By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The crime rates on the basketball courts of the old continent are rising higher and higher. Violent outbursts have damaged beyond recognition in a matter of minutes the chances of home teams to win their games, while innocent bystanders can only watch in shock. Home fans are left in despair, while ruthless robbers are on the loose, ready to hit again at any given moment. Be careful and be prepared, because your team can be their next victim.
Bobby Dixon: Also known as Ali Muhammad and recently dubbed as the Munich strangler. He had 16 of his 25 points in the first quarter as Fenerbahce Istanbul got an easy road win over FC Bayern Munich. His performance was the key for a 30-10 first period which proved more than enough to sneak off with the victory. He also had 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steal and 1 turnover – and all he needed was 27 minutes…
Ioannis Papapetrou: Don’t let his baby face fool you. He is young, but lethal, just tapping on his criminal potential and constantly changing identities. The son of a center, Argiris, who played even in the Greek national team, he is a prototype small forward, however in Zagreb he played exclusively as a power forward , replacing Giorgos Printezis. The outcome was 16 points and 8 rebounds, while short-handed Olympiacos Piraeus beat Cedevita Zagreb. When you see him just walking casually around, you never know what to expect.
Luke Harangody: An American expat and once a member of the Boston gangs. In the same city, he met Turkish enforcer Semih Erden, and subsequently acquired a taste for Europe. Now they are both part of the same Istanbul gang. Last seen in the Island of Sardinia, he robbed the local bank and registered his best-ever Euroleague game, which consisted of 26 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul’s win over Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari. According to police sources, the authorities are worried that his next score will be even bigger.
Malcolm Delaney: One of the most dangerous hitmen at large in Europe. His base of operation is the Black Sea and the city of Krasnodar, but he is wanted for an attack in Athens, Greece. According to eye witnesses he did the unthinkable. In just 5 minutes, he scored 20 points. It was a criminal crescendo no one saw coming, nobody had the time to react and then he just vanished with the road win of Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar over Panathinaikos Athens.
Tyrese Rice: He made his name with the 2014 Final Four heist in Milan. His size is deceiving, but this along with his quickness are his calling cards. And even if lightning isn’t supposed to strike twice, well, he did it again. He led Khimki Moscow Region this time to the road win over defending champions Real Madrid with 18 points and 8 assists. After one year of absence, due to his choice to stay under the radar in the Eurocup, he is back and ready for more. So be extremely cautious of him and his new gang.
Art credit: JPsportart