By Kostas Psimoulis

 

Mouhammadou Jaiteh played a solid game against Team USA showing some improvement compared to his play with Nanterre. He displayed an improved footwork in the post and the use of a right hook that got him some easy baskets inside the paint. Additionally, he finished several alley hoop opportunities in transition thanks to a good effort in running the floor and a bad transition defense from the American guys. However, needs to be mentioned that several of the US players were two or three years younger (with zero pro experience) than Jaiteh, and they just couldn’t match his physical presence. 

Micic started the first day very well showing that he’s probably the best player of this year’s Eurocamp. However, as the day was progressing Vasilije Micic was more trying to impress the scouts and NBA decision makers who were present in the gym rather than not forcing the issue and playing a efficient game. A more conservative approach could have resulted into less turnovers and more easy baskets for his team.
However, Micic in his try to showcase his creativity committed many avoidable turnovers. Nevertheless, Micic’s strength have been well documented and his superb court vision and ability to run a team could get him into the second round of this June’s NBA Draft. 

The ’92 year born Dmitry Kulagin had a pretty good overall day in Treviso. The Russian is an extremely talented combo guard who had shown bad mentality and attitude in the past. Kulagin displayed great anticipation on the offensive end making timely reads and good passes. In addition to his passing, Kulagin sports a nice shooting stroke especially off the dribble. The older of the Kulagin brothers , was by far the most vocal guy among the players who stepped on the court today. He showed leadership qualities by talking on defense and communicating plays on offense. 

Ioannis Papapetrou looked like a man among boys throughout the afternoon session. He’s strong and has a physical structure beyond his years for a ’94 year born prospect, has broad shoulders and a strong upper body. Physicality alone gave him the chance to slash to the hoop at will, where he finished the majority of his two point attempts. Papapetrou isn’t an explosive athlete but he’s got some interesting physical tools. He’s expected to be a very solid spot up shooter at the next level thanks to a smooth shooting stroke, whereas he’s shown that he can also put the ball on the floor against close outs. Thanks to his early physical development and skillset Papapetrou is already a clear-cut Euroleague level player. 

Ojars Silins looks like a sleeper of this season’s draft. Athletic combination forward (he’s trying to transition himself at the three) with a great body and the ability to stroke the ball from the three point line. The Latvian is a very good defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Silins runs the floor well, rebounds strongly on both ends and can switch onto stronger guys in the post. 

Mousa Diagne showed that he’s a limited offensive player as he didn’t manage to show even a basic footwork or any inside moves. Diagne possesses questionable hands and feel for the game and seems that he needs offensive players around him who can get him the ball into spots he can be effective (lobs, drop offs). On the other hand, Diagne is insanely long, has superb lateral defense and solid athletic tools.

 

Photo: Xavi Sentís

 

Twitter of the author: @Gus_bball