By Marc Kongsgaard

Last weekend I was practicing with the U18 national team in Denmark. Many Danish prospects were here in Copenhagen, but some of the greatest talents like Marinus Mouboe (6’9” ’96) and Rasmus Hansen (6’8” ’95) were missing. Marinus is still in the process of rehabilitation after he broke his knee in January, and Rasmus Hansen had a game for Hørsholm, which is playing in the best league in Denmark, so he could not get to practice. The U14, U15 and U16 national team were also practicing in the same arena as the U18 national team, but I did not have much time to see them.

The level of the ’97 generation is very high. Beside the “star players” Tage Lihn Dembele, Jacob Larsen, Sikander Nielsen and Kasper Christiansen there were many tall forwards and guards. Many of them have a good jump shot, and are attacking the basket very well. I’m looking forward to watch them play at U16 European Championship in the Division B. I think this team can surprise, but with time we will see.

Tobias “Tita” Christensen (’95) was only for practice Saturday because he should play for Værløse Sunday in the best Danish league. Christensen has the unique basketball body of all youth players in Danish basketball. Tobias is 6’4” and his weight is around 210 pounds. He has one of the best verticals of all players in his generation, and with his strength he was throwing a medicine ball out of the range. He has a good midrange game, and is ball-handling is over averages in Denmark. But he still needs to improve many of his fundamentals, but is a great hustler and a good defense player. With his body, strength and athletic he can become one of the best Danish player from the ’95 generation, if he improves some of his offensive game!

Johannes Leth Nielsen (’96) has good speed in his game. He runs the floor like a guard, and plays like a power forward. Johannes has a high release on his jump shot and can shoot out to the 3-point line. The 6’8” guy is working hard in the low-post, and is good to face up and attack the basket. In the future he could become a SF with his ball-handling, jump shot and speed if the coaches decide to use him there. But right now I see him as a PF with a body and speed like a guard.

Jonas Eleraky (’96) is playing the SG/SF position, and his style is very opposite of his brother Sami Eleraky (’93). Jonas has a good 3-point shot, and I dangerous from the corner where he can drive or shoot. But right now Eleraky needs a lot if he will commit to the next level. He has already played a preseason game for Aalborg against Randers, where he had 6 points, as he scored from two 3-pointers. If he could become as tall as his brother Sami Eleraky, who is 7’0” tall and very athletic, Jonas could be a fantastic player. Right now Jonas is 6’5” and is still growing.

 

Twitter of the author: @MKP79

Photo: FIBA Europe