By Rafal Juc

 

Great actions, packed arena, 3-point shootout, slum dunk contest, a lot of talent, thrilling finish of final. It all took place in third day of Nike International Junior Tournament of Belgrade (Serbia). We started last day of tournament with game for a bronze, where Mega Vizura was playing against Hemofarm. First half was owned by Mega Vizura, mainly because of Hemofarm coach was not using too much his leaders Nikola Milutinov ('94) and Luka Andjusic ('94), who seemed to be really tired. All in all, Hemofarm did not give up and came back in second half with run led by active Milutinov. But even his length, mobility and nice post-up’s moves were not enough to beat balanced and more athletic Mega Vizura team, that winning 77-71 took third place of NIJT.

Later were organized some skills competitions. 3-point shooutout undeniably won Brano Djukanovic ('95) with amazing result (21), while in slam dunk contest the best one was Ognjen Dobric ('94), who impressed i.a. with dunk from free-throw line in “Superman” t-shirt. Both from Crvena Zvezda (or Red Star). In spite of all show, everyone was only counting down to big final. Worth to admit, that arena was packed (at least 1500 people) more or less 20 minutes before first whistle! Favored Crvena Zvezda started well, but then we were witness of Nikola Radicevic (’94) show, who led Partizan to 10-points leading after first half. Crvena was struggling mainly because of all players preferred to shooting from distance, than using great Dusan Ristic ('95) under the basket. From the other hand, Partizan was still impressing with aggressiveness - guards were attacking basket really strong as well as all other players were crashing the glass really strongly. All in all, Crvena survived thanks to 3-pointers by 17-years old Nikola Rebic ('95) and Brano Djukanovic, however Partizan was really close to win missing in last action difficult shoot from perimeter for a win. This time - except one-sided Radicevic - the best vibrations left on us one year younger than rest Ristic (’95), who is a top prospect in his generation.

Mobile center impresses with his athleticism and really polished skills. Is really active in offense, but does not force individual actions. Fighting for a positions on low-post is reading and testing defense with in&out passes with guards. After receiving ball, he can feel where defender is easy, then pivot really quickly on feet to the baseline or after fake to the baseline, can pivot quickly on lane-side foot. Despite really nice post-up movies, Ristic is capable also of playing being face-up to the basket, where shows brilliant ball-handling, good timing and competitive hands around the rim. In final he went for 24 points on 12/14 FG (!) and 8 rebounds in just 24 minutes of action, what allowed him to be selected MVP of Belgrade’s NIJT. Red Star joins Zalgiris, KK Zagreb and Lietuvos Rytas in the Istanbul Finals. The other four teams competing will be invited.

 

-MVP: Dusan Ristic ('95, Red Star)

-All Tournament Team: Nikola Rebic ('95, Red Star), Brano Djukanovic ('95, Partizan), Nikola Milutinov ('94, Hemofarm), Nikola Radicevic ('94, Partizan) and Nikola Majic ('94, Partizan)

-Best defensive player: Nikola Jankovic ('94, Red Star)

-Best coach: Milan Mandaric (Red Star). 

 

-Results (day 3):

7th/8th positions: Alba Berlin - Union Olimpija (65-80) 

5th/6th positions: INSEP - Brose (77-54)

3rd/4th positions: Mega Vizura - Hemofarm (77-71)

Final: Red Star - Partizan (74-73)

 

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

 

Photo: Euroleague (Dusan Ristic, from Red Star)