By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
When this will stop? Everyone is asking where the stolen trophy is hidden, but investigators seem to be at a loss to solve the case. The time for answers may be near, however, even if at this point everything remains a mystery. The only thing that’s certain is that you should be extra careful because the tension is rising. And if you meet one of these guys, you should just turn around and run!
Sergio Llull: The “Whites” of Real Madrid had no pity on either FC Barcelona Lassa or Olympiacos Piraeus. In the showdown against his gang’s archrivals, Sergio Llull once more struck like lightning and the game was over almost from the get-go. Nobody among the authorities bothers him even when his crimes are of the copy-cat variety: 21 points and 6 assists in Madrid and 21 points and 5 assists in Athens. Although he perpetrated near-identical dastardly deeds, Llull once more is free on the streets.
Milos Teodosic: The Serbian criminal genius, no stranger to Interpol, can be considered the main rival to Llull at this point. He continues to dominate the scene from his lair in Russia. He was brutal against Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul with 20 points and 10 assists to the other members of his CSKA Moscow posse. Then, he was spotted in Kazan delivering 12 points and 12 assists against Unics. His work is unique, everyone knows what he can do, still the police sit idle and a case against him was never made.
James Gist: The “Beast” is back! This brutal kingpin returned to action with the Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens family and was back in custody – albeit for just a few hours – almost two years after his last arrest. His first hit was registered in the Greek capital, where he re-emerged with 6 points and 4 rebounds against EA7 Emporio Armani Milano. Then he upped the ante in Spain against Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz, with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Word on the street is he’s back for good and plotting more mayhem.
Edgaras Ulanovas: Another Zalgiris Kaunas gang member has stolen the spotlight, even if the Lithuanians have yet to steal their main prize, a spot in the post-season. In the big showdown against Anadolu Efes Istanbul he scored 10 points, but Zalgiris couldn’t get the job done. That’s why he exploded in Israel against Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv, scoring 20 points and spreading fear all around with his new personal high scoring record. He is a new face, but keep an eye on him, because he is also criminally talented.
Jayson Granger: The hustler from Uruguay continues to turn the tables in order to keep Anadolu Efes Istanbul among the upper echelon of the underworld. He did it twice the past few days, first in Lithuania against Zalgiris Kaunas with 25 points and 8 assists. Then, in the big Istanbul showdown against Fenerbahce, he was once again key with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. He has a charming smile, but don’t let this fool you! He is lethal and ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
Photo Credit: JPsportart