By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
After two weeks of action in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, a wave of criminally good performances is sweeping the old continent. New arrest warrants were issued for five perpetrators who were spotted from Athens to Vitoria and from Munich to Tel Aviv.
Be aware and inform the police as soon as possible if you spot them, since there’s no way of telling where they will strike next. Proceed with caution if you meet them and be extremely careful.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas: A criminal genius from the Baltics who is ready to be promoted as the leader of his Spanish-based gang. He proved it in Tel Aviv, having an almost perfect game against Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv for Unicaja Malaga. That translates to 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist, 1 steal and 3 turnovers. He did all that in just 21 minutes, proving that he can strike with lighting quickness and precision before anyone is alerted.
Samardo Samuels: A Jamaican enforcer who was last seen in Spain after a long period of residence in Italy. He couldn’t be contained in the game of FC Barcelona Lassa against Stelmet Zielona Gora and that didn’t end up pretty. He had 23 points from making 8 of 9 two-pointers and 7 of 12 free throws, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 assist and 1 turnover. His efficiency can’t be denied and his reputation precedes him after changing countries.
Alex Renfroe: An American con artist, posing as a lean guard who can fool anyone. He did it for FC Bayern Munich against Khimki Moscow Region with a double-double which included 11 rebounds, more than any of his teammates. He also had 10 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 5 turnovers. He was left on the court almost for 33 minutes, because he also contained Tyrese Rice. He is a defensive menace for every peace loving opponent.
Ioannis Bourousis: A Greek member of the underworld who was connected with many big scores during his long career. He is playing his 14th straight season in the Euroleague and this week he had his best game ever! As a member of Laboral Kutxa Vitoria Gasteiz against one of his old teams, Olympiacos Piraeus, he had 28 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists and 2 blocks for a personal best 44 performance index rating. After the game he publicly denied any connection with settling old debts, but he still is a constant frontline menace.
James Gist: Nicknamed the “beast”, a brutal kingpin who can’t be stopped in the paint. How else can you describe his career best of 27 points, making 8 of 10 two-points shots and 3 of 3 threes. He had also 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and 1 turnover for Panathinaikos Athens against Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir. His ferocity is unmatched and he is back on the streets, ready to strike again.