Leonardo NICOLODI

Italy | 6’6 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 13.0 pts, 3.0 rebs, 1.4 asts

Meet the best shooter of his class. This isn’t even an exaggeration, as 2/3 of his shots came from the perimeter and he still hit above 40% in Division A. Nicolodi shines as a versatile shooter who can hit any shot he takes, be it off the dribble, catch or movement. Such a quick release and consistent motion, hard to contest. Goes up quickly and doesn’t need much preparation to get a good shot off. Provides some creation as a secondary ball handler, coming off the pick and roll and some isolation with a solid handle to get his defender out of his way and get the ball to a teammate. Has a pretty good understanding of the game and some notion of how to manipulate defenses once he gets inside, in order to get an assist.

Areas of development: how much can he develop not only as a ball handler, but as someone who can go get his own shot inside. Once he puts the ball inside the line, it’s usually to call the defense to him and although the altruism is always good, there’s a middle there. As good a shooter as he is, being able to create and finish shots from mid-range or at the basket can put him in a great tier.

Imran SUBASIC

Bosnia & Herzegovina | 6’5 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 18.4 pts, 4.8 rebs, 2.6 asts

More of a combo guard, capable of initiating offense or coming off the ball to find a shot for himself and others. Composed in his approach, he’s fluid with the ball in his hands and doesn’t force the issue. Reads the defense, locates the best place to attack and goes without complicating too much. Automatic from the mid-range, if he has an opening coming off a pick and roll, he will pull up and usually hit. Capable shooter on spot ups, he’ll try some pull ups in late shot clock situations, with the talent to hit those as well, but better off the catch. As an inside scorer, he does a great job of keeping defenders on his hip with a strong lower body and then exploding up. Makes the right play every time down, finding an open teammate if the pass is there.

Areas of development: becoming a riskier passer could help him as a creator. Right now, he’ll take lower risk passes to the teammate right beside him or the open roller, but as he grows as a pick and roll operator, so his vision will do the same as well and help him find the high risk-high reward pass more consistently.

Roko JERKIC

Germany | 6’3 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 10.6 pts, 4.1 rebs, 1.6 asts

Talented scorer who will incessantly look to make something happen out of any situation. Likes to attack quickly and get inside off the catch. Has a compact body, ready to deal with contact and still finish through it. Gets to the line with some consistency. As a ball handler, his first goal is to get to the paint, but he’s also comfortable pulling up if the space is there, not hesitating once he notices it. At his best right now with space, off a rebound or leaking out once his team has the ball. Quick with the ball in his hands, gets past defenders while keeping control of the ball and is not afraid to challenge players inside.

Areas of development: born in 2010, he was one of the youngest players at the U16 EuroBasket, and that was noticeable sometimes with his decision-making. He has the talent to attract defenders to him, but he doesn’t have to take every shot he can once he gets the ball. Being able to hit an open teammate is next on his to-do list.

Lukasz LYSEK

Poland | 6’11 | Big | Per Game Stats: 5.5 pts, 6.1 rebs, 0.3 asts

Credit: FIBA

Lysek’s numbers may get lost when looking at it, but taking into consideration that he only played 16 minutes per game, that changes some things. If we add his 2.4 blocks per game (second best mark in Division B), for a 6’11 player who’ll surely get to 7 feet, we can better understand his presence in the All-Tournament Five and the hype around him. He’s overwhelming at the basket on both ends, to put it plain and simple. No one can deal with him as a finisher and rebounder on the offensive end, and much less as a rim protector on the other side of the floor. Has good touch, calm under heavy pressure and nimble enough to finish plays, even with contact. Controls the boards when he’s on the floor and the area around the basket, especially with great timing as a shot blocker. Intriguing mobility when he has to come out of the restricted area, despite some struggles turning his body.

Areas of development: it’s not easy being a 6’11, sixteen-year old. Lysek is still learning how to adjust to his size, how to move and how to use all that in a fluid way. Developing his inside game as he encounters more players his size is key at the moment, not only finding ways to create from the post, but to also trick defenders and go for different types of finishes depending on the matchup.

Darius KARUTASU

Turkiye | 6’7 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 12.7 pts, 7.1 rebs, 2.6 asts

With great size as a wing, Karutasu offers inside and out scoring off the ball and aggressive defense. Can put the ball on the floor and attak, with a strong body to take on contact and still get the ball up. Knows how to get to the line and how to explore the open space inside once he catches the ball to find a finish. Some creation ability here and there, but mostly a straight line, off the catch driver as of now. Can be used as a spot up shooter, taking the open shot when there is one. Defensively, he doesn’t shy away from any challenge, being able to guard ball handlers and put pressure on them all over the floor in order to force a turnover or at least for his matchup to get rid of the ball. Versatile defender who knows how to use his strength, build and aggressiveness.

Areas of development: complementing his size and body with the ability to create some offense as a secondary weapon could unlock a lot of his potential. He does a great job of attacking when he catches the ball, but if he can be more of an offensive valve for his team, with the occasional sights we’ve had the chance to see, that would do wonders for his offensive game.

Marko POPOVIC

Montenegro | 6’7 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 11.0 pts, 4.4 rebs, 3.4 asts

Credit: FIBA

Effective near the basket or on the perimeter, his game is predicated on simplicity. He won’t try to adorn plays or do something out of the ordinary. Quick reader who’ll usually make the right decision, he’ll take the open shot if it’s there. Does a great job of getting inside, eraning his position and going up using his shoulder to shield his shot. He isn’t easily moved off his spot, sealing his man well and owning his spot with great strength and balance. Executes and times his passes extremely well, which may be the part of his game that stands out the most. Great passer to cutters, can hit players while on the move and tries to find ways to get the ball to the teammate in the best position, even if there’s the danger of a turnover.

Areas of development: becoming a more well-rounded finisher. Inside, there’s a lot of finishes that come from his strength, but being able to go with more difficult executions as he plays against stronger guys will help him in the long run. As well as the ability to shoot off the dribble and even coming off screens, adding some element of surprise to the defense and forcing them to pay attention to him.

Bob DA SILVA

Denmark | 6’6 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 7.1 pts, 5.8 rebs, 2.1 asts

Da Silva’s profile intrigues me. He has good size and looks like he’ll keep growing, has good athletic tools but he seems to still be adjusting to his body. You’ll see him trip over himself and hit a pass on the move with one hand in consecutive possessions. He’s capable of going inside, keeping his defender away and going for difficult finishes and explode to the rack. Inserts himself on every rebounding battle and knows how to pass the ball, on the move or off a stationary position. Even more difficult passes, he can execute them. Intriguing defensive profile, defending guards and staying on them, with incredible lateral quickness and some physicality. Has moments of impressive athleticism to block shots or get on a passing lane.

Areas of development: it’s obvious there’s a long way for him to go as a basketball player, but watching him, the physical tools and the occasional skilled movements, be it passes, finishes or defensive plays, leaves you wanting more. As he adapts to his own body, I’ll keep an eye on his passing ability and especially in his finishing at the basket, with him struggling heavily at the moment when there’s pressure inside.

Remi STANESCU

Romania | 6’7 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 6.7 pts, 5.7 rebs, 1.4 asts

Stanescu provides steadiness and good decisions on both ends, using his length pretty well. Playing mostly off the ball, he’s able to attack the rim as a driver or cutter, using his physical tools as a way to finish inside. Skilled player around the basket, he has good touch but can deal with contact when needed. Good looking outside shot, doesn’t need much preparation off the catch or dribble. Stands out as a talented defender who knows how to use his physical tools. Low stance and balanced position, rarely gets caught out of place and difficult to get through off the dribble. Quick processing as an off-ball defender, always ready to help inside as a secondary rim protector and staying on the lookout for errant passes – finished the U16 Division A with 2.9 stocks per game.

Areas of development: has the tools to try more things on the offensive end. Don’t know if he can become a secondary creating option, but looking to attack more off the dribble, penetrating through the defense to finish using his skill or strength can become a bigger part of what he has to offer.

Bine PREGL

Slovenia | 6’3 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 8.4 pts, 4.4 rebs, 2.3 asts

A walking paint touch. Pregl is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to get inside and he gets there in a jiff. Low center of gravity when he attacks, gaining ground on his defender and calling for the help to come, before dishing the ball to a teammate. Good passer with either hand, keeps the ball playable and on a string. Good finisher inside, mainly going away from defenders. Can hit the open shot from three, especially on spot ups, as he’ll look to attack the paint when he’s creating. Uses his energy on the defensive end as well, trying to put pressure on his man and force mistakes.

Areas of development: a player who gets so many times into the paint can’t have just above 1/3 of his shots being 2s and so little free-throw attempts. Being more aggressive looking for his shot and dealing with the contact that comes with it is the next step for him.

Emils STECKIS

Latvia | 6’10 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 8.2 pts, 6.2 rebs, 0.8 asts

Size with tremendous efficiency, Steckis has the potential to be one of the best bigs of his class in Europe. Can play as a 4 or 5, but aside from the sporadical outside attempt, he stays inside to finish plays from the dunker spot or as a roller. Doesn’t try to do too much when he has the ball, finishing plays and creating some low post actions, with great touch at the basket and good footwork. Constantly fighting for offensive boards, he does a good job of winning his position inside and keeping it. Has a good athletic profile and uses it well on defense, mainly as a rim protector. Goes for blocks on the ball, guarding the pick and roll or coming off the help side. Simple actions and sometimes close to invisible, but really efficient for his team.

Areas of development: the low post creation is more advanced than the outside shooting, but both seem uttainable up to a certain level. Continuing to evolve in those areas will earn him more minutes in the future.