By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
A truly captivating opening phase of the Basketball Champions League Play-Offs is in the books. Defending champions AEK, Brose Bamberg, Hapoel Jerusalem, Iberostar Tenerife, Nanterre 92, Nizhny Novgorod, Segafredo Virtus Bologna and Telenet Giants Antwerp are still in the hunt for the title, with the Quarter-Final ties tipping off in two weeks.
Every one of these elite eight sides had standout performances from players the past two weeks. We’ve come up with a Team of the Round of 16 and yes, you’ll recognize some of these names.
Paris Lee – Guard
Oh yes, that Paris Lee. The same one that lit up the BCL on December 18 and was named MVP of the Week for Gameday 9. Lee was terrific for Antwerp in their 152-145 aggregate triumph over UCAM Murcia. He had 21 points, 5 assists and 3 steals in the first leg and then 14 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in Wednesday’s second leg.
Tyrese Rice – Guard
Here’s a guy that should get plenty of MVP votes for the season. Rice has been, as expected, one of the best players in Europe all year and arguably his finest effort came in the 169-164 victory over Banvit in their Round of 16 showdown. On Wednesday night, Rice poured in 34 points, handed out 4 assists and collected 3 rebounds. He also played his part in the Freak City club’s sparkling performance at the free-throw line, making all 8 of his attempts. In the first leg, he was darn good, too, with 20 points, 5 assists and a steal.
TaShawn Thomas – Forward
The 26-year-old Thomas had the wow factor for Hapoel in the Round of 16, especially on those drives in the lane when he held the ball high, arm fully extended, before jamming the ball home for a thunderous dunk. In the 170-138 aggregate triumph over Neptunas, Thomas set the tone early at Klaipeda in the first leg and finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He had 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in Wednesday’s second leg victory in Jerusalem as well.