By Rafal Juc

 

Nevada's loss to Louisiana Tech in WAC Tournament has shattered the illusion of Olek Czyz ('90) about March Madness and indirectly perhaps even his chances to get desired NBA pick in this summer’s draft. Nonetheless, it does not change fact that Czyz is one of the most intriguing European player in NCAA, especially taking into account that he is 1990 born. March is great opportunity to take a closer look at Czyz as well as his NBA chances. Season 2011/12 was like a sine wave for Nevada. Well-balanced team with many returning starters began with miserable 3-3 record, losing season opener 46-68 to Missouri State. Then Wolf Pack has changed into one of the hottest team in all NCAA, winning 16 straight games. But at the end, remained just wasted hope and disappointment (the team struggled early because its offense was off track). The entire team was struggling offensively early in the season, but after the first few games the team got back on track, especially Olek, forward Dario Hunt and point guard Deonte Burton. Since then, the team’s defense has also been stellar and the team’s turnovers have been cut. The Pack found an identity, defense and rebounding, and that has led the team to a lot of wins, explains specially for Eurohopes Chris Murray, who covers Wolf Pack basketball in Reno Gazette Journal. All in all, Czyz finished season with averages of 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1 assist per game in just 28.4 minutes, what made him one of the most productive senior forward in NCAA.

Originally coming from Poland, Czyz led Reno High School to two states championships and in effect find himself in prestigious top100 ranking of his class. As a result, he has combined college list headed by programs like Florida, Louisville and Duke, committing finally to Blue Devils. His time on the court has became relegated to garbage minutes in blowouts game and athletic forward, who saw just 112 minutes of action in years 2008-10, moved to Nevada to get more significant role in team. Without playing full season of college basketball, he started season 2011/12 as one of the least experienced seniors in all NCAA. In effect, Czyz was forced to learn quickly and draw conclusions game by game. From this oppression came out pretty well, definitely improved his game over the last year. "Olek’s play has definitely improved over the season. He’s always played with passion and energy, but the one thing that has really impressed me has been his ability with his left hand. Even though he is right handed, he has a nice lefty hook and a strong post game. He’s rebounding the ball better and playing better defense, too. His all-around game has improved a lot this season and he’s hitting about 55 percent of his shots, one of the top marks in the NCAA. The biggest disappointments have been his free-throw shooting, just 56 percent and 3-point shooting, only 29 percent", explains Murray.

Listed at 6-7 Czyz played mainly as a face-up power forward in small-ball’s starting five at Nevada. Playing outside-inside is really dangerous to defend. Worth to admit that he improved his shoot and became quite consistent shooter from midrange with perfect body balance in catch and shoot situations. He makes up lack of size with incredible athleticism, being one of the best athlete in whole league, what he confirmed with many effective dunks and blocks. In addition Czyz shows really nice posting up on low-post, where is capable of finishing with hooks and fade-away shoots off the dribble. Nonetheless, with a view to became professional player he should improved ball-handling and creativeness off the dribble. On defensive end it would be impossible for him to be used as a power forward at higher level, due to lack of length and strength, what makes him poor rebounder.

However, according to multiple sources some NBA scouts are following Czyz as well as some NBA agents offer to him. In NBA, where almost 80% are role-players half of success is to find in right place in right time. Nonetheless, European experts are rather skeptical about NBA and Czyz. "He would be not able to play on power forward in NBA, because does not have a enough good shooting touch and lacks suitable ball-handling. He should start looking for a place in Europe, where would turn into tough match-up on forward. Can you imagine him guarding Danilo Galinari? Or maybe Carmelo Anthony? I like his athleticism, but he lacks size", convinces us our reputable source.

So if Czyz turn out to another undersized power forward, whose dream will not come true only because of lack of two or three inches? "Some scouts have been following him, but I don’t think Olek will get drafted at this point. He has the athleticism to play in the NBA and he has pretty good size, although he isn’t quite tall enough to be a power forward. To make the NBA, he needs to rebound better, defend better and shoot better from the free-throw line. He’s got a solid post game and I think he has an outside shot at the NBA, but likely won’t stick to a roster, although he should get an NBA camp invitation" thinks Murray, who was observing Czyz over his two last seasons.

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc