"U18 European Championship Division B 2024" was held some weeks ago. The event brought to light some intriguing prospects that have enlightened the eyes of many college coaches attending the event.

 

Our Editor-in-Chief, Pietro Cristofori, was in Skopje, North Macedonia, attending the event, and in this article he writes about some of the most enticing prospects in the tournament.

 

 

Suljanovic has been the main point of reference in Austria's offense for big parts of the tournaments, and a huge piece in the historical run that brought his NT back to the A Division. Standing at 6'7, he has grown one inch over the last season. He ended the event on a 53/39/74 shooting split, that is promising for the future. I think he's gonna be a SF long-term, doesn't look to have the motor and quickness to play at the 2. SF that will be able to pick up handler duties at times. Throughout his career he has always been the go-to-guy on his teams, I'd like to evaluate him in another environment, where he's more of a role player. Body language was questionable at times.

 

Ludvik Bergseng - 2006, 6'10, Power Forward, Norway, Bàsquet Manresa

 

Bergseng is a PF with already experience at the pro level. After a solid showcase in BWB Europe 2023 (Aug. 2023), he had a very solid 2023-24 season that established him as one of the main "under-the-radar" prospects in his age-group in Europe. The Norwegian forward had unique mix of size and skillset in the entire event. He put the ball on the floor, showed flashes of handles with both hands, and some pull-up game as well. Brings to the table many valuable things. Crashes the boards: ended the tournament nearing a double-double (13.3 PPG and 9.9 RPG) and has good feel for blocking shots (2nd best in the event with 2.1 BPG). He was the most sized guy on the team, but he was always used on the perimeter. I don't think he will be able to turn into a SF long-term: I can see him more as an interior creator at the 4.

 

 

Aiyamenkhue was the prospect with the highest ceiling on an intriguing Netherlands team. Despite the Dutch NT arrived just 20th, Aiyamenkhue was one of the few bright spots on the team. He showed toughness and attitude on the floor. Late-bloomer: he's a work in progress in all the aspects of his game. His frame is not filled-in yet, still a long way to go, but I think he will never become a huge body: he will be more of an athletic, bouncy and vertical big. He shows lob-threat flashes, good mobility in pick&roll and will to get rebounds. Doesn't have power moves in the post. What makes him exceptional are the rim-protector instincts, I think he has big potential to become an impactful big in the paint: doesn't have power and muscular build to be that type of player yet. Floor-runner and rim-big on the long term.

 

 

After leaving a good impression at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta a few ago, Emenalo had a decent showing in Skopje. Although, I think he was among the most talented players here. He has added one inch over the last year, after being listed 6'5 in BWB Europe (Aug. 2023). His physical development is still at an early stage compared to many peers, he will develop well, though. High potential shot-creator: he gets to his spots effortlessly. Although, he just can't finish the plays. Three-level scoring threat potential. He's not ready to play at the PG, but he will be able to pick up primary handler duties in the future. The shooting form is very good-looking and smooth, but percentages are low. On defense he was too often caught on a high stance. Body language was bad at times. I bet on his potential, though.

 

 

After committing to Villanova, Gavalyugov was one of the most awaited prospects in the event. He didn't disappoint the expectations by leading his NT back to Division A. Scoring-first guard with pesky handles, he had good percentages from deep. (41.0 3FG%). He has gained some muscles over the last season in NBA Global Academy, but he's still not enough sized for top level imo. Doesn't make up for lack of size with athleticism or motor , still not consistent when he gets to the rim (just 41.0% from 2PT). Okay passer, he's very good at using his gravity to generate easy looks for his teammates. He's also aggressive under the boards, despite being just 6'1, he was able to grab many of them (8 in one game, and 7 in the other three). His handles and fluidity are special, and this gives him big shot-creator upside. Curious to see if he will be able to find some rotations minutes at the HM level long-term next year.

 

 

The MVP of the tournament, Nikola Janicic felt comfortable picking up the leader role for the hosts, and he was able to grab the gold medal after a 30-point scoring effort in the Final Game against Austria. Top-scorer of the event with 22.6 PPG. He did all this despite being one year younger than the competition. He was used as primary handler, although I don't think he has the motor and handles to be a PG: had many TOs (4.6 per game) when he was under pressure. He could get to his spots with ease thanks to his craftiness and fluidity. I see him more in a secondary handler role with shooter duties. He took 20.1 FG per game, and he shoot the ball with ok percentages (48/34/77). Defense wasn't his priority in this event. Feet are ok, but not super quick. What impresses about his game is the poise and body control. It always looks like he knows what he's doing, and most of the TOs he committed were given by lack of handles, rather than lack of feel. High floor, but limited ceiling.