Seventh episode of U-16 Pasqua Barocca Tournament scouting reports sent by Australian Danny Mills, assistant coach and director of coaching and youth teams of UPEA Orlandina Basket. In this article he analyzes 6'1'' Greek guard Michalis Liapis ('95), from PAOK. Here we go.
BODY/ATHLETICISM: Liapis is 6’1”and has a slight build. He does not have great athleticism, but has good foot speed and explosiveness on his first step.
SHOOTING: He is a pure shooter. Has a great stroke and will pull-up from anywhere out to 23-24ft. Has great extension on his shot and has quick feet that help him to get his shot off even against close defenders. Is probably best spotting up for catch and shoot 3’s off of penetration in which he was 4/8 against Italy. Reads the defense very well and uses screens to get himself open for mid-range jump shots, or will curl and penetrate into the lane for a pull-up jumper or attack the basket and get to the free-throw line in which he was 11/13 throughout the 2 games.
POSITION OFFENSE: Plays the 2 position for Greece and because of his great shooting ability they run him off numerous screens to get him open for shots. At 6’1” and a slight build he will find this to be tougher once he comes up against taller, longer and stronger athletes in his same position. Has a decent handle and can bring the ball up court if need be, but he is not a PG and doesn’t have the vision or passing skills to be one. Moves very well without the ball and keeps the defense occupied at all times. Attacks the basket well and goes up strong to finish. He runs the lanes well in transition and spots up on one of the wings ready for the pass for an open 3.
DEFENSE/REBOUNDING: He is very active on defense and had 10 steals in just 2 games during this tournament. Uses his quick feet to stay in front of his opponent and has the ability to guard both the 1 and 2 positions. Averaged 3 defensive rebounds a game which is good for a player his size. He may struggle at the next level against taller and stronger athletes who will try to exploit his size inside.
MISCELLANEOUS: Understands the game well and knows when and how to get open and score in both transition and the half-court. Was always encouraging his teammates and looked to be one of the leaders of the Greek team.
OVERALL RATING: 5 – Liapis is a great scorer at the U16 level and reads the game very well both offensively and defensively. He has a great motor and never stops competing. His ceiling may be close to being reached because only being 6’1” and playing the 2 position he will find it to be tougher at the next level with taller, longer, and quicker defenders covering him on defense and exploiting his lack of size on the offensive end. Still has the potential to play at a high level in Greece/Europe and that all depends on how he adapts his game as he matures.
Photo: M.L.
