By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
With the Basketball Champions League Play-Ins coming to an end, the Round of 16 is just around the corner. But before jumping into the next stage, there’s a new Best Five in town, with the ones who shone in the do-or-die games played during Week 3.
The absolute dominator of this stage was Justin Smith, who pushed Hapoel Holon against Filou Oostende with 28 points and 9 rebounds, recording the highest Player Impact Estimate rate at 26.2%. Austin Wiley, who had 11 points and 17 rebounds, followed with a PIE of 18.9%.
One of the most talented players in this year’s Basketball Champions League is Jayvon Graves (12.4% PIE), crucial in giving Ludwigsburg the win over Darussafaka with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. The same PIE rate was given to Vitto Brown, who had 17 points and 7 rebounds in Pinar Karsiyaka’s Game 3 win over Rio Breogan.
Moreover, the 2005-born Tidjane Salaun (12.1% PIE), projected first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, also contributed to Cholet going to the Round of 16 by beating Dinamo Sassari. The French upcoming gem showed personality and experience in his 15-point showing over the Italian team.
🔥 These guys came in clutch in the do-or-die games during Week 3 of the #BasketballCL Play-Ins – and probably propelled you to the top of your weekly standings in the Fantasy League! 👀 pic.twitter.com/VtxtFibU7n
— Basketball Champions League (@BasketballCL) January 20, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League