By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Some of them have been critically-acclaimed NBA stars, some bring NCAA experience, while others made a name for themselves here in Europe. Altogether they make up the Top 10 US players in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this season, at least through the first two-thirds of the regular season.
It’s a well-known fact that outside the US borders, these kinds of players are a commodity. And while it’s not easy to find the right guy for the right situation, many of them have been established as stars in the league, are paid accordingly and are beloved by a foreign fan base. Mind you that very few US players have been the real anchors of championship-winning teams, so making a name for yourself in the EuroLeague is not as easy as you might think.
Here are the players that stand out so far this season
Mike James – AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan
Games played: 20
Team Record: 9-11
PIR: 423 (Total) / 21.15 (Average)
Points: 404 (Total) / 20.2 (Average)
Milan’s impressive course through the current season has a lot to do with James’s arrival to the team. His leadership has Milan in the fight for a spot in the playoffs, while at the same time he is setting his sights on the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy. The 28-year-old guard gives Milan almost everything it could ask for. He scores, raises the tempo, is a consistent performer and brings needed energy for the team. He is still beloved by the fans of his former team, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens, and that speaks volume about his status in Europe.
Will Clyburn – CSKA Moscow
Games played: 19
Team Record: 15-5
PIR: 370 (Total) / 19.5 (Average)
Points: 280 (Total) / 14.7 (Average)
Just by looking at his stats, one can easily assume this is Clyburn’s best season of is two with CSKA. Apart from scoring in double digits in 18 out of 20 games so far, he showcases monstrous rebounding skills as well. There’s no question about consistency here. He has been one of the team’s most solid players all season and has saved the day multiple times in narrow victories. CSKA’s route is greatly synonymous with the forward’s spark this season and he is emerging as the key to the Army Team’s high ambitions.
Derrick Williams – FC Bayern Munich
Games played: 19
Team Record: 10-10
PIR: 291 (Total) / 15.3 (Average)
Points: 265 (Total) / 13.9 (Average)
If we had to name the best signing of the season, it would be that of Williams in Bayern. The German champion hit the jackpot with his selection, as the former NBAer fit perfectly into its mentality, bringing in scoring and cold blood on a team that was in dire need of a leader. The 27-year-old forward should also be credited as he knows when to put the team first. It’s no wonder that you won’t see him attempting back-to-back bricks in close games, instead, he will pass the ball around to his teammates. After all, a player’s impact can be shown by his team’s success and the 10-10 record of Bayern is admirable compared to the expectations of the team.
Anthony Randolph – Real Madrid
Games played: 20
Team Record: 16-4
PIR: 303 (Total) / 15.2 (Average)
Points: 259 (Total) / 12.9 (Average)
Randolph seems to have put a tough season from an individual point behind him and returned with brand new energy to put forth tremendous basketball. Not only is he an experienced EuroLeague player and a champ, but he can also lift the team in tough games. At 29, he is definitely at the peak of his career and that shows in the team’s record, too. A starter in all 20 games, Randolph keeps coming back looking as good as ever for every game.
Brandon Davies – Zalgiris Kaunas
Games played: 20
Team Record: 8-12
PIR: 339 (Total) / 16.95 (Average)
Points: 239 (Total) / 14.7 (Average)
Davies fits perfectly to the wave of undersized centers in the competition, with total dominance in his territory. He is efficient and he is improved compared to last season when his team pulled the ultimate upset and qualified for the Final Four. Simply put, Coach Sarunas Jasikevicius can count on him when the ball is heavy. The 2018 Final Four contestants’ season might have taken a bad turn in the previous few weeks, though they are not to be excluded from 2019 playoffs scenarios already. Alas, Davies could have ranked higher on our list with a better team record.
Cory Higgins – CSKA Moscow
Games played: 18
Team Record: 15-5
PIR: 242 (Total) / 13.4 (Average)
Points: 264 (Total) / 14.7 (Average)
Speaking of offensive weapons, Higgins is one of those players who detect weak spots in the opposing defense and make sure to take advantage instantly. He provides CSKA with scoring in clutch moments whether coming from the bench or not. He has scored in double-digits in all but two games, which has him ranked high on the top scorers’ list this season. Together with Clyburn, he undeniably makes a perfect duo to take down any opponent. However, while Clyburn is without a question a starter, Higgins still has to play second fiddle behind Nando De Colo.