I was at NYC when Jordan Classic had been. The most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, and the most famous basketball player giving the chance to new generations, to show his skills and to enjoy a great experience. The top prospects of 1993 (overseas only) played the international game in an almost empty arena that prefers physical play and highlights than immature but very potential players that are still growing and improving. A few celebrities and scouts prefers this game, to check future prospects. In the crowd you could saw Yi Jianlian giving support to his fellow Ran Sui, and Arturas Karnisovas (former Pirate of Seton Hall) scout of Houston Rockets, following the contest.
I arrived later to the game (I was playing a tournament), and the white team was leading by 15. The scoreboard doesn’t matter in these games, are skills players the most important thing to see. Ignas Ramasauskas, a 6-10 lithuanian with long arms, that only found free throw way to score, and grab no rebound in 23’. Luka Rupnik, the 6-0 slovenian guard, was the top scorer that day with 27 points. Fast, with great handle, his only problem was turnovers and few dimes. He is more a shooting guard than a playmaker. A real playmaker is Nenad Miljenovic, 6-5 skinny serbian, that was the leader on the court of his team. The underdog was Martin Kriz, 6-6 czech forward, that finish with 13 points and 14 boards (high of the game). Strong, with a powerful first step, surprise with a lot of coast to coast. And the player that I would like to watched more time on the court was Tauras Jogela. 6-6 lithuanian doesn’t miss any shot on the court (only missed two from the line), and show a nice ability to create his own shot.
All these players born in 93’, and I’m sure that at least one of them will play again in the Madison Square Garden.
Photo: R.A.
