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ΕuroLeague: Team Europe VS Team USA (forwards)

10/Aug/17 10:53

What would you think about an All Star Game in the EuroLeague? Eurohoops presents a… different kind of confrontation between Team Europe and Team USA, that is, between the top European players and those originating from the United States.

By George Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net

The heavy schedule doesn’t allow for an All Star Game, but Eurohoops attempts to divide the top players in two teams that will take part in the game of the best.
 
After the “battle” of the guards, where the Europeans prevailed over the Americans, it’s time for the forwards (SF and PF), with the differences clearly being smaller.
 
As in the case of the guards, with the forwards too the selections are five for each team. Check out the players who make up Team Europe and Team USA and then cast your vote for the final winner…

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.

Georgios Printezis (Olympiacos)

Do we really need to explain the reasons Georgios Printezis is a key member of Team Europe? We’re dealing with one of the best power forwards, not just of this season, but of all time in the EuroLeague!

The Olympiacos player signed a three-year extension with the Red-and-Whites and is an example of a “loyal soldier,” excellent player and character.

He completed last season with 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and a PIR of 14.9, but above all he knows how to lead his teammates to success. Printezis is unstoppable in the post and with the… clutch shot whenever that is asked of him, and this is why he’s a starter in Team Europe! If you want to celebrate at the end of the night, then you have to include him on your roster…

Nicolo Melli (Fenerbahce)

Nicolo Melli is getting ready for the upcoming season with Fenerbahce, where the demands, but also the odds of winning the EuroLeague title, are clearly higher.

In the offensive department, the Italian can threaten from mid-range as well as the perimeter (11.5 points – 43.4% in three-point shooting), he can put the ball on the floor, provide solutions in the post and create for his teammates by quickly reading the double-teaming and the empty spaces. At the same time, his strong frame and fast feet make him an excellent defender in any situation, one who is always alert for the rebound (7.4 overall).

These elements make Melli a complete player and give him a place with the European champions and Team Europe.

Tornike Shengelia (Baskonia)

A healthy Tornike Shengelia can make the difference and this is why he got the fifth and last spot on Team Europe’s roster, leaving out some big names.
 
At 26 years of age, Baskonia’s power forward is coming off the best season of his career in the EuroLeague, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and a PIR of 12.
 
The Georgian forward is strong and fast, he has the ability to run and put the ball on the floor, while he can also play with his back to the basket and has good moves. Aside from these characteristics, it’s worth mentioning the 54.2% from outside the three-point line, which is deemed excessive in relation to the player’s actual effectiveness but which proves at the same time that you cannot afford to leave him unmarked.

TEAM USA (Forward)

Will Clyburn (CSKA Moscow)

Last season, Will Clyburn played as a rookie in the EuroLeague but his performances did not resemble that of a rookie and rightfully earned him a big transfer to CSKA.
 
Team USA needs the American, as he will add athletic qualities, contribute quality minutes and score a lot thanks to his unique ability in the one-on-one. The 27-year-old forward is 2.01m tall but his long limbs and the way he moves with the ball in his hands make him truly unstoppable when he chooses to drive to the basket.
 
Clyburn is the ideal player to have the ball in isolation situations and the ideal receiver of the inbound pass every time Team USA wants to run on the open court.
Tags Adam Hanga Anthony Randolph Chris Singleton Giorgos Printezis Nicolo Melli Nikola Kalinic Toko Shengelia tyler honeycutt
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