By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Like the EuroLeague, Eurohoops “awards” each season’s best players and we continue with the EuroLeague Best Defender for 2017-18.
Read about the candidates and vote in Eurohoops’ poll.
Nick Calathes
Panathinaikos | Guard | 1.98 | 07/02/1989 | Greece
14.2 points | 3.9 rebounds | 8.1 assists | 1.8 steals | 0 blocks | 2.3 turnovers | 28:55 minutes | 18.4 PIR
Panathinaikos’s season carries Nick Calathes signature and how could it be otherwise when it’s been his most productive in the EuroLeague in both of his stints at the team (2009-2012, 2015-today). However, the 29-year-old Greek guard is not only doing great in terms of organization and execution. His average of 1.8 steals puts him ahead of everyone else in the competition and at the very least proves his talent in defense as well, which cannot be fully reflected in the stats.
Bryant Dunston
Anadolu Efes | Center | 2.03 | 28/05/1986 | USA
10.2 points | 5.4 rebounds | 1.3 assists | 0.7 steals | 1.7 blocks | 1 turnover | 28:10 minutes | 15.5 PIR
With two – and, in fact, back-to-back – awards in 2014 and 2015, Bryant Dunston and his defensive skills need no introduction. The 32-year-old American center was first in rebounds for Anadolu Efes (3.4) and 16th overall, while he completed the regular season as the best blocker with 1.7, also a career high in five seasons in the competition.
James Gist
Panathinaikos | Forward | 2.06 | 26/10/1986 | USA
10.1 points | 4.5 rebounds | 1.1 assists | 0.9 steals | 0.5 blocks | 1.1 turnovers | 25:50 minutes | 11.1 PIR
His impressive dunks have made James Gist stand out for several years now, but obviously, that’s not the only characteristic of his game. The 32-year-old American forward is known for his defensive skills as well, which he has been demonstrating more than amply this season, contributing greatly to Panathinaikos finishing the regular season with the 3rd best record of conceded points.