Five players from Euroleague that will dominate this season
There is only one week left until the start of a new Euroleague season and we are very excited about this. A lot of players came to Europe, the competition has two more teams, so it is expected to be a very spectacular season.
While looking at the rosters, I came up with five players that are pretty interesting and can dominate this year.
1. Facundo Campazzo
The point guard of Real Madrid just finished an amazing tournament at the China World Cup, coming back with the silver medal. He had the following averages: 13.3 PPG, 7.8 APG, and 4.3 RPG, being very close to the all-tournament team.
Back in Madrid, Campazzo won with the Spanish Supercup and was named the MVP of the competition. The Argentinean player has a lot of qualities like speed and vision. Also, he can shoot very well and is in the prime of his career.
Taking into consideration that Sergio Llull is getting older, I think it is time for him to pass the torch to Facu Campazzo. If this happens, I’m expecting a very good season from the 28-year old.
2. Nikola Mirotic
After five years spent in the NBA, Nikola Mirotic finally returned to Europe. This summer he signed a deal with FC Barcelona to play under the command of Svetislav Pesic.
Mirotic is a great player and this is thanks to his ability to shoot from outside. Also, the Montenegrin is strong and can defend very well.
Because of his experience in the NBA, I really think that Nikola Mirotic will be one of the best players in this season of Euroleague.
3. Jimmer Fredette
Jimmer Fredette is the best transfer that Panathinaikos made this summer. He spent the last three seasons in China where he dominated with his offensive skills.
Fredette is one of the best scorers in the world as he averaged more than 35 PPG in two seasons. He upgraded his three-point shot so it will be almost an impossible mission for the opposition to defend him.
However, the Euroleague is stronger than the Chinese League and we have to take into considerations that Fredette won’t be allowed to take as many shots as he took in China. Still, I’m expecting him to put a show every night.
4. Shane Larkin
Last season, Shane Larkin was one of the best players in Euroleague and definitely the MVP of Anadolu Efes. The American led his team to the Euroleague Final and to winning the Turkish League.
In the summer, Larkin had some offers from the NBA but he wasn’t pleased with them so he decided to stay one more season in Istanbul. I think that this is a great choice for him because with the experience of last season Larkin will be a much better player this year in Euroleague.
This will get him a big exposure and potentially a better contract from the NBA in the middle or at the end of the season.
5. Sergio Rodriguez
Sergio Rodriguez moved this summer from CSKA Moskow to Olimpia Milano and decided to pass the FIBA World Cup. He stayed home and focused on his game and this paid off.
Currently, Rodriguez is in great form as he helped Olimpia Milano to win all four friendly tournaments. His passing skills were always there but he became better at shooting and getting inside the paint so he will be impossible to stop.
Considering the teammates that Rodriguez has and the excellent coaching of Ettore Messina, I’m expecting him to be one of the candidates for the MVP title this season.
*photo: marca.com
