By Rafal Juc

 

Led by only 15-year old phenomenon Okben Ulubay ('97), Turkey has won their first gold medal in seven years at European Championship U16, defeating France (66-61). Turkish swingman headed All-Tournament Team, where selected were also: Marko Arapovic ('96), Federico Mussini ('96), Jan Wimberg ('96) and Etienne Ory ('96).

 

Etienne Ory

16-years old French point guard has presented himself as a really skilled and competitive player, what is not surprise, especially because of fact he is son of renowned coach Philippe Ory. Etienne impresses with natural-born understanding to the game and flow. His ball-handling is more than average, but he needs to work on his 1-on-1 skills to able to beat off dribble opponents more often. Ory controls the game well with ball in his hands, while he avoids pointless dribbles and creates really easily space for teammates. However, he is a bit risky point guard, who likes to shoot, especially from midrange. His shooting mechanics looks promising, however he needs to become more consistent with his jumper as well as from free throw line. The only disturbing fact about Ory is his 5-10 and really skinny frame.

 

Federico Mussini

Mussini - as Ory - is quite skinny and short backcourt player with his 5-11 frame, however he makes it up with amazing explosiveness and high basketball IQ. Playing as combo guard, Mussini can handle the ball, but he is not typical point guard because of his scoring instinct. Italian prospect is pure shooter with brilliant and extremely quick release, especially beyond the arc, where he had more than 50% during tournament! He knows how to create space for jumper and impresses with shoot selection. Mussini shows natural-born scoring talent, while he always finds the way to make a bucket. Moreover, even with his skinny frame, he is quite strong, does not avoid fighting on contact, using his elbows a lot.

 

Okben Ulubay

Already matured Turkish diamond made a debut at European Championship last summer in age of only 14 years. This time he was honored with MVP title, what gives him chance to defend it next year! With his 6-7 frame and filled-out upper-body is almost developed kid, but he impresses with his development also when it comes to presence on the court. Ulubay is left-handed explosive swingman, who beats his opponents off the dribble easy and finishes inside the paint in Manu Ginobili-style with eurostep or other acrobatic lay-up’s. Ulubay knows how to draw a contact and how to create space inside the paint, however shows tendency to use much more his stronger, left hand. His shooting touch is really promising, while Ulubay can finish with well-polished floaters and midrange jumper. From the other hand he needs to be more focused and improve his 3-pointer and free throws, where he was a bit inconsistent.

 

Jan Wimberg

16-year old German is natural-born offensive talent with already almost full package. He can put the ball on the floor and thanks to his explosiveness beats his opponents easily off the dribble. Standing somewhere at 6-8 with solid, but a bit skinny frame Wimberg can play on both wings, however he is typical face-up player, who can create position by himself. He shows really reliable jumper and we believe he will expand his range even to NBA 3-point line soon. With his length and athletic abilities Wimberg could develop into future NBA-pick, however needs to move to some top European club. The only doubts can appear on his defensive abilities, while Wimberg used to defend mainly backcourt players outside the paint and over tournament had some problems with quicker and more athletic guards.

 

Marko Arapovic

In an interval of few weeks Arapovic dominated another tournament, however at European Championship U16 he played in a bit different style than during World Championship U17. 6-9 Croat is extremely skilled and intelligent, impressing with not only mobility, but also basketball intelligence. Thanks to his versatile offensive package Arapovic draws some similarity to Erazem Lorbek. Croatian forward showed in Vilnius that in view of couple upcoming years he could develop into pure shooter, while even at this moment possesses reliable jumper with deep range including 3-point line. Worth to mention that even though 6-9 and already filled-out a bit frame Arapovic can put the ball on the floor and drive into the basket on dribble. He feels great in inside-outside game, having head always up and passing often to open teammates. The only aspect of him on which Arapovic undeniably needs to work is his footwork on defensive end, especially on post-up, where Croat is not always able to stay in front of his opponent.

 

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Gintaras Siuparys