The United Arab Emirates capital city of Abu Dhabi served for four days as not only the host of the Euroleague Final Four, but also the Finals of the NextGen Euroleague. It became the hotspot where some of Europe’s (and the world’s) best talents looked to showcase their abilities and add a trophy to their team’s cabinet. Lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas put an end to an 18-year drought, beating EA7 Milan in the final of an event with NBA scouts and college personnel in attendance, now more than ever.
ZALGIRIS KAUNAS
Zalgiris didn’t get the chance to win their qualifier, losing to FC Barcelona in the final, but a consistent style of play and multiple contributors on their roster earned them a wildcard for Abu Dhabi. And this time, they made it count for their third trophy in history. Dominykas Grunkis took home the MVP trophy, acting as Zalgiris’ most consistent performer. The 6’0 guard finished with 13.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists, with the most impressive feat coming on his efficiency. Grunkis stayed hot for the whole weekend with 50% from two, 52.9% from three and 90% from the free-throw line. A flamethrower-type of performance from a player whose shooting ended up outshining his always impressive playmaking.
The team’s top scorer ended up being Kajus Mikalauskas, who averaged 13.5 points on top of 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists. The 6’3 guard/wing was a consistent off-ball threat, hitting outside shots at a 41.2% clip but also being able to attack the basket when pressured. Dovydas Buika was Zalgiris’ main man at the Ulm NextGen Euroleague qualifier. Now, he added important scoring and playmaking at 6’6 despite a drop in efficiency. With 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists, Buika was a bit of a do-it-all man for the Lithuanians, exhibitting tremendous ability to handle the ball despite his size and get teammates in great scoring positions.
In such a loaded U18 team, Majus Bulanovas and Ilja Kurucs provided some of the invisible work. Bulanovas as a 6’5 wing with never-ending energy and aggressiveness, finishing with 10.2 points per game on 38.5% from three, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals, making him a really interesting option as a two-way player. 6’9 Kurucs showcased his athleticism as a play finisher and rebounder. He ended up with 8.2 points per contest (65% from two) and 5 rebounds.
Ignas Stombergas and Dominykas Daubaris, probaly the two most intriguing prospects on the team, provided interesting flashes as a big 6’10 frountcourt duo. Stombergas was his usual efficient self with 8.2 points on 65% from inside the three-point line, dazzling with his hiqh IQ and footwork around the basket. Daubaris finished with as many points as rebounds – 7.3 a game – despite some trouble shooting the ball. The mobile big man was always able to stretch the floor and go inside for post and driving creation if the shot wasn’t going in and his defensive presence near Stombergas was felt multiple times.
EA7 MILAN
The Italian side didn’t get the fairy-tale ending they were hoping for, but as another team who didn’t take home the trophy from their qualifier (loss in the Belgrade qualifier against INSEP), getting to the deciding game proved just how far this talented generation of players can go. St. Bonaventure commit Achille Lonati showed his improved confidence as an on-ball player and shot creator. His numbers were impressive – 23.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 47.6% from three is no easy feat, but the 6’5 guard was able to do that, looking like a surefire star of the future and earning himself a spot on the All-Tournament Five.
The same honor was attributed to Luigi Suigo. The 7’3 big man is one of the most intriguing prospects of the last few years coming out of Europe, attracting a ton of interest from NCAA schools. He had 14.5 points on a whopping 80% from two, providing an almost impossible to stop inside finishing ability. He wasn’t able to provide much in terms of his outside shooting – which we know has some potential – but finishing with 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.2 blocks shows the kind of impact he had, not only as a rim protector and rebounder but also with some playmaking chops. Diego Garavglia continues to prove why he’s the perfect two-way piece next to Lonati and Suigo. His incessant on and off-ball defense is well documented up to this point, but he was a big emphasis on offense for Milan, averaging 19 points. He added 5.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks, showing how big his influence on a game can be on all aspects of it. At 6’7, Garavaglia’s versatility is unmatched and should carry on to the next level.
Omar Karem and Guglielmo Youssef were impressive in their roles as off the bench offensive sparks. Both looked better going inside to finish but with clear shooting potential. Karem’s imprint on games was noticeable with 8.8 points and 3.2 assists per game at 6’1, while 6’1 was more of an off-ball threat with 8.2 points per game on 64.3% from two and 42.9% from three. 6’5 Mattia Ceccato had a tough outing shooting the ball from the perimeter, but looked good as a driver and especially as a distributor, finishing 4th in assists with 6.2.
FC BARCELONA
Barcelona failed to reach the final due to a loss against Milan in the group stage, after winning the Ulm qualifier. 6’10 Mohamed Dabone was the Catalans’ best performer, averaging 12 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in another versatile performance from one of the top prospects of his generation. The fluidity, mobility and defensive accumen were all there. Didn’t have a great weekend shooting the ball but the potential is undeniable and he compensated by going 50% from two using his length inside. Dabone should continue to be a headliner for Barça going forward with his ability to space the floor as a driver or shooter but also an ever evolving inside weapon.
Big men Sayon Keita and Abdrahamane Kone provided rim finishing and rebounding, with Keita also looking good as a rim protector with 1.3 blocks per game. He averaged 9.7 points on 65% from two and 4.7 rebounds. The 7-footer keeps being one of Barcelona’s most intriguing prospects, combining the type of size and agility that put him in great position to succeed. His efficiency at the basket continues to be at a high-level. Kone put together 11.7 points and 4.7 rebounds, impressing with his 75% from two. The 6’10 youngster is a more bruising type of big for Barcelona, using his physical traits well near the basket to get easy scores.
Lluc Pluvinet and Daniel Gonzalez had good showings on similar roles. Pluvinet is a 6’4 guard/wing who can do a little bit of everything for his team. He finished the Abu Dhabi Finals with 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.3 steals per game, providing impact on every section of the floor. Gonzalez didn’t score as much as Pluvinet, but facilitated a ton of Barcelona’s offense, finishing with 6 assists per game. To add to that, he had 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in a great showing of versatility at 6’3. Arturas Butajevas didn’t have as many minutes as he did on previous occasions but was a great source of efficiency. 9.3 points (with 6/7 from three), and 5.3 rebounds on just below 17 minutes per game for the 6’10 Lithuanian. Mathieu Grujicic struggled with his finishing, but the 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game on top of his 8.3 points still gave a glimpse of a good shot creator for the whole team with a good rebounding ability.
REAL MADRID
After failing to reach the final of the Munich qualifier, Real Madrid got the invitation to be in Abu Dhabi, with a 1-point loss coming between them and the final. Arizona commit Sidi Gueye was one of the best players present, grabbing an All-Tournament Five berth. The lanky 6’9 big had a productive 3 games where he put together 17.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while hitting 68% of his shots inside the arc. Didn’t look as active as a playmaker from the top, but his finishing and basket deterrence were at a really good level, meshing with a tremendous ability to move and finish plays in stride. Looked pretty unstoppable inside, averaging 9 free-throw attempts per game, a clear development in his game compared to previous outings – averaged less total free-throw attempts in his past twelve ANGT/NextGen games than in these three.
Adrians Andzevs and Maximo Garcia-Plata, both 6’3, brought different things to the table for Real but with the same level of impact. The Latvian point guard didn’t let his low efficiency affect his game, putting up 7 assists per game while scoring 9.7 points. His ability to playmake and get everyone in the right position to finish plays stood out during the tournament. Garcia-Plata on the other hand was much more of a scorer, with 10 points a game on 57.1% from two and 35.7% from three. A good stint of games for the Spaniard who played a lot more off the ball.
Ignacio Campoy had one of the most interesting stat lines in Abu Dhabi, with 9.3 points and a whopping 12.7 rebounds, adding 3.7 assists. The 6’8 power forward was a rebounding monster, showing his high IQ not only in the way he found the basket (60% from two) but also as a playmaker, always looking for his teammates and never forcing the issue. Gildas Gimenez was everywhere as a 6’6 wing, with 8.7 points, 3 rebounds and 1.7 steals, looking to get to the basket off the catch or in transition and playing the passing lanes cunningly. Andrej Bjelic had a subpar shooting performance by his standards, but tried to do more as a driver and playmaker, finishing with 7 points (50% from two), 2 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Declan Duru had 5.3 points, 5 rebounds and 1.3 steals as a transition and cutting 6’7 wing with good defensive instincts and impressive physical tools.
INSEP
Not the result the Belgrade qualifier winners were expecting, but their prospects still put together interesting performances. No one better than Hugo Yimga Moukouri, who averaged a 17-point, 10.3-rebound double-double, on top of 3 assists and 1 steal per game. The 6’8 wing looked good inside and out (51.95 from two, 35.7% from three), both on the ball or more as an off the dribble attacker. His defense was also on full display, able to fly around the court, switch and help, making him one of the biggest names in INSEP’s talent factory. And all this from a player who hasn’t turned 17 yet.
Speaking of youngsters, 2009-born Nathan Soliman put together a two-way clinic, averaging 14.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 2 blocks per contest, putting his stamp all over the court. The 6’9 wing, who shot 55.6% from two showcased his on-ball creation but was also effective off the ball as a cutter or closeout attacker. Defensively, his ability to cover a ton of ground, play the passing lanes and get in the mix for blocks was a sight to see. Noa Kouakou-Huegue had a solid outing with 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 rebounds, acting as a driver or baseline cutter and play finisher at 6’10 for the French. He struggled a bit with his finishing but the potential as a long forward who can finish plays is all there.
Cameron Houindo and Meissa Faye provided really good minutes as complementary pieces. Houindo’s 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds all on good efficiency (52.9% from two and hitting both threes he attempted) were a good indicator of a play finisher with some low post ability. Faye finished with 10 points and 4.7 rebounds, playing as an off-ball agitator who didn’t hesitate to shoot or put the ball on the floor to attack the open space. Jonas Boulefaa didn’t have the percentages at the level he has accustomed us to, but his 7.7 points, 5 rebounds and 2.7 assists are proof of his influence, even off the bench. A floor spacing 6’9 big with a quick release and flashes of movement shooting.
DUBAI BASKETBALL
Possibly the biggest surprise of the tournament, which actually started with a difficult loss to Barcelona, followed by a win over Mega and a close loss to finalists Milan. Tomislav Vuckovic was the main man with a 39-point game against Mega, including 9 made threes to claim the record of most threes made in a game in ANGT/NextGen history. The 2008-born wing finished with 20.3 points per game (45.2% from three), 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Stood out as a rangy shooter who was able to hit mostly off the catch or movement, but also off the dribble at times.
Andy Huelves and Simon Gradin came to help Dubai and impressed scouts all around. Huelves, a 6’3 point guard, put together 14.7 points, 4 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals, leading the finals in assists and showing off his ability to get to the basket to finish or get the ball to a teammate, inside and out. His on-ball pressure was also a big point of emphasis on his performances in a very productive weekend. 6’10 Gradin looked great as a rebounder and inside finisher, both on drives or catching the ball near the rim. He had 9.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2 blocks. Showed some range as well but the most intriguing skill was his defensive versatility. Not just a rim protector, he uses his length and mobility well on the perimeter, switching down without much problem. Bacary Doucoure looked good in his role as well, with extraordinary physical traits to fly around the court for finishes and rebounds. Averaged 8.7 points (60% from two) and 8.3 rebounds.
OVERTIME ELITE
The US program repeated their last year’s visit, beating the eventual champions Zalgiris convincingly in their last game. 6’5 Adam Oumiddoch had a tremendous performance in his second year at the NextGen Euroleague Finals, averaging 18.7 points on 58.1% from two, 4 rebounds and 2.3 steals. His shot wasn’t there but his ability to get out in transition like a blur, playing the passing lanes to get easy buckets on the other side and creating his own paths to the rim in the halfcourt made him a great weapon for Overtime.
Kohl Rosario put together a more well-rounded performance with 15 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.7 steals. The 6’1 point guard went 42.1% from three, looking unstoppable on catch and shoot situations, but always ready to put the ball on the floor and get to work. His defensive work didn’t go unnoticed, tremendous as a defender one pass away. Collin Paul‘s constant activity as a 6’10 big made for an interesting watch. With 13 points (72.2% from two, 80% from three), 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.3 steals, there’s a case to be made for Paul to be considered a top 2/3 big in Abu Dhabi. Efficient, looking to always go after offensive rebounds and a great presence in the backside of Overtime’s press or out in the perimeter. One to keep an eye on. Taylen Kinney was the team’s offensive motor, putting together 12.3 points, 7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals. A constant source of offense off pick and rolls or in transition, he had a tough time finding the bottom of the basket but always made sure to get his teammates the ball in great positions. Asher Elson showcased his ability to stretch the floor at 6’10, finishing most of his plays on drives or shots off the catch. A nimble athlete, he used the mid-range to his advantage but never turned down a paint attack.
MEGA SUPER BELGRADE
Not the best performance from the Serbian youth powerhouse, leaving the UAE capital without a win. Ognjen Srzentic was a drop of excellence on an otherwise difficult outing for Mega, getting included at the end in the Finals All-Tournament Five. The 6’8 ball handler finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals on a helthy diet of 54.5% from two and 36.4% from three. A consistent threat on and off the ball, Srzentic found paths to the basket where there didn’t appear to be any and looked unafraid of pulling the trigger from the perimeter off the catch.
Vuk Danilovic had a good weekend as a scorer with 14.3 points to go along with his 1.3 rebounds. When the outside shot wasn’t working, he didn’t force the issue and tried to get inside or get to the line (10/10 in three games). Born in 2008, he is expected to have a bigger role in next year’s U18 team. Featured offensively a whole lot, Pavle Backo didn’t disappoint, especially as an inside scorer and passer. He had 12.3 points on 62.5% from two, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Hard to stop at 7 feet, his footwork and use of his body to get to comfortable positions helped a ton as a low post creator. Read traps well and was able to find open teammates consistently. For 6’8 Nikola Karalic, the defense was the main point of emphasis, but he put together a good demonstration of his offensive arsenal, especially as a driver. Had 14 points on 73.3% from two, with 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal per game.