By Eurohopes
This year's edition of Adidas Eurocamp was only average talent-wise with several top prospects missing due to injuries, agent's advices and obligations toward their clubs. The player who helped to increase his stock the most was Lucas Nogueira ('92). According to some draft mocks Brazilian 7-footer might be drafted as high as in lottery pick. What else did happen in Treviso?
- After tremendous first day Lucas Nogueira ('91) has left Treviso, however he helped himself and according to feedback from NBA executives he might get drafted as high as in lottery. Even though he is extremely skinny and inexperienced, some NBA scouts are comparing him to young Marcus Camby. Even if drafted, Nogueira will most likely stahs one more year in Europe and come over to the league next summer, especially that then will be free agent.
- Also auto-eligible Nemanja Nedovic ('91) played only first day due to slight ankle injury. He shined in BAM testing and hold his own more than fine at exhibition games, nevertheless NBA scouts have been following him for entire season and have some serious question marks about him regarding his position, understanding of the game and defensive fundamentals.
- Raul Neto ('92) was undeniably the best point guard at Adidas Eurocamp. He showed terrific understandig of the game, great decision making in open court, ability to feed big men in half-court, taking advantage of ball screens. Standing at only 6-1 Neto doesn't have NBA type body, but makes it up with quickness and explosiveness in Marcelinho Huertas mold, scoring inside the paint with polished tear drops, floaters and lay ups, impressing with crafty footwork.
- Eurocamp was a great opportunity for NBA general managers to see in person Giannis Adetokunbo ('94), who played these days some friendly tournament with Greek U20 national team. For Adetokubo it was a great lesson, because he faced experienced internationally, stronger and smarter opponents from senior teams of Italy and Turkey. Adetokunbo did well and should be drafted in late 20s, even though at this point he's more a project than basketball player.
- One of the youngest and relatively unknown, but intreresting players was Adin Vrabac ('94) from Spars Sarajevo. Although his offensive skills are still in making, Vrabac possesses above average physical tools. Standing at 6-8 he's really smooth swingman with decent length, wingspan and quickness. He shows a room to become lock down defender, contesting shots and crashing class. Offensively, Vrabac did a nice job using his quick first step getting to the lane and finishing over the rim.
- In the first game of last day Vasilije Micic (’94) led Serbia U19 NT to an easy win against Team USA. With Nikola Radicevic (’94) in the bench whole game, Micic played his best game of the Eurocamp with 15 points (3 of 4 beyond the arc), 8 rebounds, 5 assists and handled completely the tempo of the game. He received the help of Ognjen Dobric (’94) with 13 points and 9 boards. Dobric did not play previous two games but he showed good abilities in the Ghirada floor. For Team USA point guard Alex Robinson (’95) and forward Dwayne Morgan (’96) were the most outstanding players.
- In the last game of the Eurocamp, France U20 NT got a worked win against the All Star Team. Playmaker Boris Dallo (’94) kept his great level of the weekend and led his team altogether with forward Alexandre Chassang (’94). For the All Star Team the main players were Cuban Howard Sant-Roos (’91) and Nikola Ivanovic (’94).
- This year Adidas organized the first historial edition of U16 Next Generation Camp, bringing in some interestin talents headed by Borisa Simanic ('98) from Serbia, who is supposes to reach an agreement with FC Regal Barcelona. Young players had only one, really simple practice session on the main court in front of NBA executives, however we have seen the more in the action. Undeniably the most dominant was younger brother of Manresa's Rasmus Larsen ('94), Jacob Larsen ('97), who is already 6-9 with nice frame and above average athleticism for his size. The other shining player was Dragan Bender ('97), who played at Jordan Brand Classic last month. Bender is also 6-9, but he's more outside player with a room to become even SF given his athleticism, soft touch and mobility.
- From 1998-born players it was interesting to see head-to-head between Tadas Sedekerskis from Lithuania and Borisa Smanic from Serbia. Standing at 6-7 Sedekerskis is decent athlete with skinny frame, showing some similarity to James Birsen ('95). Sedekerskis possesses terrific handle for his size and age, running the game as true PG and scoring mainly off pick and roll. Simanic wasn't so impressive during exhibition game we have seen the last day, however he might have the highest upside and ceiling from the entire group. Having tremendous body profile to go along with solid mobility, Simanic is 6-7 face up player with versatile skill-set and already consistent jumper.
