By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Welcome to one of the new trademarks columns of Eurohoops in which we will examine current basketball players under a different point of view.
Some of the current Euroleague athletes are pretty similar to the recent past greats. That’s why we will put them side to side, the present with the past 2000-2010 decade, or even earlier. Basketball is evolving with great strides in Europe, things change, but some times the feeling of deja vu is more than great.
This comparison will not be limited only to stars, but to players of any kind and role. It’s really strange how things evolve, but some times have the same core. And we believe that this never gets old! You have every right of course, to agree or disagree and we would like to have also your opinion on the matter.
Thomas Heurtel (1989, 1m.98 Guard)
The French man has changed level and he is not even on the peak of his career. He is a great ball handler and shoot, a really skilled passer and he needs to improve his decision making in order to be completed. During his Euroleague career he averages almost 8 ppg with 52,2% in two pointers 37,2% in threes and 76,3% in free throws. He also has 2 rpg and the impressive number of 4,6 asp! He was the leader of Laboral Kutxa during the regular season with 12,2 ppg, but his role is different in Efes.
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Milos Vujanic (1980, 1m.90 Guard)
The main reason we picked them as a couple is their signature crossover dribble which usually ends up with a made shot! Before his injuries which prevented him from having an even greater career, the Serb was an immense talent. Remember that during the 2002-3 season in Partizan he averaged 25.8 ppg! Year by year he became more “human”, but he was a basketball artist until the end. He was always a great shooter and passer. He finished his Euroleague career averaging 14 ppg, 2,5 asp and also 2 rpg. He had 52% in two point shots, 37% in threes and 81% in free throws.