By Goran Srezovicki
In early October will begin qualification for the championship of Serbia for players born in 1997 and later. General estimation between experts in Serbia and wider say that this generation is among the best in the last 10 years, since the one of Novica Velickovic, Milos Teodosic, Milenko Tepic... This year there are changes at the head positions in the Basketball Association of Serbia, so age groups are different. Now there are players U15 - pioneers, players U17 – cadets, and players U19 players - juniors. In my, humble opinion, I think it's a good decision. We had a situation where players with less than 18 years must play in senior competition, which, either physically, mentally or basketball knowledge, not up. In this way in the past many talented young players "lost" on their way to professional basketball careers.
Through these texts, for several sequels, I would like to introduce you, with players who, in the past, and now, draw attention to themselves with their games, access, and the estimated potential.
Position: Center
Although at this age (U15) is still difficult to determine the position for almost 98% of the players, their height and the way how they play, are singled out, four boys.
David Miladinovic (6'7''), born 18.05.1997. in Smederevo, Serbia. Player of KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd, from Belgrade. This boy has excellent coordination and speed, for a player his height and his age. Powerful, with great feeling to jump and set in court space. He have great back attack technique. A little less dangerous in offense when he facing towards the opponent. Tactically well-trained, especially in defensive duties, which is particularly evident in his reaction speed shift away from help side. The team in which he play, there's a lot easier job after an opponent misses, because he has a great perception of the ball in the jump. That what is a disadvantage, and what should be doing in future, is attacking game face on, jump shot and plays from half distance, and one-on-one play in defense. Also, a detail in which has space for progress, is a movement in transition, in both directions.
Filip Anicic (6'8''), born 12.06.1997. in Pozega, Serbia. Player of KK Partizan, from Belgrade. Filip with his height and impressive basketball material, are respected of its competitors at the center position. A good sense of setting in court space, especially for a jump in attack phase. Setting up and building positions in the attack are also at a high level, and that is his, currently, but, the biggest advantage is a remarkable shot from half distance and a large percentage of accuracy in the shot from the free throw line. It has a great feel for blocking. Poor view of the game and the possibility of a return of dogs during duplication. Tactically, in defense has a lot of space for improvement. Motor skills is not so good and still poorly coordinated, is not able to help a lot side of help in defense. Often late in the shift, a movement in transition is something that has a lot to do with this boy. Filip is strong, but without the excessive desire for that power to use in the duel game with opponents. The big problem is, when he plays in defense against lesser opponents, who plays facing to the basket and playing with the ball on their half.
Dimitrije Spasojevic (6'6''), born 04.04.1997. in Vrsac, Serbia. Player of KK Hemofarm Vrsac, from Vrsac. Slightly lower growth than the previous two, but the strongest of the competitors. Very skillfully used the back technique in the attack, which was great beat and that gives him an absolute competitive advantage. Strong to jump into the attack, not so much asking, and how his brilliant jumping ability. Very good and very advanced motor coordinated. Handles the ball very well, but do not engage in experiments of this type, but a game where is the safest, and this is the position under the basket. In the game, of course, also has this problem, where all the defense adjust to it, so it is often doubled and tripled. Masterly use of this situation, and distribute the ball to free teammates. Defensive, surprisingly inferior, probably due to reliance on the game in attack, problems with physical strength, and the defense used to rest. Jump in the defense is solid, but not for a good setup, but because of the aforementioned jumping ability. Navigating in transition is at a high level.
Veljko Dutina (6'7''), born 30.04.1997. in Uzice, Serbia. Player of KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd, from Belgrade. This boy has started quite late to deal with basketball, in today's terms, three years ago. Last year he made the fantastic progress, where it blew up and drew attention to himself. It is still at the level of moves, but has huge potential. Although still quite weak, and motor coordination, showed significant progress last season. The attack, tactics are still poorly trained, better game than the back face of the basket. Large space for improvement in this segment of the game, in the shot from half distance. In defense, tactical slightly better trained, with a good sense of movement on the help side, and the setting of the position to jump. Jumping ability is on a solid level, and his long arms creates an additional advantage in this segment of the game. He is team-oriented and with good sense to pass back in duplication situation. Navigating in the transition is well.
