By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
INTERPOL has issued a warning for all who roam the Old Continent these days. Be on the lookout for the authors of a crime spree being carried out on European soil since October and taking place in the most unusual of places: Turkish Airlines Euroleague arenas! You must be ready for anything. Don’t let the festive holiday spirit fool you. That’s exactly what the criminals want. If you meet any of these five new suspects, please alert the authorities as soon as possible.
Fran Pilepic: Once a petty criminal, he is now part of the biggest gang in Croatia as its designated hitman. He is accurate and has great timing. That was the story in the crucial game of Cedevita Zagreb against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. In a heist that could have gone wrong, he had a total of 8 points that included a pair of crucial three-pointers that sent his team to the Top 16 for the first time. Now, the powers that be are keeping a close eye on him.
Tyler Honeycutt: Once more, an American hood is making headlines in Moscow. He was a one-man frontcourt for Khimki Moscow Region in its win over Strasbourg, with 15 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 0 turnovers. Nobody expected such damage to be done just by one man and this could be just the beginning. With Moscow being a hive of criminal activity, the police are on the watch out for him.
Gustavo Ayon: He is called “Machete” for a good reason. His ferocity is unmatched and his onslaught in Munich last week has already made criminal history. He missed just 2 shots in a haul of 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 assists, 3 blocks and a performance index rating of 41 in Real Madrid‘s do-or-die triumph against FC Bayern Munich. One of the most brutal criminals at large, he doesn’t negotiate and takes no prisoners.
Mantas Kalnietis: Known as “Manta” on the shores of the Baltic. Not only he can hit the target, but he also sets up his accomplices. He did it again for Zalgiris Kaunas in its game against FC Barcelona Lassa, with 16 points and also 7 assists, making just 1 turnover. He is methodical and doesn’t make mistakes, and as a wanted man for a long time, has proven elusive to law-enforcement authorities everywhere.
Sylven Landesberg: Born in Brooklyn but stashing an Israeli passport in his pocket, he left the States for the Middle East to make his home in Tel Aviv as a local fixer. His reputation is getting ahead of him all over Europe. He was one of the main reasons for Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv’s win over Brose Baskets Bamberg, finishing the game with 19 points. He helped his team pull off a big one, and Maccabi lived to fight another day.
Art credit: JPsportart