By Rafal Juc

 

Second day of Vasas Cup u14 was undeniably more interesting not only thanks to really impressing and enjoyable basketball in semifinals, but an opportunity to explore Budapest, which is a special city. We are still holding on with more detailed reports on individual players, however second day has passed away with an interesting performances specially by big men. Especially semifinal between Stella Azzurra Roma and Cibona Zagreb was a bit shocking with 6 players at the same court on the court listed at least at 195 cm what obviously doesn't happen too often in 14-old kids competition. Brief notes on some of them:

 

Lazar Nikolic (1999, 196 cm): Orginally coming from Belgrade, but signed by Stella Azzurra Rome could be the most intriguing one at Vasas Cup, but still didn't show his full package. On his so far performances influences fact that he joined team before the tournament and as a highest one in his future team plays orginally as point guard! Creative, unselfish, handling ball well and getting to the line consistently.

 

Michele Ebeling (1999, 195): son of former standout player John Ebeling ('60) impresses with rare combination of size, athleticism and mobility. He's only on loan with Stella and seems he faced for the first game game at so high level with well-orginized half-court offense. Mobile power forward with soft hands, nice midrange jumper and ability to play duo combinated actions.

 

Njegos Sikiras (1999, 197): Undeniably best athlete at Vasas Cup U14. With his size, he runs the court well, being great trailer in fast-break. He doesn't show any post game yet, however moves a lot inside the paint.

 

Elvis Juozaitis (1999, 193): Athletic and strong Lithuanian is a clear-cut leader of Sabonis Academy. At that team he played mainly as a center, but his targeted position should be power forward or even small forward, what depends on his  Well-polished and unselfish in half-court offense. 

 

Kresimir Nikic (1999, 197): Extremely thin, but tall and athletic Nikic is a typical late bloomer, being far away from reach even half of his maturity. Taking into considering his impressing size and young age he is really skilled and versatile on both ends of the court.

 

Ivan Krstanovic (1999, 198): Another big man from Balkans with a lot of room to grow up still. Massive, tough and extremely long. Impresses with a soft hands, making midrange jumpers consistently. As the only one at Vasas Cup, Krstanovic shows post game, posting up on low post to take advantage of his size. 

 

Photo: utanpotlassport.hu