By Rafal Juc
When two completely different people say in one moment: “wow, this kid is so similar to Mateusz Ponitka”, it is not absolutely joke. Read about all the best Scandinavian prospects after first day of Nordic Cup. After exploring uniquely sunny Stockholm Eurohopes staff headed to beautifully Solnahallen to follow another edition of Nordic Cup. Taking advantage of national holiday in Sweden what caused long weekend here Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark started a battle for title the best in U18 and U16 category in Scandinavia. Were are just after first day of competitions and it is sure that it is not adequate time to make far-reaching deduction. So read just most interesting notes:
-Matz Stockmann (’95), who already played for Norway in last summer’s European Championships U20 is the name, which should be in all scouts notes. Left-handed and skillful center led his national team to surprisingly win (73-72) over Sweden. Listed at 6'10'' Stockmann impresses with understanding of the game and passing abilities. He is capable of knock down deep midrange shoot, even of the dribble, scoring most of his points by put-ins and out of paint.
-Even struggling beyond the arc (just 2/8) Niko Mattila (’94) showed as one of the most dangerous offensively guards of this tournament. Another left-handed prospect, this time from Finland was key major of his team win (44-60) over Denmark. Mattila first of all showed versatile offensive package. Being really smoothly, elegant and experienced in his moves, he can handle the ball and run off the screens. Really dangerous in 1-on-1 actions, driving into the basket really hard. However, must be noticed that Mattila impresses with his ability to make pressure in defends, where is amazing ball-stealer.
-Is he Mateusz Ponitka? It was the most asking question in Solnahallen during U16 game between Sweden and Denmark (56-59). Okay maybe I’m wrong, but it was not possible to do away with comparison between Ponitka and… Well, who? His name is Erik Johansson (’96). 6'4'' guard presents the same heart to the game, intensity, offensive skills, maturity and leadership. Nonetheless don’t remember that Swedish guard after two first games is averaging only 6.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3 assists. However, it was easy to observe that he is/was struggling with some healthy problem but still is leader and main option of this time. For sure Johansson possesses big potential thanks to all his gifts and skills, but there is much work ahead him to achieve even half of Ponitka’s successes.
-Despite out was something around 10 C degrees, Niklas Larsson (’94) was hot. Literally. In lost game (76-87) to Iceland he finished with 27 points on 12/27 FG, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and points for overtime. Swedish guard standing around 6'7'' possess amazing size and length to play as small forward, what in connection with his pure shoot, makes him really dangerous. Handling ball really well, Larsson starts most of his actions after receiving ball in front of the basket and playing 1-on-1. He presented really versatile repertoire of shoots with: pull-up shoot, fade-away jumper, 3-point shoot. On and off the dribble. Somehow worrisome is fact that in first two games Larsson did not play consistently, but in series.
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Photo: Wikipedia (Solna church)
