By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
16 teams on the map wait for their next challenge on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Before we head to the next round, though, let’s reminiscent 12 players who stood out for their teams. Some of them have made it, some have not, yet the bottom line, aka their performances, will be remembered.
Our list includes the most statistically effective players of each position, based on their five-game presence, but also focuses on game-changing players for each team.
Without further ado…
(Photo credit: FIBA.basketball)
Goran Dragic
Slovenia has took its opponents by storm in the group phase and Dragic is the force behind this great success. His leadership and experience has paced the team to 5 convincing wins, even against podium-contenders like France.
Dragic averages 24.4 points and, 5.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds so far and manages to be the statistic leader after 5 games.
Dennis Schroder
Germany had its ups and downs in the group, as Schroder’s contribution has played a key role for the team 5 games in. When he soars, Fleming’s squad has nothing to fear, no matter which opponent comes its way.
The 23-year-old Atlanta Hawks player counts 23.3 points and 4.6 assists per game and it remains to be seen how he will cope with France’s dynamic frontcourt in the Round of 16.
Alexey Shved
28-year-old Shved managed to lead the Russian NT through every single game with his excellence, falling only to Latvia in the first round.
His efficient scoring is one of Russia’s big weapons, while he manages to execute and deliver with ease. Not only that, but he makes sure to create for his teammates, with 23 points and 5.6 assists per game.
Bojan Bogdanovic
Croatia finished second in the group, behind Spain, and this success if partly owed to Bojan’s sharp shooting skills and his steel-like temper through tough moments in the game.
The 28-year-old guard taps 21.4 points and 5 rebounds per game for his team and ranks 6th in the competition’s statistic leaders so far.
Cedi Osman
Basketball fans from across the globe had the chance to watch the Cavaliers’ player matchup with Kristaps Porzingis on Thursday, getting a little taste before the NBA season starts.
Osman has been Turkey’s key player so far and fearlessly led the team in all of its wins in Group D. Despite finishing 4th, the team has good potential behind the player’s 17.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4 assists averages.
Adam Waczynski
Poland counted only one win against Iceland in Group A, finishing fifth after a do-or-die battle against Greece, yet had challenged all of its opponents. While they did not succeed in their attempted upsets, Waczynski still managed to stand out with his contribution.
The 27-year-old Unicaja player was one of the most reliable forwards in the first round, averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Dario Saric
Along with Bojan Bogdanovic, the two make the Croatian offense come to life. At 23, Saric is making a name for himself in international competitions.
Saric knows his way around the rim, but isn’t afraid to execute from the three-point line. These, combined with his energy, make up for satisfying averages (15.2 points, 7.4 rebounds) in five games played.
Tornike Shengelia
While Georgia did not make it to the Group of 16 after finishing 5th in Group B, Shengelia’s performances this summer will be remembered.
He finished with an insane double-double in overtime against Israel (25 points, 19 rebounds) and ranks 8th in the competition’s statistic leaders with 18.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Lauri Markkanen
The Chicago Bulls big man monopolies our interest in every Finland game. He elates in clutch-like plays, pushing his opponents over the edge with a style so fierce that many call him “the new Dirk”.
In 5 games, he tapped 22.6 points and 6.2 rebounds on average, making us all impatient for what’s to come!
Pau Gasol
On Thursday, he became the all-time leading scorer of EuroBasket, with no sights of competition in the near future. And while it’s hard to distiguish the best from a roster full of star-like players, Gasol stands out with his loyalty and passion.
He leads Spain with 5 wins so far and almost a double-double average of 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds.
Relive the moment he made history, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki:
Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis goes by so many nicknames (“unicorn”, “Godzingis”, and so on forth) and rightfully so! So far he is the soul of the Latvian squad, averaging 22.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in the group phase.
Not only that, but he offers plenty of spectacular moments every time he steps on the floor.
