By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
As new year may be upon us, but nothing seems to change. The crime rates are still on the rise and the EuroLeague trophy is still missing. And of course, arresting and then releasing alleged criminals remains the standard procedure.
It seems that someone is not doing his work right, as the authorities are unable to make even the smallest step towards the solution of the mystery that surrounds the missing trophy. Is it lost for good, or is under their noses, somewhere near a basketball court? Only time will tell. For now, the only thing to report is the latest five arrests.
Sonny Weems: Everytime something big happens in Tel Aviv, he is always behind it. The former CSKA Moscow mercenary has made Israel his new base and he remains a force in the underworld. In the recent showdown between Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv and Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul, he did it all with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Still, no one wanted to testify against him.
Bryant Dunston: His name has been mentioned many times in the past, but this arrest was a first for him. This notorious enforcer proved that he must be respected in the Istanbul duel between his crew, Anadolu Efes, and Galatasay Odeabank. He went for the money and got it, posting 17 points and 6 rebounds, but most importantly, intimidating everyone who came near him. Talk about an imposing presence!
Ioannis Papapetrou: You may remember his baby face from last season and the Zagreb incident. The young, lethal shooter of Olympiacos Pireaus once more changed his identity, posing as a power forward to ambush Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens. He just needed some seconds and just five shots in order to get the job done, making four of them count and grabbing 13 points which decided the outcome of a true turf war.
Jonas Maciulis: A Lithuanian thug known for his bizzare sense of humor, he had the last laugh at CSKA Moscow‘s expense in Madrid, demonstrating his criminal talents. He scored 20 points, made 4 out of 6 long-range shots and also got 2 rebounds. He is a longtime member of Real Madrid‘s organization and he took things under his control, confirming the reports that he is still hailed as one of the high-ranking members of his gang.
Rodrigue Beaubois: This new entry from the dangerous Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz gang is a deadly sniper. While the Frenchman also can do a lot more, he demonstrated his abilities by making 13 out of 16 shots for a total of 29 points. Poor Unics Kazan didn’t have a chance to react and Beaubois reminded everyone practically overnight why he is to be feared going forward.