By Manos Fyrogenis/ info@eurohoops.net
While young players are rewarded with the Rising Star award in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the nature of the competition makes things interesting with the players who fit the description of “rookies”.
In many cases, EuroLeague newcomers have already proven themselves at various levels of competition around Europe or even in the NBA, usually as veterans who can make a difference or have star power.
This year the most typical example of this description is AS Monaco’s Kemba Walker, a star who is also a EuroLeague rookie. Surprisingly – or not – Walker has not been among the most impactful newcomers in the EuroLeague.
Former NBA champion Serge Ibaka of FC Bayern Munich could have topped this list, as he has averaged 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for a PIR of 15.7, but he played six games for Real Madrid back in the 2011-12 season.
Here are our top 10 EuroLeague rookies
CODI MILLER-MCINTYRE (Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
STATS: 8.4 PPG, 7.1 ASP, 13.7 PIR
After flirting for many years with EuroLeague teams, he finally got his chance at 29 years of age and already made a splash. He achieved a rare triple-double and proved beyond any doubt that he belongs at this level.
Baskonia still hasn’t secured its spot in the Play-In Showdown, but chances are that he will be there with his team completing a stellar first season in the league.
BRUNO CABOCLO (Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade)
STATS: 9.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG 11 PIR
Caboclo spent many years trying to find the right opportunity in the US, but ultimately the 28-year-old big man found a sweet spot in the EuroLeague when he was added to Partizan’s roster after the 8th round. Ηe has been instrumental in the push that Partizan has made to reach the Play-In Showdown and his presence in the paint is key to his team’s effort.
SYLVAIN FRANCISCO (FC Bayern Munich)
STATS: 10.7 PPG, 3.2 ASP 10.8 PIR
The French guard finally got his chance in the EuroLeague at 26 years of age after spending a season being coached by Euroleague Basketball Legend Vassilis Spanoulis at Peristeri BC. You might argue that Francisco is a late bloomer, however, he has demonstrated on many occasions with Bayern that he is not afraid to take the ball into his hands when it matters and with Bayern having very slim chances of making it to the postseason, this is a gift he should use.
MOSES WRIGHT (Olympiacos Piraeus)
STATS: 8.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 10.7 PIR
Wright is 25 years old and that makes him the second youngest “rookie” on the list. Plus his numbers are not flashy until you check the PIR and his efficiency. Wright was added as a last-second transfer after Nikola Milutinov’s injury and emerged as the best possible addition on an already crowded Olympiacos frontline that also includes Moustapha Fall, Alec Peters, and Filip Petrusev. That pretty much says it all.
KENDRICK NUNN (Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)
STATS: 14.8 PPG, 3 ASP, 10.1 PIR
Nunn was also signed after the start of the season, however, he is the marquee name on this list and has emerged as a cornerstone in Panathinaikos‘s amazing run. His latest achievement was the winning shot against Virtus Segafeedo Bologna as the Greens are marching toward second place in the regular season standings. He is also ninth in scoring so far, adapting to the European game instantly and making a huge impact on the whole league.
TYRIQUE JONES (Anadolu Efes Istanbul)
STATS: 7.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 10.1 PIR
After a stellar run with Turk Telekom Ankara in the BKT EuroCup, Jones was “promoted” to the EuroLeague, where it’s not a given that EuroCup standouts will make a difference. Jones has been a difference-maker for Efes, emerging as their starting center and when he is playing up to his potential, the team delivers. Currently 10th in the standings, having the advantage of a win over the other contenders for the Play-In Showdown, Jones has the chance to prove his worth once more.
YAGO DOS SANTOS (Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade)
STATS: 9.2 PPG, 4.1 ASP, 10.1 PIR
Like Jones, the 24-year-old Brazilian got “promoted” from the EuroCup after his last season with Ulm and he emerged as a backcourt power duo together with legendary point guard Milos Teodosic in Belgrade. Having said that, Yago’s injuries proved to be also the downfall of Zvezda. He has so far played in 26 games, starting in 16 and being one of the silver linings in a season that didn’t pan out according to the ambitions of the club.
DAMIEN INGLIS (Valencia Basket)
STATS: 8.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 10 PIR
Like Caboclo, Inglis tried his luck at an early age in the USA without much success- Then he returned to France where he played in the EuroCup, but Inglis really shined just last season, winning the trophy as a member of Gran Canaria. He finally got his EuroLeague chance at 28 years of age and the results have been positive. Valencia still has a fighting chance to make it to the postseason and one thing Inglis has proven is that he is a true fighter.
MIKE SCOTT (LDLC ASVEL)
STATS: 10.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 9.7 PIR
Of all the players on the list, he is the most surreal case. Yes, he is THE Mike Scott, who played nine seasons in the NBA, most of them with the Hawks and the last two in Philadelphia. He moved to Europe in the summer of 2022 and he is now a 35-year-old EuroLeague rookie.
Despite his age, he has delivered but unfortunately for him and his club, ASVEL had a season to forget.
JABARI PARKER (FC Barcelona)
STATS: 10.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 9.2 PIR
Parker has the lowest average PIR on this list, but his impact on a solid team battling for home-court advantage in the playoffs cannot be denied. Parker has provided quality for Barcelona. His talent, experience, and most importantly, the way he found chemistry with his teammates in no time have been huge factors in Barcelona’s success this season.