By Utkan Sahin and John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague offseason is up and running. Players might be concentrated on domestic league competition, but looking ahead to the next campaign of Europe’s premier competition Eurohoops compiled lists of the summer free agents by position wrapping up with the Top 10 centers.
Note: Players with options in their contract are also included.
2019 EuroLeague Free Agent Market: Top 10 Centers
Tibor Pleiss (Anadolu Efes) *
Age / Country: 29 / Germany
EuroLeague career: 8 seasons – 188 games
2018-19 stats: 37 games, 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 9.3 PIR
Best game: 21 points, 12 rebounds versus KIROLBET Baskonia (Round 29)
The 2018-19 campaign wasn’t friendly for Tibor Pleiss in spite of Anadolu Efes run to the EuroLeague Final. He wasn’t Ergin Ataman’s first option, but ended up with 8.1 points per game with 67.2% inside the rainbow. It’s very likely that the German center will attract offers from many EuroLeague sides if available.
* His contract with Anadolu Efes includes an option for the 2019-20 season.
Devin Booker (FC Bayern Munich)
Age / Country: 28 / USA
EuroLeague career: 1 season – 16 games
2018-19 stats: 16 games, 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 9.8 PIR
Best game: 18 points, 2 blocks versus Darussafaka Tekfen (Round 6)
Following a pair of 7DAYS EuroCup campaigns, Devin Booker debuted in the EuroLeague with 8.9 points per contest. His injury in Regular Season Round 11 left him sidelined for nearly four months, but he managed to return with strong outings down the stretch of the Regular Season. Now healthy, he has the opportunity to make a decision on his next step.
Kevin Seraphin (FC Barcelona Lassa)
Age / Country: 29 / France
EuroLeague career: 3 seasons – 49 games
2018-19 stats: 27 games, 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 7.7 PIR
Best game: 15 points, 5 rebounds versus Panathinaikos OPAP (Round 8)
After returning from the NBA with a strong 2017-18 campaign, Kevin Seraphin’s role in FC Barcelona Lassa was reduced during the 2018-19 season. Considered the third center option, he struggled to find his rhythm, but ultimately played in 27 matches averaging 8.3 points with 63.2% from two-point range. His future is now in question, but nobody can firmly rule out Barca retaining him.
Othello Hunter (CSKA Moscow)
Age / Country: 33 / USA
EuroLeague career: 6 seasons – 162 games
2018-19 stats: 36 games, 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 9.4 PIR
Best game: 19 points, 7 rebounds versus AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan (Round 25)
No guarantees for Othello Hunter ahead of his free agency. He aided CSKA Moscow go all the way in the 2018-19 EuroLeague season with strong showings and averaging 7.5 points in the Final Four, but didn’t produce anything special compared to his previous outings in Europe’s premier competition. Hunter, 33, will be a strong summer option for many sides if his tenure with the Russian club isn’t extended.
Michael Eric (Darussafaka Tekfen) *
Age / Country: 30 / Nigeria
EuroLeague career: 1 season – 29 games
2018-19 stats: 29 games, 11.1 points, 5 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 10.4 PIR
Best game: 22 points, 15 rebounds versus Khimki Moscow Region (Round 27)
First EuroLeague season with 11.1 points per match, not bad for Michael Eric and his presence at Darussafaka Tekfen. The Turkish club mainly struggled throughout the 2018-19 EuroLeague season, but the Nigerian center propelled himself to a prominent defensive player in Europe’s premier competition. His dominance on both sides of the court can lead him to an improved contract.
* His contract with Darussafaka Tekfen includes an option for the 2019-20 season.