Post WC vibes, to fellow international (and American) members : Best young NBA prospects from your country are..?

[God Squad]

Canada:
- just drafted O-Max and Leonard Miller. Both are interesting prospects that should get a shot to crack a rotation during their rookie contract.
- Zach Edey: Arguably the most dominant player in college basketball but still not a definite NBA player. Still had to convince the NBA he'll be able to stay on the floor against smaller lineups.
- Some current draft prospects: Yanis Bamba, Elijah Fisher, Efeosa Oliogu, Spencer Ahrens.

The two names I see floating about who people seem to be somewhat excited for.

We'll see.

[_jin]

From France, there are obviously Alexandre Sarr and Zacharie Risacher who should both be lottery picks or higher in next year's draft.
Tidjane Salaun is a 18yo 6'8" PF who just turned pro for Cholet and is seen as a great talent. Could enter the draft next year or in 2025.
Illan Pietrus, son of former french international Florent Pietrus and nephew of former NBA player Mickael Pietrus, is a 18yo, huge combo guard. Probably not gonna be a star but could make it to the league if he develops the right way.
Ilane Fibleuil is a very intriguing prospect, he's a 17yo 6'6" wing who already has a lot of offensive tools and I think he signed for UCLA.
Highest touted french prospect right now is 16yo Noa Essengue. He's 6'8" and still growing, he plays with France U18 since last year (so at 15) and has signed with Ulm, who just won the German league (which should technically make them the world champs but that's for another thread).

[God Squad]

Two young French prospects to the Spurs obviously but how about 18 year old Alexandre Sarr?

7’1 and legit moves like a guard. France shooting for the 5, 7 footer lineup some day.

Watch on YouTube

;si=1DeIjwVwdJ795Jmg

Probably my favourite out of the incoming international class. France has a nice thing brewing with Wemby, Sidy, Bilal, Sarr, Risacher and Rupert

[Phreak50]

I don’t see it with Edey.

Just too slow and lumbering.

Honestly doesn’t look any more nimble than the basically unplayable Boban.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Canada:
- just drafted O-Max and Leonard Miller. Both are interesting prospects that should get a shot to crack a rotation during their rookie contract.
- Zach Edey: Arguably the most dominant player in college basketball but still not a definite NBA player. Still had to convince the NBA he'll be able to stay on the floor against smaller lineups.
- Some current draft prospects: Yanis Bamba, Elijah Fisher, Efeosa Oliogu, Spencer Ahrens.

The two names I see floating about who people seem to be somewhat excited for.

We'll see.

I wouldn't get too excited about Fisher. His development basically seemed to stagnate about 3 years ago. When he was younger, back when he was sometimes ranked as the best prospect in his class, he could dominate with his strength and athleticism, but his skills have never caught up. This past year was his freshman year at Texas Tech, and he only got on the floor for 12 minutes a game, averaging 3.3 pts and 2 rebounds.

Ahrens, on the other hand, has a lot of skill, but maybe not the top notch athleticism you'd want from a high end talent. Still, I'd bet a lot more on him making it than Fisher.

[aminiaturebuddha]

As for some other Canadians, people have already mentioned Ahrens and Oliogu. Here are some others that may develop into interesting players:

Vasean Allette, 6-3 PG, Class of 2023, Headed to Old Dominion this fall
Michael Nwoko, 6-10 C, Class of 2023, Headed to Miami this fall

Christian Nitu, 6-9 PF, Class of 2024
Will Riley, 6-8 SF, Class of 2025
Paul Osaruyi, 6-8 PF, Class of 2027

[Jadoogar]

Canada:
- just drafted O-Max and Leonard Miller. Both are interesting prospects that should get a shot to crack a rotation during their rookie contract.
- Zach Edey: Arguably the most dominant player in college basketball but still not a definite NBA player. Still had to convince the NBA he'll be able to stay on the floor against smaller lineups.
- Some current draft prospects: Yanis Bamba, Elijah Fisher, Efeosa Oliogu, Spencer Ahrens.

Edey screams Boban to me. Some team might take a chance just for the novelty but he's far to slow to play in the NBA.

[cupcakesnake]

Canada:
- just drafted O-Max and Leonard Miller. Both are interesting prospects that should get a shot to crack a rotation during their rookie contract.
- Zach Edey: Arguably the most dominant player in college basketball but still not a definite NBA player. Still had to convince the NBA he'll be able to stay on the floor against smaller lineups.
- Some current draft prospects: Yanis Bamba, Elijah Fisher, Efeosa Oliogu, Spencer Ahrens.

The two names I see floating about who people seem to be somewhat excited for.

We'll see.

I wouldn't get too excited about Fisher. His development basically seemed to stagnate about 3 years ago. When he was younger, back when he was sometimes ranked as the best prospect in his class, he could dominate with his strength and athleticism, but his skills have never caught up. This past year was his freshman year at Texas Tech, and he only got on the floor for 12 minutes a game, averaging 3.3 pts and 2 rebounds.

Ahrens, on the other hand, has a lot of skill, but maybe not the top notch athleticism you'd want from a high end talent. Still, I'd bet a lot more on him making it than Fisher.

This feels too common with a lot of Canada's top prospects. Wiggins and RJ were both the best 16, 17 year olds in the world... and then completely stopped developing.

[aminiaturebuddha]

The two names I see floating about who people seem to be somewhat excited for.

We'll see.

I wouldn't get too excited about Fisher. His development basically seemed to stagnate about 3 years ago. When he was younger, back when he was sometimes ranked as the best prospect in his class, he could dominate with his strength and athleticism, but his skills have never caught up. This past year was his freshman year at Texas Tech, and he only got on the floor for 12 minutes a game, averaging 3.3 pts and 2 rebounds.

Ahrens, on the other hand, has a lot of skill, but maybe not the top notch athleticism you'd want from a high end talent. Still, I'd bet a lot more on him making it than Fisher.

This feels too common with a lot of Canada's top prospects. Wiggins and RJ were both the best 16, 17 year olds in the world... and then completely stopped developing.

To be fair, it's not just Canadian prospects, it just happens a lot with athletic wing players that are physically ahead of their peers at a younger age. See: Shabazz Muhammad, Felipe Lopez, Lenny Cooke, and even other guys who made it to the NBA but then stalled like Michael Kidd-Gilcrist or Josh Jackson.

[cupcakesnake]

I wouldn't get too excited about Fisher. His development basically seemed to stagnate about 3 years ago. When he was younger, back when he was sometimes ranked as the best prospect in his class, he could dominate with his strength and athleticism, but his skills have never caught up. This past year was his freshman year at Texas Tech, and he only got on the floor for 12 minutes a game, averaging 3.3 pts and 2 rebounds.

Ahrens, on the other hand, has a lot of skill, but maybe not the top notch athleticism you'd want from a high end talent. Still, I'd bet a lot more on him making it than Fisher.

This feels too common with a lot of Canada's top prospects. Wiggins and RJ were both the best 16, 17 year olds in the world... and then completely stopped developing.

To be fair, it's not just Canadian prospects, it just happens a lot with athletic wing players that are physically ahead of their peers at a younger age. See: Shabazz Muhammad, Felipe Lopez, Lenny Cooke, and even other guys who made it to the NBA but then stalled like Michael Kidd-Gilcrist or Josh Jackson.

Very true. Stanley Johnson is another recent example. I'm always a sucker for this type of player.

RJ was a bit of a surprise though because as a kid his game seemed very cerebral and his feel looked advanced. I still remember his 38 points in the defeat of the States in a U19 tournament. I thought of him as a Harden type, a guy who could use his power game to unlock passing reads. He seemed like the opposite of Wiggins at the time.

[BarbaGrizz]

Sad thread for Brazilians.

[Calvin Klein]

I have no idea. We've had our time and it was so much more than I ever expected. So it's all good.

[aminiaturebuddha]

This feels too common with a lot of Canada's top prospects. Wiggins and RJ were both the best 16, 17 year olds in the world... and then completely stopped developing.

To be fair, it's not just Canadian prospects, it just happens a lot with athletic wing players that are physically ahead of their peers at a younger age. See: Shabazz Muhammad, Felipe Lopez, Lenny Cooke, and even other guys who made it to the NBA but then stalled like Michael Kidd-Gilcrist or Josh Jackson.

Very true. Stanley Johnson is another recent example. I'm always a sucker for this type of player.

RJ was a bit of a surprise though because as a kid his game seemed very cerebral and his feel looked advanced. I still remember his 38 points in the defeat of the States in a U19 tournament. I thought of him as a Harden type, a guy who could use his power game to unlock passing reads. He seemed like the opposite of Wiggins at the time.

RJ and Wiggins are an interesting comparison, because although they're both that same category of player (hyped young prospect that dominated in high school ranks), they seem to have hit the wall for different reasons.

With Wiggins, he has always been a tremendous athlete, but his feel for the game and overall motor has held him back (at least until he became the player he is now with Golden State, but by that time he had lost those key development years of learning how to be a real lead star).

With RJ, I think his feel for the game is still actually pretty good. He's a decent passer, and knows when to make smart cuts if he's playing with guys who will get him the ball, he tries on defence. But his lack of top-end athleticism seems to be holding him back. He's not the quick twitch athlete that Wiggins is. Everything with him lacks fluidity and seems kind of plodding. Even his shot mechanics don't have that quick easy flick of the wrist that good shooters have. His main athletic advantage is his strength for his size. That's useful, but limits his upside, IMO.

[G R E Y]

Giddey and Daniels are still 20 but the non NBA guys are.

Tyrese Proctor - projected to be in the lottery next draft. 6’4 guard who does a bit of everything. More of a scorer than Giddey/Daniels.

Rocco Zikarsky - 7’3 centre who is an elite rim running and fantastic defender. He has signed with my local team in the NBL and has not look out of place in our pre season. He’s just turned 17 and looks like he could be special.

Alex Toohey - 6’8 small forward who does a bit of everything. I think Franz Wagner is a decent comparison for him. Just signed with Sydney Kings for this NBL season and at this stage is expected to be a second round pick. I think that will rise as the season goes on.

Then there are the Furphy brothers. I don’t know much about them but Johnny is going to Kansas and is apparently the real deal.

These are exactly the type of guys Australia needs post Patty Mills/Joe Ingles era.

Any idea whether Zikarsky will declare for the NBA or when?

[cupcakesnake]

To be fair, it's not just Canadian prospects, it just happens a lot with athletic wing players that are physically ahead of their peers at a younger age. See: Shabazz Muhammad, Felipe Lopez, Lenny Cooke, and even other guys who made it to the NBA but then stalled like Michael Kidd-Gilcrist or Josh Jackson.

Very true. Stanley Johnson is another recent example. I'm always a sucker for this type of player.

RJ was a bit of a surprise though because as a kid his game seemed very cerebral and his feel looked advanced. I still remember his 38 points in the defeat of the States in a U19 tournament. I thought of him as a Harden type, a guy who could use his power game to unlock passing reads. He seemed like the opposite of Wiggins at the time.

RJ and Wiggins are an interesting comparison, because although they're both that same category of player (hyped young prospect that dominated in high school ranks), they seem to have hit the wall for different reasons.

With Wiggins, he has always been a tremendous athlete, but his feel for the game and overall motor has held him back (at least until he became the player he is now with Golden State, but by that time he had lost those key development years of learning how to be a real lead star).

With RJ, I think his feel for the game is still actually pretty good. He's a decent passer, and knows when to make smart cuts if he's playing with guys who will get him the ball, he tries on defence. But his lack of top-end athleticism seems to be holding him back. He's not the quick twitch athlete that Wiggins is. Everything with him lacks fluidity and seems kind of plodding. Even his shot mechanics don't have that quick easy flick of the wrist that good shooters have. His main athletic advantage is his strength for his size. That's useful, but limits his upside, IMO.

I find myself saying RJ is a decent passer because every now and then he makes a really nice read. But from Duke to now, RJ has been a pretty poor passer who struggles with tunnel vision and batter ramming his way to his left hand to create a scoring opportunity. There is passing ability in their somewhere, but it doesn't show itself often enough. I mean that assist to turnover ratio is absolutely incriminating for a guard that gets to handle the ball.

Yeah with Wiggins, the motor and the poor handle were always bigger obstacles than I wanted to admit. I don't think he's improved his skill set in Golden State, I think the coaching staff has given him very specific jobs to do, and he can do those well. In Minnesota he was mostly encouraged to stretch his wings, and Wiggins just had no clue what to do with that offensive and defensive freedom. It has been a delightful surprise to see his off-ball defense improve so much in Golden State.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Very true. Stanley Johnson is another recent example. I'm always a sucker for this type of player.

RJ was a bit of a surprise though because as a kid his game seemed very cerebral and his feel looked advanced. I still remember his 38 points in the defeat of the States in a U19 tournament. I thought of him as a Harden type, a guy who could use his power game to unlock passing reads. He seemed like the opposite of Wiggins at the time.

RJ and Wiggins are an interesting comparison, because although they're both that same category of player (hyped young prospect that dominated in high school ranks), they seem to have hit the wall for different reasons.

With Wiggins, he has always been a tremendous athlete, but his feel for the game and overall motor has held him back (at least until he became the player he is now with Golden State, but by that time he had lost those key development years of learning how to be a real lead star).

With RJ, I think his feel for the game is still actually pretty good. He's a decent passer, and knows when to make smart cuts if he's playing with guys who will get him the ball, he tries on defence. But his lack of top-end athleticism seems to be holding him back. He's not the quick twitch athlete that Wiggins is. Everything with him lacks fluidity and seems kind of plodding. Even his shot mechanics don't have that quick easy flick of the wrist that good shooters have. His main athletic advantage is his strength for his size. That's useful, but limits his upside, IMO.

I find myself saying RJ is a decent passer because every now and then he makes a really nice read. But from Duke to now, RJ has been a pretty poor passer who struggles with tunnel vision and batter ramming his way to his left hand to create a scoring opportunity. There is passing ability in their somewhere, but it doesn't show itself often enough. I mean that assist to turnover ratio is absolutely incriminating for a guard that gets to handle the ball.

Yeah with Wiggins, the motor and the poor handle were always bigger obstacles than I wanted to admit. I don't think he's improved his skill set in Golden State, I think the coaching staff has given him very specific jobs to do, and he can do those well. In Minnesota he was mostly encouraged to stretch his wings, and Wiggins just had no clue what to do with that offensive and defensive freedom. It has been a delightful surprise to see his off-ball defense improve so much in Golden State.

You're right, maybe Barrett's passing ability is more theoretical than real at this point. That seems to be an obvious path for him to improve and refine his game that wouldn't be athleticism based. I still think he's got a better read for it than Wiggins though (even though Wiggins once somehow averaged 3.7 assists per game one year). If you told RJ to go and create for others, he'd have some idea how to do it, whereas Wiggins doesn't seem like he'd have a good handle on how to go about doing it consistently.

All this, of course, isn't to say that they're not useful players. Just not the type of stars they were once pegged to be, For Team Canada these days, they're very lucky that they no longer need them to be. They can slot them into roles (along with Brooks and Olynyk) behind SGA and Murray instead of forcing them to be the players they're not.

[sisibilio]

Pg:Nuñez
Sg:Garuba II
Sf:almansa
Pf:aldama
C:Aday Mara

Sixth man Baba Miller


they should all make it to the nba and maybe one or two get to the allstar plateau ( aldama in a diferent team would be already starting and being a top 3 option at his age.........grizzlies may stagante his developement unless they decide to play jjj at the 5 )

Aldama is 22 and entering his 3rd year in the league so he doesn't apply.
Almansa is a PF/C (more of a C at this stage) and Garuba's chances are slim to none unless he magically turns into a slightly reliable shooter.
I'd add Hugo Gonzalez (SF) to the almost certain bets.
Also possible Michael Caicedo, Jordi Rodriguez, Mario Saint-Supery or Sergio de Larrea.

Longer shots but who knows... Lucas Langarita and Guillermo Diaz Graham.

[GSWFan1994]

Sad thread for Brazilians.

Exactly my thoughts!

[Mirotic12]

For Greece, to me, it's not about biggest talent or biggest upside or whatever, it's about the guy that is one of my all time favorite players that I've ever seen play at a youth tournament.

Vangelis Zougris: 18, 6-8 C

So refreshing to see a player like him today. Pure hustle and energy, an all-time great motor, and such a physical beast on offense, defense and the boards.

He probably never plays in the NBA or anything, but he's just such a likeable player.

Watch on YouTube

[AussieCeltic]

Giddey and Daniels are still 20 but the non NBA guys are.

Tyrese Proctor - projected to be in the lottery next draft. 6’4 guard who does a bit of everything. More of a scorer than Giddey/Daniels.

Rocco Zikarsky - 7’3 centre who is an elite rim running and fantastic defender. He has signed with my local team in the NBL and has not look out of place in our pre season. He’s just turned 17 and looks like he could be special.

Alex Toohey - 6’8 small forward who does a bit of everything. I think Franz Wagner is a decent comparison for him. Just signed with Sydney Kings for this NBL season and at this stage is expected to be a second round pick. I think that will rise as the season goes on.

Then there are the Furphy brothers. I don’t know much about them but Johnny is going to Kansas and is apparently the real deal.

These are exactly the type of guys Australia needs post Patty Mills/Joe Ingles era.

Any idea whether Zikarsky will declare for the NBA or when?

I believe 2025 is the year he can declare. I think a lot will depend on how he goes the next 2 years in the NBL. I’ll tell you this much though, he’s looked better than Baynes in pre season. Baynes is a bit over the hill so it might not be saying much but I’ve been really impressed by him so far.