By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The plot thickens, however. Very well-known names of the criminal underworld were involved in hideous deeds this week, and even the one who was not arrested in Turkey has already booked a ticket for Istanbul, according to police sources.
Fans and visitors on both sides of this vast metropolis would do well to be extra watchful and ready for anything. Can this season-long mystery finally be solved? We will know soon…
Nikola Kalinic: The Serb bouncer for Fenerbahce Istanbul never jokes around, and with Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens almost destroyed, he didn’t hesitate to put the final nail in the coffin. He didn’t miss a shot, scored 10 points and did all the nasty little things that no opponent notices until it’s too late. His gang has dominated their turf in Istanbul, at least on this occasion, and he put the icing on the cake.
Luka Doncic: Yes, him again. Forget his age and his innocent looking face. Forget the tears he used to misguide the authorities. He is a natural-born killer and anybody who goes soft on him should expect to pay a price. That’s what happened as he dismantled Darussafaka Dogus twice last week in Istanbul. First he had 13 points and 8 rebounds. Then he added 11 points and 7 rebounds. His is already a big asset for Real Madrid. Even though he was released, he is reportedly bound to return to the same city soon.
Bryant Dunston: He made his name with Olympiacos Piraeus, but he wants to dominate the underworld as a member of Anadolu Efes Istanbul. And indeed, for the moment, he rules his territory in the paint. As these two fearful gangs exchanged blows last week in Istanbul, he more than held his ground, first with 16 points and 9 rebounds and then with 7 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. He is taking no prisoners and doesn’t hesitate to wreak havoc against his old friends.
Vasilis Spanoulis: The most bloodthirsty perpetrator in those two showdowns between Olympiacos and Efes came from Greece. The reigning don of the Greek mob took things into his hands and didn’t hesitate to open fire from anywhere, without the least bit of discrimination. He scored 15 and 18 points, he kept Olympiacos Piraeus alive, and he terrorized everyone who stood on his way. Even though he was released to return to Greece, he is said to be eager to get back to Istanbul and finish the job.
Corry Higgins: He is not the most notorious member of the CSKA Moscow gang, but he is always ready to do damage, and this time he chose Spain as his stomping grounds. The “Army Team” wanted to deliver a mortal blow to Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz and he obliged by scoring 21 points, never stopping until he was sure about the outcome. As you may have guessed, he is the one who has booked a ticket to Turkey despite his gang’s bitter memories since the infamous 2012 incident in the same city.