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.
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)
TEAM USA (Forward)
Will Clyburn (CSKA Moscow)
Tyler Honeycutt (Khimki)
After last season’s impressive step up with Efes, Tyler Honeycutt returns to Khimki to take on a more important role and become the small forward who ties the team together and does everything on the court.
The American’s athletic qualities and his inexhaustible energy make him stand out and allow him to contribute in more than one area. What’s telling is that the 27-year-old managed to complete the season with 9.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks, making him the epitome of the modern small forward.
Apart from this, there is another important reason why Tyler Honeycutt is indispensable and that is the spectacle! Team USA honors its roots and wants a player who will give the people some unique moments…