By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
TEAM EUROPE (Forward)
Adam Hanga (Baskonia)
Adam Hanga, or else, last season’s best defender, could not be missing from Team Europe.
Despite the fact that there was interest from the San Antonio Spurs but also an official offer made by Barcelona, the Hungarian forward will keep playing for Baskonia until proven otherwise. After all, he’s coming off the best season of his career, averaging 10.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals, with these numbers proving his multifaceted contribution.
Stats alone, though, cannot capture the amazing energy Hanga produces on both ends of the court, which makes him a key choice for any coach!
Nikola Kalinic (Fenerbahce)
A champion for Team Europe! Who can forget Nikola Kalinic’s contribution in Fenerbahce’s accomplishment of winning the EuroLeague or his amazing stats (14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 54.5% in three-point shooting) in the Final Four?
In the hands of Zeljko Obradovic, the Serbian forward became even better and now he’s rightly considered among the best SFs in the competition. He has significantly improved his shooting from the perimeter as well as the way he moves on the court, while his athletic qualities and his defensive commitment make him indispensable for any team.
Team Europe needs players that can produce energy, steal balls and run on the counter, and Nikola Kalinic combines all of these elements.