powerful offensive rebounder together with his athleticism and arms, 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 nicely as each a assist defender and to seek 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 sometimes drops the ball waist degree when making a publish transfer, permitting smaller perimeter gamers to get entangled 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 just isn’t but a decide and pop or perimeter risk.
Kasparas Jakucionis 6’5 CG Lithuania 2006 Born FC Barcelona Highlights
Kasparas Jakucionis adopted up a powerful BWB World Camp in Indianapolis by profitable 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 sport 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 leap shot, permitting him to be very environment friendly within the mid vary. As well as he is excellent off the ball with sturdy cuts and nice footwork off catch and shoot alternatives. Will make and take aspect step and step again threes however at this occasion total was surprisingly solely 7/23 from lengthy distance. Defensively competes to cease the purpose of assault and rotates nicely on the assistance aspect. Lacks elite athleticism or size on switches on the block however anticipates nicely within the passing lane which permits him to get a very good 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 degree as he nonetheless has difficulties together with his handles when pressured by a powerful defender or double teamed. He’s an unlikely one and performed 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 greater in his class just a few years down the highway.
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 crew after averaging 18.5 factors per sport 8.8 rebounds 2.8 blocks and 1.8 steals. A rim runner, he confirmed a very good potential to complete performs off with dunks and a fluid and athletic physique. Ability sensible he’s rather 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 comfy sufficient together with his handles that he would deliver the ball up courtroom. He appeared nicely coached, typically making the correct reads and passes and figuring out 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 saved the defender trustworthy by having a counter up and beneath transfer going baseline aspect 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 risk for a lob and together with his size has the flexibility to increase performs together with his offensive rebounding. He’s comfy 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 total from 3). He had a good 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 steer clear of the paint. Most likely wouldn’t be a good change on a guard on the NBA degree however held his personal in these conditions on the ANGT degree.
Denis Badalau 6’7 SF/PF Romania 2006 Born EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Highlights
Denis Badalau was one of many huge 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 crew 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 working 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 leap shot. He additionally continually moved with out the ball ending performs off on cuts or on put again dunks. He’s a little bit little bit of a tweener for the NBA degree at this level. A bit quick for an influence ahead and lacks the handles or taking pictures consistency for a small ahead. (He went 6/20 from three and 15/22 from the free throw line). A bit 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 leap 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 taking pictures potential elite. He demonstrated sufficient handles to deliver the ball up courtroom and to get downhill in half courtroom units. At this degree, he can end performs off by creating separation from his opponent by utilizing his physique and scoring off the glass. He nevertheless, has athletic limitations which reveals 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 beneath 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 residence membership Partizan Belgrade for this ANGT occasion. He ended up being voted on the All match crew after averaging 19.2 factors, 5.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a couple of.8 steals. Displaying a clean leap shot and savvy play within the decide and roll, he helped lead his squad to a 3-1 document. 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 nicely by signing him due to what he can do. Not solely does he take what the protection offers him, he additionally has an uncanny potential to complete among the many timber or to maneuver sufficient with out the ball to seek 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 taking pictures to face out for this occasion. He has good size for a wing and performs a really bodily fashion of basketball. He will get within the combine defensively with older and stronger opponents, and continually making an attempt to get deflections and be disruptive together with his lengthy arms. On offense, he’s greatest working on the break or reducing from the wing on half courtroom units to the center. He has a powerful acute first step that enables him to get downhill and he creates and absorbs contact nicely to complete performs off across the rim. He made his threes from the nook (3/15 total) and tends to float a little bit with an uncommon leg kick out when taking pictures from distance. Milan made it to the finals by emphasizing a small ball fashion of play in video games the place 2 of the three of Garavaglia, Josovic and Badalau would typically be their entrance courtroom gamers. This labored out nicely 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 aspect, 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 price, going 20/26 from the charity stripe. He displayed a powerful taking pictures stroke from the surface 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 crew
Luigi Suigo 7’1 Italy 2007 Born EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
