By Joan Danés
An event with big history behind. The 28th edition of the U16 Bellergarde Tournament has been another interesting meeting point to see the evolution of some of the best European prospects of this age. Eurohopes travelled to the French town, like former French players Laurent Foirest and Jimmy Verove, also at the stands. On the court, four national teams: France, Latvia, Greece and Italy. Latvian Arturs Strautins (’98) shined over the rest, with a big show against Greece: 40 points (7/12 twos, 4/9 threes and 14/17 free throws) and 19 rebounds (8 on offense). In this tournament stars like Tony Parker, Nico Batum, Alexis Ajinca, Boris Diaw and Antoine Diot have played when they were teenagers. Who were the best in this edition?
-Arturs Strautins (’98, Latvia): Averaged a 38.7 valoration. Smart. Likes to have the ball in his hands because some important teammates were missing the tournament. Strong, with good legs to penetrate and good upper body to keep working. On offense can play at SF and PF, being a fighter when he plays at the paint, using his size looking for espace. He also gets fouls from his defenders if he sees himself with superiority. Can shoot after pick-and-roll and off the dribble.
-Kristers Zoriks (’98, Latvia): Averaged a 8.0 valoration. Point-guard. Thin arms and legs. Loved to play pick-and-roll at the middle with the big man.
-Bathiste Tcyouaffe (’98, France): Had a 20.0 valoration per game. Small-forward. Black. Physical player. Likes to shoot threes, going strong to the offense rebound. Good legs to penetrate, with a first quick step. Likes to be the team leader.
-Timothe Vergiat (’98, France): Averaged 19.3 valoration. Point-guard. Good shooter, with nice percentage if he shoots alone with espace. Can shoot off the dribble also. Strong legs and good back to grow up. Arms are starting to be muscled.
-Lorenzo Bucarelli (’98, Italy): Had a 17.3 valoration. Small-forward. Good back and legs, allowing him to run well the court at first. Good court vision, knowing how to create espaces for his teammates looking for the rim and after looking for them with a pass. Also creates for his teammates when gets the defense rebound, running fastbreak. Uses an interesting right hook close to the basket.
-Tommaso Oxilia (’98, Italy): Had a 6.3 valoration. Power-forward. Good back and wingspan. Also good legs to jump. When there is espace he shoots threes, but can also play at the post. Reads the game when is at the perimeter and doesn’t stay at one place because he always looks for the empty spot.
-Michalis Lountzis (’98, Greece): Averaged a 14.6 valoration. Point-guard with good wingspan and thin arms. Good legs to fight for the defense rebound. Good size to keep growing.
-Vasilis Hristidis (’98, Greece): Had a 12.3 valoration. Paint player, good wingspan and back to keep growing. Decent hand from midrange, looking to score using the glass. Good low post moves using his body to take espace and playing at base line with a spin down. Good midrange shot. Good player executing a pick-and-roll with the point-guard.
Other good players in the tournament:
Theodosis Torgonis (GRE), Francesco Badocchi (ITA), Isacco Lovisotto (ITA), Dario Masciarelli (ITA), Giordano Pagani (ITA), Roberts Blumbergs (LAT), Quentin Goulmy (FRA), Romain Poinas (FRA), Yves Pons (’99, FRA) and Jammy Verove (FRA)
Photo: Le DL / Greg Yetchmeniza
Twitter of the author: @joandanes
