Today I would like to speak about three young prospects in spanish LEB Gold, who I think have a chance to be very good in the future. First one is Xavier Rabaseda ('89) -at the pic- from Cornellà (2nd team of FC Barcelona). He is a very good player, with confidence right now. He can penetrate really well and always looks to score. I have been watching him, and hopefully he will stay humble and don't think he is better than what he is, because I have been around good young players and when they start thinking that they are better their career is not that long. Hopefully he will continue to play well and get better each and everyday.
The other player is his teamate Mamadou Samb ('89). I would love to work with this guy, because he is a big player. I played against him last season as well, he can be really good. Tall, can run and can block shots, and now I see that he can shoot outside, which is really good for a big guy. But he needs to work on the post as well because he plays the 4 sometimes, and that can really help him against a smaller player. For sure there are NBA scouts looking at him, so he needs to be in the gym everyday working on hooks -because no one will block his shot- and other drills at the post that will help him, either in the NBA or ACB. But he must stay humble and hungry for the game. I don't know him, so I don't know what he thinks but I hope he will continue working, not only when the team pratices but whenever he has free time. So I hope he has someone working with him and getting him better. He is young and the sky is open for him now. This young player I think is the best prospect in this league.
Another tall prospect who plays the 4, is around 6'10'' and is a great offensive player is Nikola Mirotic ('91), loaned from Real Madrid to Palencia. He looks to score on anyone, has no fear in offense and can shoot from anywhere. And penetrate as well. For sure he will be in the big league in the future. It would be sad that these players don't use their abililty. They have so much talent. The only thing that can stop these guys and other young players are themselves. They get lazy after a couple of years because everyone is telling them how good they are. I hope that there is someone telling them the bad things as well, things that they need to work or to improve because they will play in the top league against better players. All I can say to you -young players with talent-, if you want to make a step up from where you are, use your free time to work. If the coach gives the team a day off go to the gym and work on your game. Don't be lazy, don't spend your day on Facebook. This is your future. It's up to you. You will get what you put into it. If you only show up for your pratices and think that is all you need, great, but if you can do extra shooting and weights to get stronger for sure you will get better and your game will improve.

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Harry Zampetoulas