By Rafal Juc

 

During trip to Belgrade to watch last qualifications of Nike International Junior Tournament, Eurohopes staff had an occasion to watch game of Adriatic League between Crvena Zvezda and KK Zagreb. Very good impressions on at least seven NBA scouts, who were that evening in Pionir Arena too, left undeniably 21-years old Nemanja Nedovic ('91). Taking into account really impressive shape by Nedovic in previous years, this year’s performances can be viewed as somewhat disappointing, however 21-years Serbian is still one of the players from European 1991 generation with chances to get pick in NBA draft, even in this summer’s. After 17 games of Adriatic League Nedovic is averaging so far 7.5 points and 1.5 assists playing 18:16 minutes per game, however scoring 7 points in last seven minutes of game against KK Zagreb, only confirmed that still should be regarded as a promising one. After his delicious action, when Nedovic stole the ball and finished with massive dunk in fast-break, all fans in full Pionir Hall stood up! All in all, Crvena won (87-74) and Nedovic went for 12 points on 4/10 FG, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Eurohopes staff had occasion to watch this game and below our reports around Nedovic.

Listed at 6'3'' Crvena’s guard impressed with solid body building, nice frame and excellent jumping ability. In comparison to other European guards, Nedovic presents as a outstanding athlete. His pure foot-work and explosiveness allow him to play really competitively above rim and thanks to his quickness is able to beat off the dribble each defender and get to the basket easily.

Still looking for his target position and playing as a combo on playmaker or shooting guard, Nedovic needs to be more consistent in shooting. His release, mainly thanks to brilliant foot-work allow him to shoot even over higher opponents in difficult positions, however "serbian dynamite" is struggling mainly beyond the arc, what is caused by fact that he prefers to shoot off the dribble, although being more efficient in spot-up.

Thanks to combination of good ball-handling, nice court-vision, brilliant quickness and excellent foot-work Nedovic scores generally from under the same basket with lay-ups. Being really competitive above the rim, thanks to his bulk is capable of finishing on contact or even in match-up over higher opponents. From the other hand, Nedovic has to improve his game without ball, because avoids running off the screens or even cutting to the basket.

Defensively, he impresses with his quick and really active hands and good lateral speed as well as athleticism, what allows him to be really dangerous especially in pressing or zone-press defense. However, he must be more focused on defensive end, because still sometimes commits unwise mistakes.

Althoug Nedovic, did not develop yet into high-level talent, he still belongs to top players from 1991 class, so nothing surprisingly than even NBA scouts are following him. He possesses incredible - as for Euros - athleticism as well as jumping skills and in addition has got really nice frame and well-developed body, especially upper parts. In spite of all it seems that Serbian with dynamite in legs still did not achieve the peak of his abilities. Moreover, his quickness and competitiveness may prove very valuable in NBA league, where larger size of court makes more space for quick guards to attack basket in what Nedovic is outstanding.

 

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

 

Photo: vestinet.rs