Zacharie Perrin – France, 6’9, Nancy (LNB Pro A)
Perrin was a key figure in France’s back-to-back gold medal run in Gdynia. The French forward was named MVP of this tournament and is definitely a name to watch for the next season, as he’ll play for Nancy in LNB Pro A. Perrin once again displayed his ability to score inside the arc. Relying on his strength, he was able to be a reliable scorer in this area. The French forward also displayed some untapped passing potential by setting his teammates up with good looks. Averaged 3.4 ast/game displaying his ability to not only be a scorer but also pass the ball to better positioned players. As expected, Perrin was a streaky shooter from distance – at the U20 EuroBasket, he shot 23.8% from three on 3 attempts per game. He fancied playing as a Pick and Pop target when he was getting open looks but struggled to consistently convert them into points. He was a reliable rebounder for his team on both ends. His mix of strength and aggressiveness helped him grab 2.9 offensive rebounds each game. Additionally, he performed well against strong players, proving himself as an efficient interior defender operating in the low post. Perrin ends his youth basketball career as one of the most accomplished players in Europe who is looking to make a name for himself next season with Nancy.
Noah Penda – France, 6’7, Le Mans (LNB Pro A)
Penda was another driving force in a gold medal push for France. He definitely helped his stock after this tournament. He displayed good feel for the game and was making correct reads on both ends. The French wing showed the ability to finish through contact in the restricted area. Moreover, he was able to play well off-ball making good cuts and creating comfortable scoring opportunities for himself. Penda surprised with his shooting – shot 56.3% for three on 2.3 attempts. Most of these shots came from catch & shoot situations, since Penda’s form isn’t that fast to allow him to create shooting situations on his own. Defensively, he played with great energy and intensity being able to disrupt opposing offenses constantly. He has good motor which allows him to run back and forth. He might struggle against quicker guards and over-watch the ball in team defense, but he definitely has tools to improve that part of his defensive game. If Penda becomes an even better defender and gathers more experience at a pro level next season with Le Mans, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him generate some NBA Draft buzz next summer.
Izan Almansa – Spain, 6’9, Perth Wildcats (NBL)
Despite Spain falling to the 7th place, Almansa proved himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in this tournament. The Spanish forward showcased remarkable versatility with his inside scoring. He feels comfortable operating as a roller in Pick & Rolls or a player who operates in the low-post looking to create for himself or teammates. Almansa struggled a bit on both ends against stronger players, but adjusted accordingly and always found his groove in the second half of each game. Almansa displayed glimpses of court vision by finding his teammates and making accurate passes. Defensively, he is a good rim protector and decent rebounder. He needs to expand his shooting range to become a more versatile player on offense. Almansa will play in Perth next season in Australia, following the path of this year’s number two pick Alex Sarr. If his game translates from the youth level and he still develops, he will become one of the most intriguing prospects to monitor next season.
Paulius Murauskas – Lithuania, 6’8, St. Mary’s Gaels (NCAA)
The Lithuanian wing had a very productive tournament in Gdynia. He was the second-best scorer and a key player for his national team. Murauskas has great physical attributes that help him to score at the rim effortlessly. He has a good back-to-the-basket game where he can score or create for his team as well. He lacked a bit of consistency from distance shooting 31.1% for three on 6.4 attempts, but is a reliable free throw shooter so he definitely has the tools to establish his shot. Plus, he is a great connector piece for his team. Has nice handle and ability to create driving lanes. Defensively, an extremely versatile player. He’s able to defend inside and outside thanks to his frame, positional size, and lateral quickness. He is transferring to St. Mary’s for next season where he’ll be part of a Lithuanian duo with Augustas Marciulonis. If Murauskas displays similar production and gets more minutes, he’d become one of the most intriguing two-way prospects to watch in college next season.
Urban Klavzar – Slovenia, 6’1, Florida Gators (NCAA)
Another player who made a name for himself with his performance in Gdynia, Klavzar led his national team to a silver medal. The Slovenian guard displayed a remarkable 1v1 game where he is able to create space for himself in many ways. Despite his size, his shot is very hard to block as he jumps high and tilts his upper body back. Moreover, Klavzar displayed great PnR creation finding scoring opportunities for himself. He is a typical scoring point guard who lacks a bit of creation for his teammates. Klavzar can score inside the arc but might struggle against stronger and bigger players who will be his competition and the collegiate level. Nevertheless, he has great lateral quickness and separates himself well from a defender easily. He is able to play off-ball where he can knock down catch & shoots or execute spot-ups correctly. Klavzar committed to Florida recently and will compete in the NCAA next season. If he’s able to translate his shot-making skills and develop his game inside the arc, he will be a name to monitor next season.
Nathan Missia-Dio – Belgium. 6’9, Overtime Elite (USA)
Missia-Dio was a key player helping Belgium make a 4th place run at the U20 EuroBasket. He displayed intriguing offensive skills. Was able to play off-ball, knocking down three-pointers off the catch as well as creating for himself thanks to decent ball handling. His positional size and frame serve as great tools that can help develop his production on both ends. He can finish at the rim in many ways thanks to his length and strength as well as create from the low-post at a respectable clip. Defensively, he is a solid rebounder and is a good shot blocker thanks to his instincts and timing, which is facilitated by his physical attributes. Belgian forward represented Overtime Elite last season and definitely made a name for himself in Gdynia, Poland. He will probably stay in the USA for the next season with OTE and will be definitely a name to keep on your list.
Jakub Necas – Czechia, 6’7, Duquesne Ducks (NCAA)
The leading scorer of the U20 EuroBasket, Necas averaged 18.6 points per game on 44/39/96 splits. The biggest highlight of his game is the shooting. Necas is a capable shooter who can knock down multiple three-pointers per game, either off the catch or from spot-ups – averaged 38.8% from three on 7 attempts – very intriguing volume that caught eyes during his stint in Gdynia. Additionally, Necas is capable of operating inside the arc where he excels in the low-post, creating comfortable scoring opportunities for himself, utilizing his length. Moreover, Necas is an efficient off-ball player making cuts to the basket and scoring easily. He is also an efficient ball handler, either using his teammates screens or creating on his own where he displays interesting offensive versatility. Necas can also score in transition, either scoring open threes on unsettled opponents or driving to the basket. He also displayed some passing potential by finding open teammates and delivering them the ball with accurate passes. Overall, he is a very interesting player who brings a lot of versatility to the table. He enters his second year at Duquesne and will be a name to monitor next season at the collegiate level.
Motiejus Krivas – Lithuania, 7’2, Arizona Wildcats (NCAA)
Second-best player on the Lithuanian team, Krivas displayed his dominance in the paint on both ends. Was able to score at the rim in many ways, showing good footwork and feel for the game. Defensively, he is a remarkable rebounder thanks to his size and instincts. He is also a good shot blocker who makes opponents second-guess themselves before deciding to drive to the basket. Additionally, he is mobile enough to defend as a switch/drop defender but didn’t have many occasions to prove it at this tournament. Even though Krivas can be considered a typical old-school big he has a developing shooting range and can get to the line at a respectable clip. Additionally he was able to knock down a couple three-pointers and mid-range shots indicating his ability to expand his shot away from the basket. He strives as a roller in Pick & Rolls and also as a player operating in the low-post area where he dominates his opponents. He will play with the Arizona Wildcats next season and with more minutes, he can be one of the most interesting bigs next season at the collegiate level.
Vangelis Zougris – Greece, 6’7, BC Peristeri (Greek A1 Basketball League)
Probably the toughest player during the tournament. He led his national team to a bronze medal by beating Belgium in the 3rd place game. Zougris displays an interesting mix of strength, athleticism and hustle. Despite his size, he is able to guard bigger opponents effectively, has great vertical leap and instincts which allow him to block shots at a respectable clip. He’s also a reliable rebounder for his team – averaged 8.3 rebounds per game. Offensively, Zougris operates inside the arc – mostly in the low-post where he plays back-to-the-basket efficiently, displaying his ability to finish with both hands against bigger defenders. He also showcased interesting production as a roller in Pick & Roll actions where he knocked down multiple floaters, extending his range a bit. He needs to manage his fouls more as he averaged 4.4 fouls per game, and was in foul trouble early each game. With that element developed, he can be a very intriguing undersized power forward who can easily play and defend against bigger opponents.
Tomas Thrastarsson – Iceland, 6’7, Washington State Cougars (NCAA)
Thrastarsson had a productive stretch during the tournament in Gdynia. Displayed his ability to create driving lanes as well as operate from outside. He is a great perimeter defender who is able to keep his opponent in front of him thanks to his great mobility and frame. He is also strong enough to guard inside the arc against undersized power forwards. Offensively, he is a dribble/pass/shoot type of player. He is a proficient ball handler who can create scoring opportunities for himself. Thrastarsson also showed some interesting passing chops as he was able to give his teammates comfortable looks. He is an efficient shooter who can be a threat on the perimeter – averaged 33.3% for three on 4.3 attempts. Even though it’s not the most encouraging volume, he has a fluid shooting form which is quick as well. Thus, Thrastarsson is able to score either off the catch or spot-ups, but also from self-created situations. Thrastarsson was a key figure in Iceland’s battle to remain in Division A at this EuroBasket. That goal was accomplished and Thrastarsson definitely made a name for himself and will be an interesting player to monitor next season with Washington State in NCAA.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Emre Melih Tunca – Turkey, 6’5, Anadolu Efes (Turkey-BSL)
Displayed remarkable scoring abilities on all three levels. He’s able to get past defenders easily, utilizing his handle, agility, and lateral quickness. Provides versatile offensive production. Can score off the dribble easily, has great 1v1 game and strives as a PnR Handler. Tunca is a very ball-dominant player who might struggle if asked to play more off-ball. Defensively, he might struggle against stronger players as he lacks a bit of strength and body development. Turkey had a disappointing tournament in Gdynia as they are relegated to Division B. Nevertheless, Emre Melih Tunca proved himself as a talented player who tried his best to keep his national team in the highest tier of Youth Eurobasket.
Filippo Gallo – Italy; 6’4, UCC Assigeco Piacenza (Italy Serie A2)
Gallo proved himself as a reliable offensive piece for his national team. Was the lead scorer for Italy and displayed offensive versatility throughout the tournament. He is a good ball handler who can create for himself. He also displayed interesting passing ability, utilizing the generated gravity to find open teammates and provide them with accurate passes. Gallo displayed intriguing PnR creation as well as one-on-one game. Defensively, he mainly operated on the perimeter, where he utilized his remarkable wingspan. He is able to provide solid perimeter defense but might struggle against stronger players as his body is not fully developed yet. Overall, Gallo was the best player for Italy and was a driving force in a 9th place run for his national team.
Anthony Wrzeszcz – Poland, 6’4, Sam Houston University (NCAA)
Wrzeszcz was one of the reasons behind Poland’s success by finishing 8th place in Gdynia. He displayed great ball handling skills which allowed him to separate himself from defenders easily. He has a well-developed body and intriguing quickness which allow him to drive to the basket and finish against taller or stronger defenders. Wrzeszcz displayed glimpses of playmaking as he was able to get good looks for his teammates. Additionally, he displays intriguing PnR creation that enables him to finish in multiple ways. Defensively, he is a solid perimeter defender – navigates well through screens and is able to hold his own but might struggle against faster players. Last season he played with Sam Houston University and didn’t have an important role. After this tournament, Wrzeszcz definitely made a name for himself and should gather some attention from other schools which could give him bigger role and more playing time.
Article written by Michal Slysz.
