By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
This EuroLeague season still has a way to go, but the honors cannot wait any longer. With the regular season having been completed and the playoffs getting underway, Eurohoops voted for the All-EuroLeague Teams.
In case you missed it, the All-EuroLeague Second Team by Eurohoops has already been revealed and now it’s time for the All-EuroLeague First Team as voted by the 27 writers:
NICK CALATHES
Panathinaikos | Guard | February 7, 1989 | Greece
12.3 pts | 4.5 reb | 8.9 ast | 1.7 stl | 0 blk | 3.1 tov | 31:03 min | 16.7 PIR
Panathinaikos pulled off an impressive comeback, covered lost ground and will now compete for the qualification to the Final Four against Real Madrid. None of this would have been possible without Nick Calathes. The Greens’ leader proved he’s the best point guard in the EuroLeague, something that is reflected in the 8.9 assists he dished (new record in the EuroLeague), but also in the way he led the Greek team’s offense. Of course, he didn’t fail to contribute in a big way in scoring (12.3 points), play amazing defense, but also make history as the second player in the history of the competition to achieve a triple double!
KOSTAS SLOUKAS
Fenerbahce | Guard | January 15, 1990 | Greece
12 pts | 2 reb | 4.7 ast | 0.4 stl | 0 blk | 1.9 tov | 26:55 min | 15.5 PIR
Kostas Sloukas is having a magical season and contributing greatly in the departments of execution (12 points) and creation (4.7 assists). A special mention has to be made of the quite high 46% from the three-point line (career high), but also the Greek guard’s unique ability to score at crucial moments. His collaboration with Fenerbahce’s big men is flawless and his role in the proper functioning of the team is key. Very few players in the entire competition can combine quality, calmness, maturity, pluralism and leadership to such an extent.
WILL CLYBURN
CSKA Moscow | Forward | May 17, 1990 | USA
13.7 pts | 7.1 reb | 1.4 ast | 1 stl | 0.1 blk | 1.4 tov | 26:56 min | 18 PIR
Will Clyburn leads his team in the rating system (PIR 18) as a result of his multifaceted contribution. The American forward scores (13.7 points), gets rebounds (7.1 – third in the EuroLeague) and is amazing at covering spaces in defense and being the first who runs on the counter. He’s the very definition of a two-way player, who, at the age of 28, belongs in the elite of European basketball.
BRANDON DAVIES
Zalgiris | Center | July 25, 1991 | USA
14.4 pts | 5.7 reb | 2.1 ast | 1 stl | 0.5 blk | 1.9 tov | 24:27 min | 17.5 PIR
There’s no need for any special recommendations when it comes to Brandon Davies. One of the most dominant big men in the EuroLeague this season and the ultimate protagonist in yet another instance where Zalgiris exceeded expectations. The American center scores an average of 14.4 points and can play facing the basket, post up and shoot from mid-range. He’s a complete player both in offense and defense, and he proved that, at crucial moments, he can step up and make the difference. His PIR of 17.5 places him among the best players of the competition. Who wouldn’t want him on their team?
JAN VESELY
Fenerbahce | Center | April 24, 1990 | Czech Republic
13 pts | 5.4 reb | 2.4 ast | 1.5 stl | 0.5 blk | 1.9 tov | 26:11 min | 19.3 PIR
Jan Vesely shined for the greatest part of the season. The Czech center is a joy to watch in offense (13 points, 66% in two-point field goals), indefatigable in defense, but also the player with the third highest average in the rating system (19.3). It’s telling that he’s also a candidate for the Best Defender award, while few can compare with him in the department of spectacle. He has everything it takes…