By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Andrew Goudelock’s offensive talent is more than God given. The American guard is the most gifted scorer in Euroleague, however Fenerbahce/ Ulker is still searching the best way to take advantage of him and win. After losing to Olympiacos and to CSKA Moscow at home, the Turkish side needs a big come back in order to get the home court advantage in the play offs and that can be done only if Goudelock’s habbits change.
That’s why a player like Nikos Zisis was added by Zeljko Obradovic to the team and Zoc can be satisfied with the defensive progress of his team and specially the contribution of Vesely, who has proven to be the solution at center. Still Goudelock’s game and many touches are having a negative effect to the possible offensive contribution of every other player of the team. Four more players in the first three Top16 games – as Ricky Hickman has played only in one – have been on the court at least 20 minutes and they simply don’t have the ball in their hands.
In total Goudelock has 17/35 two pointers and 10/19 threes, Nemanja Bjelica has 9/16 2p. and 1/9 3p., Bogdan Bogdanovic 8/16 2p. and 9/21 3p., Emir Preldzic 7/11 2p. and 2/6 3p. and Nikos Zisis 1/4 2p. and 1/2 3p. That means 54 shots for Goudelock – not counting the possesions that ended up in fouls – and 85 shots for the other four.
The game of Goudelock also doesn’t translate well on teamwork, being a product mainly of isolation plays. Andrew Goudelock has 1,7 assists and 1,7 turnovers per game, Nemanja Bjelica has 1,3 assists and also 1,3 turnovers, Bogdanovic has 1,3 assists and 1,3 turnovers, Preldzic has 2 assists and 1 turnover and Zisis 3,3 assists and 1,2 turnovers. If you exclude Zisis, the total is 6,3 assists compared to 5,3 turnovers.
This is where Fenerbahce/ Ulker has to work. There’s still time for Obradovic and his players to turn things around and compete for the home court advantage in the play offs, but in order to do that, a better ball and shots distribution is needed, specially in crunch time.