By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
It’s springtime in Europe, but what really blossoms all around the Turkish Airlines Euroleague is crime! Nobody believes anymore that this is a coincidence as the same names keep getting arrested, only to be released with nothing more than a slap on the hand. We are talking about cold-blooded killers being given a free pass, which makes them even more ruthless. When is this going to stop? That’s the question in the mouth of every law-abiding citizen, even though there’s no answer.
Out of the five arrests made this week, four are more than well known to Interpol. They have been many reports of their wrongdoings. Alas, nobody was willing, as usual, to testify against them.
Mike James: You must remember this cat burglar with the audacity to do anything and an amazing shooting ability. Those criminal talents were on display once again as Laboral Kutxa Vitoria Gasteiz cemented its place in the upper echelon of the underworld. Working against “los blancos” of Real Madrid, he exploded, never missed on 5 of 5 threes in just one quarter, and finished the job with a total of 27 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He is small, but delivered big.
Jamon Gordon: He spent time recent months almost in hiding, which is not a surprise. This veteran “handy man” always kept a low profile, but his deeds can’t be imitated. One of the few who can do almost everything for their gangs, that was the story again as he led Dogus Darussafaka Istanbul to a win over the infamous Crvena Zvezda Telekom Belgrade with 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting plus 4 steals, 6 assists and 3 rebounds. That’s a lot of damage in every possible way.
Gigi Datome: “Jesus” performed his miracle again. As Fenerbahce Istanbul remains one of the most fearsome crews of the old continent, the Italian sniper hit again. He had 24 points, a total of 8 made shots in 11 attempts, 7 rebounds, but he also made 5 turnovers. Those kind of mistakes are the only hope police held of possibly apprehending him, but when the authorities arrived on the scene it was too late and the cross-town rival Anadolu Efes was already dead on the ground.
Alexey Shved: The mysterious alleged Russian army deserter is back in Moscow for good. This is the second time in recent months his name is on the most-wanted list and the reason is obvious. A total of 19 points (17 during the first half!), 5 of 10 threes, 3 rebounds and 2 assists as Khimki Moscow Region proved that it can defend its territory against the heavyweights. To be exact, it was Khimki that proved to be the heavyweight versus an unrecognizable Olympiacos Piraeus unit.
Nando De Colo: The French gunman who resides in Moscow didn’t take pity on Zalgiris Kaunas. Or maybe he has now lost all capability to feel mercy! According to eyewitnesses, he was precise and almost artistic on the way to 26 points, made 8 of his 11 shots, took 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. That’s right, he committed almost every possible crime against the Lithuanians, who had to think twice before challenging CSKA Moscow on their home territory.
Art credit: JPsportart