By Joan Danés
Sakarya (Turkey) hosted some days ago its annual U16 International Tournament, with sixteen teams competing for the trophy: Latvia, Germany, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Georgia, Sweden, France, Slovenia, Russia, Turkey, Turkey B, Poland, Bulgaria and Argentina. In this event a couple of Latvian 1998 born prospects shined over the rest. Let’s talk about them.
Arturs Strautins (’98, Latvia) -at the pic-. Stats: 24.3 points (47% 2s, 49% 3s and 81% 1s), 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists. A 6’6’’ power-forward. Strong, able to play inside and outside because has mobility. When plays opened has a good first dribble to penetrate, and also has shooting range (from 3 points line too) after a middle pick and roll. When he receives the ball always looks to the basket. Good ball-handling, and can drive the fastbreak after grabbing the defense rebound. Can play at the post. Good rebounder at both sides. Best tournament scorer.
Rodions Kurucs (’98, Latvia). Stats: 18.7 points (59% 2s, 25% 3s and 81% 1s), 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 steals. 6’8’’ perimeter player, long wingspan, skinny arms and legs. Good ballhandling, so he can play at the PG. Has shooting range from any position. Changes his opponents shots, being also quick defending shorter players. Good first dribble to penetrate and finish over the rim. Still can grow, physically and also knowing the game.
-Other good scorers
Ognjen Carapic (’98, Montenegro). Stats: 21.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. 6’2’’ point-guard, growing 4 inches from 2001 summer in Slovenj Gradec tournament. Smart, with good range.
Kostja Mushidi (’98, Germany). Stats: 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Lefty 6’3’’ prospects. Strong, good legs to penetrate, runs well the floor. Good shooter from all positions.
-Best tournament rebounders
Danilo Ovcharenko (’98, Ukraine). Stats: 10.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Paint player. 6’7’’. Good back to keep growing. Big time rebounder at both sides.
Omer Faruk Yurtseven (’98, Turkey). Stats: 15.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals. 6’10’’ paint prospect currently playing for Fenerbahce Ulker. Long wingspan, changing a lot of shots. In the paint he has the ability to finish with both hands with hook. Good footwork. Runs well the floor, even he must improve when his goal is to defend. He still can grow physically.
-Best in assists
Omer Utku Al (’98, Turkey). Stats: 3.7 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
-Best in blocks
Omer Faruk Yurtseven (’98, Turkey). Stats: Stats: 15.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.
-Other good players in the tournament
Isaiah Hartenstein (’98, Germany), Borisa Simanic (’98, Serbia), Aleksa Radanov (’98, Serbia), Milos Divac (’98, Montenegro), Amar Gegic (’98, Bosnia and Hercegovina), Dzanan Musa (’98, Bosnia and Hercegovina), Illya Tyrtyshnyk (’98, Ukraine), Aphkhazava Davit (’98, Georgia), Yordan Minchev (’98, Bulgaria), Elijah Clarance (’98, Sweden), Kevin Senghore Peterson (’98, Sweden), Timothe Vergiat (’98, France), Bathiste Tchouaffe (’98, France), Elvis Keric (’98, Slovenia), Ziga Jurcek (’98, Slovenia), Nikita Vavilov (’98, Russia), Grigorii Motovilov (’98, Russia), Mehmet Efe Filik (’98, Turkey), Maciej Waraczynski (’98, Poland), Marcin Wiszomirski (’98, Poland), Mateusz Szczypinski (’98, Poland), Cagatay Afsar (’99, Turkey), Servet Alperen Kurnaz (’99, Turkey)...
Twitter of the author: @joandanes
Photo: FIBA Europe / Ciamillo-Castoria
