By Artau Pascual
From June 9th to June 11th, Treviso (Italy) held the 2023 Adidas Eurocamp. It was a great opportunity to see firsthand the evolution of some of the best 2001-born to 2006-born European prospects and also to take a look at some overseas players who were able to make an impact from the first moment.
The event had two parts: during the mornings, we were able to see practices and shooting drills. The guys also had the chance to learn from first-level NBA players like Jabari Smith, Benedict Mathurin and Tony Parker, one of the European greatest players of all time. In the afternoons, the six teams that were part of the event competed each against other. The Eurocamp 2 team was crowned as the winner of the edition after beating USA Select 89-60.
Best five: Nadir Hifi (Eurocamp 2), Quinn Ellis (Eurocamp 1), Lucas Ugolin (Eurocamp 2), Kwasi Boateng (USA Select), Mouhamet Diouf (Eurocamp 2).
MVP: VJ Edgecombe (USA Select)
Below you can read an analysis of what we saw in Treviso. We’ll split it into two parts: the eight best players from the Eurocamp 1 and 2 teams, and the five best players from the NEXT GEN Team.
Nadir Hifi (6'0, G, Le Portel): Coming off a strong season in LNB Pro A as Le Portel’s go-to guy, Nadir Hifi had the chance to demonstrate his scoring prowess against other high-level prospects in front of many NBA Scouts. Hifi handled a high-usage role in the winning team and demonstrated his ability to consistently hit tough shots. Standing at 6’0, all of Hifi’s game is about craftiness and space creation. Watching his game it’s easy to figure out what makes him different from most European guards: his ability to punish the switch and create from Isolation stands out, and his self-confidence is sky-high. He was one of a kind in Treviso.
However, there are still some key questions that will determine his fate: which impact will he have when shots don’t fall in? Most of his shots don’t feel like something natural. What’s his ceiling as a passer? We saw him create some nice passing windows for his teammates with flashy assists, but he wasn’t under pressure. Could he adjust to a less ball-dependant role in Euroleague or NBA? It’s tough to imagine him handling the same type of role alongside other ball handlers without showing improvements as an initiator, and he’ll need to learn how to generate in second-side actions. Next season, when he plays Eurocup with Paris Basketball, we’ll start to figure out some answers.
Lucas Ugolin (6'4, SG, Limoges): Ugolin was one of the most consistent players on both ends of the court. In an event where most of the players wanted to showcase their potential with the ball in their hands, he understood perfectly that the best for him to show what his game is about was by making winning plays and filling gaps on both ends. He displayed a high level of activity on the defensive end, guarding both guards and wings and being impactful on and off the ball, and he was the first guy to hustle back in transition. On the offensive end, he achieved impressive results filling the lanes in transition, hitting shots off the catch and attacking closeouts.
Mouhamet Diouf (6'10, C, Reggio Emilia): The Reggio Emilia Big displayed really valuable tools: on the defensive end, he felt comfortable switching against crafty and shifty perimeter players, and he also did a good job protecting the paint thanks to his length and spatial awareness. His timing to block shots is already reliable, and he’s light on his feet. On the offensive end, Diouf demonstrated he’s a high-feel player: he knows how to handle the offense in the post, he’s poised enough to make easy reads for his teammates and his hands, and he doesn’t commit unforced mistakes. We also have to add to the mix he’s athletic enough to produce in pick-and-roll situations and his cuts are sharp. Like during the season, Diouf looked like a solid big who could crack into many rotations.
Enzo Shahrvin (6'6, C, Paul-Lacq-Orthez): Enzo Shahrvin put on display all of his athletic tools in Treviso. He left one of the most impressive dunks, ran well in transition and did a solid job at communicating and protecting the paint on defense. His combination of mobility, strength and vertical leap looks really solid for Europe. He also has a nice feel to find out where he has to be on the offensive end. Enzo plays with energy, guarantees boards and never negotiates effort. With all these tools, it’s easy to see him being a reliable contributor. The biggest question mark with him is if he’ll be able to develop some kind of shooting at some point: he needs to completely reshape his mechanics and his touch doesn’t look good enough.
Ousmane N’Diaye (6'9, PF, Baskonia): After some ups and downs this season in Baskonia, N’Diaye shone on the offensive end in Treviso. He wasn’t nearly the first option for his team, but when he caught hot he exhibited his potential in spot-up both as a shooter and as a driver, and he also was able to hit a long two off the dribble. Ousmane N’Diaye showed flashes of his shooting potential and also took advantage of his instincts to go for offensive rebounds. There are not many players in Europe with Ousmane’s level of confidence in putting the ball on the floor, and he could reach the next level if he improved at creating separation.
Justus Hollatz (6'4, PG, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana): The brand-new Cedevita Olimpija PG was the perfect PG for his team. Hollatz is a mature player: his game is about making the right decision to set up plays for his team, and he did so in Treviso. He was able to create advantages for shooters and rollers in pick and roll situations and also took advantage of his size and athleticism to get to the rim. He did too a nice job on defense, just like he did in Breogán during the 202/23 season. Hollatz is ready to play at every level in Europe. If he’s able to raise his spot-up shooting results and volume, he’ll be a hands-down Euroleague player for plenty of years.
Quinn Ellis (6'3, G, Novipiu Monferrato): Scoring numbers didn’t jump off the page during the weekend, but Quinn Ellis showcased his space creation ability and felt comfortable adjusting his role to creating offensive advantages for his teammates or for himself at his will. He’s really athletic for European standards, provides a fair amount of rim pressure and takes advantage of his handles. Showed intriguing playmaking skills during the weekend.
Motiejus Krivas (7'0, C, Arizona): The Arizona Wildcats commit was one of the youngest players among both Eurocamp rosters, but this wasn’t a problem for him to make an impact on the court. He demonstrated the juice he has as a passer, mainly from the post, and he didn’t suffer on the defensive end. Krivas is a fluid big that can adjust his skillset to the characteristics of his frontcourt teammates. In addition to this, he was really good in the 2PT shooting drills. He’ll be a huge add to Tommy Lloyd’s rotation.
Honorable mention- Nikos Rogkavopoulos (6'7, SF, Merkezefendi): Rogkavopoulos looked tired during the whole weekend. The Merkezefendi Wing, reportedly linked to Baskonia for the upcoming season, wasn’t at a good level athletically wise and struggled on the defensive end, but he demonstrated he should be able to translate his shooting mechanics to the next level. He’s a smart player with a quick and clean release.
NEXT GEN TEAM
Tidjane Salaun (6'8, PF/SF, Cholet): The 6’8 French forward was recognized with a Rising Star award, and it was absolutely well deserved. The Cholet product is one of the best European athletes in the 2005-generation, and it’s easy to figure out how he could make an impact at the highest levels: his outside shooting is already solid, he’s able to attack closeouts at a high level and his fastbreak and transition tools look great. In addition, he completed some nice sequences in the Wing role when Koponen’s team went big. Salaun will have to improve his handles and creation abilities, but if he does so he’ll be even better. On the defensive end, he displayed his potential as a weak side defender and didn’t struggle to stay in front of Wings. His stance and activity are remarkable. Above-average athlete by European standards. Should be on the NBA Draft radar at some point if he keeps developing in the same way.
Michael Ruzic (6'9, PF, Zadar): Michael Ruzic’s 2023 has been great. He was a standout in the ANGT Zadar, and has kept it up since then. His development as an outside shooter has been steady during the season, and now it’s one of his main strengths. If we add to the mix he’s started to show some nice footwork tools in wide spaces and good things happen when he puts the ball on the floor against forwards and bigs, it’s normal to be fascinated with his ceiling. Michael Ruzic is a late bloomer with plenty of room to fill his frame, and he has some ways to improve his athleticism, but the size and skill are already there. Next season will be key for him.
Rubén Prey (6'9, PF/C, Penya): Used to play C in Joventut for most of the 2022/23 season, Treviso was a good chance to see Prey out of this role. He played the PF alongside physical C’s, and the results were good. We saw him creating off the drive from the perimeter, he hit an off-the-dribble pull-up, and he put up steals and fastbreaks. Prey has charming feel and touch for a player of his size, and he’s a great competitor with special instincts to grab offensive rebounds. If he works on his athleticism, he’ll keep raising his status. Felt comfortable with a rim protector by his side.
Kasparas Jakucionis (6'4, G, Barça): Jakucionis’ season has been a great story. He’s turned into one of the best European shooters in the 06 generation, and as of right now, he looks like one of the best guards of this year. In Treviso, we saw him shooting well, but it was really interesting to evaluate his slashing and playmaking skills in this scenario. And he did really well: he attacked relentlessly the rim, drew defensive fouls and dished enjoyable assists to his bigs. His decision-making on the drive looked sharp, and he felt comfortable in pick-and-roll situations. Definitely one of the main 2023 standouts in Europe.
From June 9th to June 11th, Treviso (Italy) held the 2023 Adidas Eurocamp. It was a great opportunity to see firsthand the evolution of some of the best 2001-born to 2006-born European prospects and also to take a look at some overseas players who were able to make an impact from the first moment.
The event had two parts: during the mornings, we were able to see practices and shooting drills. The guys also had the chance to learn from first-level NBA players like Jabari Smith, Benedict Mathurin and Tony Parker, one of the European greatest players of all time. In the afternoons, the six teams that were part of the event competed each against other. The Eurocamp 2 team was crowned as the winner of the edition after beating USA Select 89-60.
Best five: Nadir Hifi (Eurocamp 2), Quinn Ellis (Eurocamp 1), Lucas Ugolin (Eurocamp 2), Kwasi Boateng (USA Select), Mouhamet Diouf (Eurocamp 2).
MVP: VJ Edgecombe (USA Select)
Below you can read an analysis of what we saw in Treviso. We’ll split it into two parts: the eight best players from the Eurocamp 1 and 2 teams, and the five best players from the NEXT GEN Team.
Nadir Hifi (6'0, G, Le Portel): Coming off a strong season in LNB Pro A as Le Portel’s go-to guy, Nadir Hifi had the chance to demonstrate his scoring prowess against other high-level prospects in front of many NBA Scouts. Hifi handled a high-usage role in the winning team and demonstrated his ability to consistently hit tough shots. Standing at 6’0, all of Hifi’s game is about craftiness and space creation. Watching his game it’s easy to figure out what makes him different from most European guards: his ability to punish the switch and create from Isolation stands out, and his self-confidence is sky-high. He was one of a kind in Treviso.
However, there are still some key questions that will determine his fate: which impact will he have when shots don’t fall in? Most of his shots don’t feel like something natural. What’s his ceiling as a passer? We saw him create some nice passing windows for his teammates with flashy assists, but he wasn’t under pressure. Could he adjust to a less ball-dependant role in Euroleague or NBA? It’s tough to imagine him handling the same type of role alongside other ball handlers without showing improvements as an initiator, and he’ll need to learn how to generate in second-side actions. Next season, when he plays Eurocup with Paris Basketball, we’ll start to figure out some answers.
Lucas Ugolin (6'4, SG, Limoges): Ugolin was one of the most consistent players on both ends of the court. In an event where most of the players wanted to showcase their potential with the ball in their hands, he understood perfectly that the best for him to show what his game is about was by making winning plays and filling gaps on both ends. He displayed a high level of activity on the defensive end, guarding both guards and wings and being impactful on and off the ball, and he was the first guy to hustle back in transition. On the offensive end, he achieved impressive results filling the lanes in transition, hitting shots off the catch and attacking closeouts.
Mouhamet Diouf (6'10, C, Reggio Emilia): The Reggio Emilia Big displayed really valuable tools: on the defensive end, he felt comfortable switching against crafty and shifty perimeter players, and he also did a good job protecting the paint thanks to his length and spatial awareness. His timing to block shots is already reliable, and he’s light on his feet. On the offensive end, Diouf demonstrated he’s a high-feel player: he knows how to handle the offense in the post, he’s poised enough to make easy reads for his teammates and his hands, and he doesn’t commit unforced mistakes. We also have to add to the mix he’s athletic enough to produce in pick-and-roll situations and his cuts are sharp. Like during the season, Diouf looked like a solid big who could crack into many rotations.
Enzo Shahrvin (6'6, C, Paul-Lacq-Orthez): Enzo Shahrvin put on display all of his athletic tools in Treviso. He left one of the most impressive dunks, ran well in transition and did a solid job at communicating and protecting the paint on defense. His combination of mobility, strength and vertical leap looks really solid for Europe. He also has a nice feel to find out where he has to be on the offensive end. Enzo plays with energy, guarantees boards and never negotiates effort. With all these tools, it’s easy to see him being a reliable contributor. The biggest question mark with him is if he’ll be able to develop some kind of shooting at some point: he needs to completely reshape his mechanics and his touch doesn’t look good enough.
Ousmane N’Diaye (6'9, PF, Baskonia): After some ups and downs this season in Baskonia, N’Diaye shone on the offensive end in Treviso. He wasn’t nearly the first option for his team, but when he caught hot he exhibited his potential in spot-up both as a shooter and as a driver, and he also was able to hit a long two off the dribble. Ousmane N’Diaye showed flashes of his shooting potential and also took advantage of his instincts to go for offensive rebounds. There are not many players in Europe with Ousmane’s level of confidence in putting the ball on the floor, and he could reach the next level if he improved at creating separation.
Justus Hollatz (6'4, PG, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana): The brand-new Cedevita Olimpija PG was the perfect PG for his team. Hollatz is a mature player: his game is about making the right decision to set up plays for his team, and he did so in Treviso. He was able to create advantages for shooters and rollers in pick and roll situations and also took advantage of his size and athleticism to get to the rim. He did too a nice job on defense, just like he did in Breogán during the 202/23 season. Hollatz is ready to play at every level in Europe. If he’s able to raise his spot-up shooting results and volume, he’ll be a hands-down Euroleague player for plenty of years.
Quinn Ellis (6'3, G, Novipiu Monferrato): Scoring numbers didn’t jump off the page during the weekend, but Quinn Ellis showcased his space creation ability and felt comfortable adjusting his role to creating offensive advantages for his teammates or for himself at his will. He’s really athletic for European standards, provides a fair amount of rim pressure and takes advantage of his handles. Showed intriguing playmaking skills during the weekend.
Motiejus Krivas (7'0, C, Arizona): The Arizona Wildcats commit was one of the youngest players among both Eurocamp rosters, but this wasn’t a problem for him to make an impact on the court. He demonstrated the juice he has as a passer, mainly from the post, and he didn’t suffer on the defensive end. Krivas is a fluid big that can adjust his skillset to the characteristics of his frontcourt teammates. In addition to this, he was really good in the 2PT shooting drills. He’ll be a huge add to Tommy Lloyd’s rotation.
Honorable mention- Nikos Rogkavopoulos (6'7, SF, Merkezefendi): Rogkavopoulos looked tired during the whole weekend. The Merkezefendi Wing, reportedly linked to Baskonia for the upcoming season, wasn’t at a good level athletically wise and struggled on the defensive end, but he demonstrated he should be able to translate his shooting mechanics to the next level. He’s a smart player with a quick and clean release.
NEXT GEN TEAM
Tidjane Salaun (6'8, PF/SF, Cholet): The 6’8 French forward was recognized with a Rising Star award, and it was absolutely well deserved. The Cholet product is one of the best European athletes in the 2005-generation, and it’s easy to figure out how he could make an impact at the highest levels: his outside shooting is already solid, he’s able to attack closeouts at a high level and his fastbreak and transition tools look great. In addition, he completed some nice sequences in the Wing role when Koponen’s team went big. Salaun will have to improve his handles and creation abilities, but if he does so he’ll be even better. On the defensive end, he displayed his potential as a weak side defender and didn’t struggle to stay in front of Wings. His stance and activity are remarkable. Above-average athlete by European standards. Should be on the NBA Draft radar at some point if he keeps developing in the same way.
Michael Ruzic (6'9, PF, Zadar): Michael Ruzic’s 2023 has been great. He was a standout in the ANGT Zadar, and has kept it up since then. His development as an outside shooter has been steady during the season, and now it’s one of his main strengths. If we add to the mix he’s started to show some nice footwork tools in wide spaces and good things happen when he puts the ball on the floor against forwards and bigs, it’s normal to be fascinated with his ceiling. Michael Ruzic is a late bloomer with plenty of room to fill his frame, and he has some ways to improve his athleticism, but the size and skill are already there. Next season will be key for him.
Rubén Prey (6'9, PF/C, Penya): Used to play C in Joventut for most of the 2022/23 season, Treviso was a good chance to see Prey out of this role. He played the PF alongside physical C’s, and the results were good. We saw him creating off the drive from the perimeter, he hit an off-the-dribble pull-up, and he put up steals and fastbreaks. Prey has charming feel and touch for a player of his size, and he’s a great competitor with special instincts to grab offensive rebounds. If he works on his athleticism, he’ll keep raising his status. Felt comfortable with a rim protector by his side.
Kasparas Jakucionis (6'4, G, Barça): Jakucionis’ season has been a great story. He’s turned into one of the best European shooters in the 06 generation, and as of right now, he looks like one of the best guards of this year. In Treviso, we saw him shooting well, but it was really interesting to evaluate his slashing and playmaking skills in this scenario. And he did really well: he attacked relentlessly the rim, drew defensive fouls and dished enjoyable assists to his bigs. His decision-making on the drive looked sharp, and he felt comfortable in pick-and-roll situations. Definitely one of the main 2023 standouts in Europe.
ADVERTISING
