By Simon Dresden
10/31/07
Studs/Rising
Nikola Pekovic had a monster game against powerhouse Barcelona. In front of a raucous crowd, he went 13/14 from close distance and earned league MVP honors with 29 points and 8 boards. He got some lucky bounces but he totally dominated a frontcourt comprised of none other than Euroleague veteran Denis Marconato, former NBA player Mario Kasun and former lotto pick and NBA prospect Fran Vasquez. A feat not often achieved by such a young player. A game like this can sometimes be enough to make an NBA scout or GM fall in love with you.
Nicolas Batum displayed why he is such a special talent. He flashed his versatility in big playing time as a starter. His shot is still a work in progress but someone who fills the sheets like he does in all the other categories as well (3 reb, 5 assist, 6 steals) A lack of huge points can be overlooked. Great showing.
Milenko Tepic in the same game displayed veteran poise and sharp shooting to guide his team in the upset. He displayed nice versatility doing whatever his team needed in just the right situation.
Oguz Savas played like a poised veteran. He scored and rebounded against a stacked opposing frontcourt and showed how important a big body can be to hold your ground. Outstanding job for a youngster.
Gasper Vidmar suprisingly started for his team and managed to score 9 points on 4/5 shooting in just 8 minutes. Amazing how this young stud fared in his first top level game and how he maximised his effort and abilites.
Martynas Gecevicius had a strong debut in which he displayed what he does best, shooting. He hit his threes and got ample minutes because of that. Eight points has to give him a rising rating.
Marc-Antoine Pellin started, played relentless defense and did most of his things in categories that are not counted on in the statshet. He set up the game winning shot and was everywhere needed.
Okay/Even
Albert Moncasi did the best he could to help his team with solid rebounding, relentless hustle and some spare points. Considering his talent level it is nice to see him earning his minutes this way on such a stacked team.
Artem Zabelin and Alexey Shved saw garbage minutes in a blowout CSKA win but couldn’t amount for anything of worth. Considering it was their first toplevel experience it has to be rated okay just getting their feet wet and loosing some jitters.
Semih Erden did get a good chunk of playing time and even managed to contribute something in a loosing efford for his team, what else can you ask for.
Emir Preldzic got some playing time and contributed a little wich is all you can ask for from young guns. Fenerbahce seems to be a good team for youngsters to get some burn.
Tim Ohlbrecht got his first taste of exposure to the bright lights of Eurolegue and besides playing some excellent defense he managed to scored on one of his trademark dunks. Solid performance.
Pablo Aguilar got a couple of garbage minutes in his game which alone is enough to get him okay since he didnt screw up while getting his feet wet.
Milos Teodosic did get more than expected playing time and held his ground which gives him an okay on that loaded Olympiacos team.
Omri Casspi did get 3 minutes of exposure but didnt get anything going on the statsheet which is enough for a okay rating since noone expects more from a youngster in his premiere.
Duds/Falling
Danilo Gallinari didnt get to see the floor in this game, if this is because of injury or a new coach remains to be seen but considering the hype he has, it is a disappointing showing.
Sergio Lull couldn’t back up the hype he created in the preseason, in 8 minutes of playing time he couldnt get anything going against a team that played a lot of youngsters in his age class.
Mantas Kalnietis had a poor showing considering he already has lots of experience at the high level. He only managed a disapointing 4 minutes of playing time which didn’t amount to anything.
Uros Tripkovic was overshadowed by the sterling performances of his teammates but he also looked uncomfortable out there in the time he had, maybe he just stepped back in favor of his teammates.
