By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
No Euroleague games this week. But don’t feel sad about it. We are going to keep your mood connected with what the top competition in Europe has to offer.
And in order to do that, we decided to present you our selection of the best players in the Top 16 so far in a slightly alternative way. How would it be if you took the 12 best performers of the Euroleague Top 16 and put them all together in one team? Exactly, you would create a squad made of dreamy material.
This is why we didn’t simply choose the players with the best numbers or the more victories for this list. Apart from their personal or team achievements, we took under serious consideration how their characteristics would be of perfect use in this “dream team”.
Our criteria on compiling the list had to do with three key factors:
A) The performance of each player.
B) How everyone would fit with each other and how all these amazing players would blend in together in terms of chemistry and effective team performance.
C) How well each individual’s team fares so far in the Top 16. We could not choose a player who scores… 20 points per game, but his team has only 1 or 2 victories, if you get what we mean.
So here it is… Eurohoops.net “Dream Squad” of the Euroleague Top 16.
NANDO DE COLO (CSKA MOSCOW)
It is rather special to get distinguished in this season’s CSKA where heavy teamwork oriented basketball is implemented. As a purveyor of scoring and passes (21 and 4.5 per game) Nando De Colo becomes the ultimate accelerator for what is already a powerful offensive machine. What is more, he is quite economical, being the top scorer in the Top 16 with a super 55% in his field goals. Very large for a combo guard.
Best Game in the Top 16:
Victory was a necessity against Real Madrid in Moscow for the second game of the Top 16. After all, CSKA had been defeated by Khimki, and would hate to start with a 0-2. Nando De Colo was the sharpest fang of the “Russian Bear” versus Real with 28 points and 7 assists.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
Whether he would play for 15 or 35 minutes, either with or without the ball in his hands, De Colo would attract attention from the opposing defense, simply by standing on court. He will not only provide scoring by himself, but help his teammates do it in any possible way.
MALCOLM DELANEY (LOKOMOTIV KUBAN)
When the going gets tough, Malcolm Delaney’s basketball makes it smooth once more. In the second stage of Euroleague, the Baltimore born combo guard has increased his already highly noteworthy performance, averaging 19.3 points and 5.3 assists right now in the Top 16. The strongest pillar in Lokomotiv Kuban’s structure.
Best Game in the Top 16:
Against Cedevita in Zagreb he had the best game, at least in numbers, in his Euroleague career so far. Lokomotiv Kuban struggled quite a lot in the first half but things would have been worst if not for Malcolm Delaney’s magics. The basketball he provided, redefined the word “epic, even for his standards. By scoring 22 points in 13 minutes he kept his team close enough to then turn the tide and win the match. The American combo guard finished with 31 points and 41 in the evalution system, both personal records in Euroleague, while also having 8 assists.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
Not simply a scorer, but also a play maker. Not just your “go to guy” in offense, but always there to help in defense as well. To put it simply: There is nothing that falls under a guard’s obligations and Delaney wouldn’t excel in for the sake of his team’s welfare. And if you needed someone to take that game winning shot, Malcolm would be the man for the job.
ALEXEY SHVED (KHIMKI MOSCOW)
Yet another player who does everything better in the Top 16. Shved is a top notch scorer for sure, but as an all around-er he becomes of vital importance for Khimki Moscow. His 18.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in the Top 16 testify on how his game influence expands in all areas that his team might need him . That’s what a leader has to do after all, isn’t that right?
Best Game in the Top 16:
To start the Top 16 with a win would mean so much for the more ambitious Khimki…. ever. Especially if that happened against CSKA Moscow, at home. Well Alexey Shved gunned down his opponents in that game, with 28 points, while also delivering 5 assists and winning no less than 9 fouls. Exactly what his team needed to enter the Top 16 in absolute style
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
While he is a lethal player with the ball in his hands, Shved doesn’t need that to become dangerous. He could mainly be a receiver of passes by his teammates, striking after movement without the ball. With his rich athletic skills he would utilize his speed to tire up everyone that would be called to guard him… and fly high enough to deliver some dunks after alley oop connections.
NICK CALATHES (PANATHINAIKOS)
A point guard who is literally everywhere for his team on court, with a strong enough mindset to be the”floor general” on offense and the qualifications that enable him to intensely guard his personal opponent. And not only. Being the fourth best passer (6.3 average) and first in steals (2.1 per game) in the Euroleague Top 16, shows only little of how valuable Nick Calathes is for Panathinaikos on both ends of court.
Best Game in the Top 16:
Cedevita had already defeated Anadolu Efes in Zagreb and waited to repeat that against Panathinaikos. It was a match that hid many dangers and one nearly with the character of “do or die” for the Greek club. If the Greens wanted to win they needed to make their point in the strongest possible way. Nick Calathes’ playmaking made things quite comfortable for his team. His 10 points and 10 assists also marked his first double/double in Euroleague.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
Not only a mastermind of the team’s tactics, but also an agile defender with extra affinity for “dangerous operations”. Apart from setting up his teammates with assists and opening the transition game, he would apply strong pressure on the best guard of the opposing team… rather successfully.
DANIEL HACKETT (OLYMPIACOS)
Don’t be fooled by the fact that his numbers (10.6 points, 2 assists per game) are not exactly blinding. Daniel Hackett’s workload extends to all corners of court and most of it doesn’t make it to the statistics sheet. He has been one of Olympiacos‘ protagonists in the element that characterizes the Reds’ game, which no other than defense, but when his team needs scoring and passing, he happily provides both. Often, with big shots in key moments, a testament of his leadership skills.
Best Game in the Top 16:
Olympiacos played with the back against the wall against Khimki in Piraeus. At the third quarter the Greek team was behind in the score with 12 points and needed a total renovation in its game. Daniel Hackett transformed the way his team behaved from that moment and onward, covering huge amounts of space defensively and changing the rhythm on offense. He finished with 14 points and 3 assists, all in a timely manner for the successful comeback of the Reds.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
Coming from the bench, Hackett would provide unique helps of all sorts, doing all the dirty work and being a good fit with any other guard in the list. His post up game can become a serious threat, with him either finishing each play with scoring or passing. He would guard everyone at the perimeter and then even move to the low post to make a necessary stop.
DARIUS MILLER (BROSE BASKETS)
Now this is a guy that thrives on big challenges. It is not a surprise that he had his top performances in the Top 16 against Olympiacos and Barcelona, two powerhouses of Euroleague. But despite being first and foremost a scorer, Darius Miller (10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds per game in the Top 16) knows full well that the best way he can help Brose Baskes is by staying faithful to the altruistic game plan that coach Trinchieri has designed for his team. And for a rookie in Europe, especially Euroleague, that is a special credit.
Best Game in the Top 16:
In the unfriendly home arena of Olympiacos, the Euroleague semifinalist of 2015 and against the toughest defense in the competition, Miller had his best game in the season. So simple. He scored 23 points, missing only 3 shots (8/11 field goals) and even had a dagger in his pockets with which he killed Olympiacos‘ hopes for a complete comeback in the fourth quarter.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
We couldn’t make our squad without a standard small forward, could we? In such a team, Miller would be a fitting weak side shooter and not only. He would distract the opposing players and punish anyone who would left him unchecked.
QUINCY MILLER (CRVENA ZVEZDA)
Advancing to the Top 16 was not enough for one of the most sensational rookies of this Euroleague season. Quincy Miller wants to finish what he started with Crvena Zvezda, something that becomes quite obvious from his performances. Although he is totally inexperienced with the demands and unique circumstances behind the Top 16, Miller scores 13.6 points and grabs 4 rebounds per game.
Best Game in the Top 16:
The American forward was burning hot right from the start against Lokomotiv Kuban in Belgrade. He scored 12 really quick points to give his team a double digit lead right from the first quarter. Crvena Zvezda made the most out of this difference ultimately winning the match. Miller finished with 24 points on 4/5 threes.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
He would smell blood and be ready for the kill, thanks to his sheer ability to create plays for himself and score abundantly. When the offense would reach a stalemate, for any reason, Miller would simply get the ball and wreak havoc, either as a small or power forward. Woe to anyone who would stand in his way then.
JUSTIN DOELLMAN (BARCELONA)
So far in the Top 16 Barcelona is not exactly convincing with its performances and the results they have brought. But things would have been a lot worse if not for Justin Doellman. The American power forward has been really potent in the Top 16 with 12 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while shooting with a superb 65.5% on his 2 point shots. Highly impressive especially compared with his 46.8% of the Regular Season.
Best Game in the Top 16:
All the “El Clasicos” between Barcelona and Real Madrid have their heroes, for many different reasons. Doellman was not only the top scorer (24 points) when the two teams met for such a game in the Top 16, but also the savior of the Catalans. With a difficult, off balance buzzer beating jumper from behind the free throw line he executed Real Madrid, silencing the Barclaycard Center.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
Everyone loves a stretch power forward. Especially one as efficient as Doellman. His almost “unguardable” jump shot would definitely come in handy, since the 30 year old player is able to fire from all corners with the same accuracy.
DARIO SARIC (ANADOLU EFES)
The youngest player in our list arrives from Anadolu Efes. Already with a pivotal role in the Turkish team, Dario Saric’s performances (11.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game) in the Top 16 show that he much more than a top prospect now. If he continues like this, then his club may cover the lost ground in the race for the playoffs.
Best Game in the Top 16:
While his performance in other matches may look better, Saric specifically left his signature mark in the match against Crvena Zvezda in Istanbul. How? Well ,simply by putting the game winning shot few seconds before the end and preventing a big upset for his team. The Croatian power forward finished this game with 12 points and 4 rebounds.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
With the spirit and passion of a youngster, albeit a fairly experienced one, Saric will bring a lot of energy on court and combine it with his quality game in order to provide solutions, especially from the bench. As an offensive player he would be able to score with a variety of ways, and would also do a lot of damage with his rebounding.
Fenerbahce‘s winning streak owes so much to the Czech power forward/center and his immense presence on both ends of court. The MVP of January in Euroleague, has left its mark to the 7-0 of the Turkish team with his 12.4 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists (!) and 1.7 blocks per game in the Top 16.
Best Game in the Top 16:
It was a night of records for him and an important road victory for Fenerbahce. In the familiar place of Hala Pionir, Jan Vesely screamed “you shall not pass” to every opposing big guy that stood in front of him. He dominated the boards grabbing 15 rebounds (10 of them offensive) and he blocked the ball 5 times. Both career highs for him, in a match in which he also scored 15 points.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
Where would we be without a rim protector? One “boo” by Vesely and everyone would tremble before him. His job doesn’t end there of course, since he would also serve as an excellent pick n’ roll, and not only, finisher either as a power forward or a center. Also, he would make for an ideal combination with every other big guy in the squad that might not be such a strong defensive player.
GUSTAVO AYON (REAL MADRID)
A highly qualitatitve big guy whose game is invaluable to Real Madrid. Gustavo Ayon empowers his team’s offense in any possible way, scoring 13.4 points, grabbing 8.9 rebounds and dishing 2.4 assists per game in the Top 16. With him on court, the force of the Madridistas’ attacking waves, is multiplied.
Best Game in the Top 16:
Real Madrid traveled to Russia to play against Khimki Moscow without captain Felipe Reyes. Which automatically meant more obligations for Gustavo Ayon. This increased sense of duty brought out the best of the Mexican center’s game. Leading his team to win, he played a lot more than what he was used to (35 minutes, 10 more than his season average) and made a personal best in scoring (24 points) and Ranking (41). He also had 13 rebounds and 5 (!) steals. A classy way to finish the first leg of the Top 16.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
A touch of “spice” from the low post with moves that are really difficult to defend against, game perception that allows him to pass the ball, or being at the right spot and jump with the correct timing for the necessary rebound.
IOANNIS BOUROUSIS (LABORAL KUTXA)
Laboral Kutxa lives in “the age of Bourousis”, and no that isn’t an exaggeration. The influence of the Greek center in the game of Laboral Kutxa is massive and has made him the “de facto leader” of his new team. What is more, with his 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds (yes, he is the top rebounder in the Top 16) and 1.7 assists per game, Bourousis is the protagonist in the best Baskonia in recent years, since the Basques are at the first place on Group F.
Best Game in the Top 16:
He has been so dominant that it was difficult to choose between two particular games. The one against CSKA in Vitoria and the one against Barcelona on the road. We will go with the latter, since it was a victory away from home and Bourousis’ performance was brutal. To say the least. The Greek center had 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists leading Baskonia in a triumphant road victory.
Role in the “Dream Squad”:
What else other than the team’s tower. A mobile one, mind you, who will carry his beef from inside the paint, to the low post and sometimes to the 3 point line. He will attract the double teaming of the opposing team like a magnet, thus leaving lots of space to his teammates for any kind of action.