By Giorgos Efkarpidis / info@eurohoops.net
We are currently enjoying the new expanded form of Eurobasket with 24 teams. Back in the day though, four of the 16 top teams would have actually been one, the Soviet Union, and that made us wonder “what could have been”.
Imagine a team in the round of 16 that would include the best players of Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine.
Would a starting five of Strēlnieks, Shved, Kuzminskas, Porzingis, and Valanciunas be the favorite to win the gold and beat Spain? We decided to map this alternative reality and you can be the judge of where this team would end up.
(Photo Credit: FIBA)
Jānis Strēlnieks-Latvia
Team Record: 4-1
Averages: 7,2 ppg, 3,2 rpg, 6apg.
The Latvian sharpshooter definitely deserves a spot due to his superb percentages from beyond the arc as well as his understanding of the game. He is now a member of Euroleague powerhouse Olympiacos and his career is definitely on the rise.
Mantas Kalnietis- Lithuania
Team Record: 4-1
Group stage numbers: 10 ppg, 2,6 rpg, 7,2 apg
Kalnietis may not have the prestige of a big time player but leading a team of NBA players from the point guard position is no easy task. He has slowly and steadily progressed in his career and he would be the backup point guard for this team. After all, he plays his best basketball when he is wearing “Lietuva”‘s jersey. In the group stage, he was “dropping dimes”, averaging 7 assists per game. Feeding big men the rock is a very important responsibility.
Alexey Shved- Russia
Team Record: 4-1
Group stage numbers: 23ppg, 3 rpg, 5,6 apg
Star power is always an issue for teams contending for medals. Though Shved did not enjoy the career he wanted during his time in the NBA, he has proven to be a born-leader, especially in this tournament. It would be him taking the last second shot down the stretch for this team just like he did for Russia hitting a “dagger-three” against Turkey.
Vitaly Fridzon- Russia
Team Record: 4-1
Group stage numbers: 7 ppg, 1,8 rpg, 1 apg
Every team needs a sharpshooter off the bench. That is exactly the role Fridzon has enjoyed his whole career. Being ready to knock down shots from deep is no easy task and Fridzon has all the fundamentals for a backup shooting guard.
Mingandas Kuzminskas- Lithuania
Team Record: 4-1
Group stage numbers: 14,4 ppg, 4,2 rpg, 1,8 apg
“Kuz” has quickly become a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden and he has great potential due to his versatility as a small and power forward. His ability to stretch the floor and post-up is amazing. He is having a nice tournament and will likely see his responsibilities increase as the tournament progresses.
Dairis Bertāns– Latvia
Team Record: 4-1
Group stage numbers: 11,4ppg, 3,4 rpg, 5,2 apg
Bertans will continue to play in the Euroleague after signing a one-year deal with Emporio Armani Milani. He is having a nice tournament as a player that comes off the bench. His role would most likely be the same on this team.