EuroCup WatchBy:

The regular season in the Euro-Cup competition has come to an end, so we will begin to focus in on the remaining Top 16 Teams, battling it out in a new 4 team group stage.

Top 16 Competition

Donatas Motiejunas 7’0 PF/C Treviso 1990

Donatas is really coming along, as he is becoming more and more comfortable adjusting to his role and the speed and rigors of the men’s game. Averaging 8 pts and 3 reb in his first season isn’t bad for a 19 year old. No one can deny his overall talent level, as he is really blessed with a skill set that few his size and age have ever had. His biggest deficiency comes on the defensive end, as he is not prepared to defend anyone right now. He is not strong enough to muscle with the bigs down low and he seems to be a little slow footed (laterally) when opponenets face up on him. His shooting numbers are good except for his horrendous 41% free throw shooting. On the offensive end is where his intrigue is on full display. His ability to take defenders off the dribble is amazing, as his creativity and body control for his size is unrivaled. He has the complete offensive package: first step, shooting and ballhandling to be a matchup nightmare and he knows how to put it to use. At just 19, Motiejunas is an upside pick that can potentially be a GMs savior or doom.

Nemanja Bjelica 6’11 PF Red Star 1988

Mr. Do It All for Red Star. Bjelica has an interesting package of skills which he makes good use of. He can take people off the dribble, he rebounds intensely and can stroke it with consistency. His body looks slim, but he seems to be durable nonetheless, as he does not shy away from contact. Usually he is too skilled for big guys to guard him off the dribble and when left open he is not afraid to shoot it. His only downside right now in regard to NBA potential is his average at best athleticism. He is a skill guy not a power player and this likely will never change. For a player his size, having only 1 block all season is inexcusable. In our view he may not stand out in and specific department to warrant a real high pick in this years draft. But there is a lot to like about this kid.

Tibor Pleiss 7’1 C Bamberg 1989

The German big man is having a fine Euro Season in some regards. He is always working hard to get position on the offensive end, but he is not a factor in his teams offense. When he gets the ball down low and isn’t converting on an easy dunk he is lost, as he regularly gets outmuscled, even by much smaller players and is also lacking a consistent post up game. He excels in the rebounding department, as he has such long arms and such enormous length that he will get almost any rebound in his area. He displays sound fundamentals keeping the ball up and away from the defenders. His length also always makes him a threat to be a good shot blocker, even though he is very unathletic and earthbound. Despite that limitation he has some nice timing on blocks. He’s rather fluid for someone his size getting up and down the floor without trouble and he has good fundamentals in the roll, after picking for his teammates.

Marko Keselj 6’8 SF Red Star 1988

He is having a fine season no question about it. He is shooting high numbers from all ranges, he rebounds okay for his position and his size will always make him a mismatch at his position. But there are some holes in his game that must be looked at. He is rail thin and seems to be slow footed, which makes him a defensive liability. He is more of a shoot first player as his assist numbers attest. With him you have to pick your poison, can he score more points that the player he is guarding?

Elmedin Kikanovic 6’11 C Red Star 1988

Is a pure inside player. He has no intention to take his game outside the zone and he is willing to mix it up with anybody. He possesses a nice repertoire of post moves, always competes hard and has good hand to finish around the rim. What is rather weak is his lack of rebounding prowess and shot blocking, as he is rather unathletic to play the position. He makes up for that with good instincts on the offensive end and his skill set. He is having a fine season and will probably have some very fine seasons in Europe ahead of him.

Lucca Staiger 6’5 SG ALBA 1988

Staiger skipped his NCAA eligibility to jump to a professional contract with ALBA Berlin. He will have a hard time making any court appearance since he has to adjust not only to the different kind of Euro basketball, but he also had no preparation with the team and a coach that doesn’t like to play youngsters.

Antoine Diot 6’4 PG/SG LeMans 1989

The French PG has an up and down season so far. He is flashy but not super quick, he is heady and smart but often too impulsive, blame this all on his youth. One can not argue that he is a shooter. He takes threes, but the 27% clip he makes on them is unacceptable. His rebounding is very good for a guard.