2021 international class

[mirmil]

Petrusev could be good back up for Jokic at Nuggets instead of Hartenstein,but I think they have bigger needs at perimeter defense and SF-PF position

[Mirotic12]

What made Domas great was his workethic, he is one of those guys who got more athletic after his teen years, he is in amazing shape, guy found perfect balanced between being strong and still light on his feet, if Petrusev can transform his body like that, he can be very good no doubt about it. I admit I wasnt high on Sabonis at a time, I saw him as low ceiling guy, Petrusev I have seen only highlights and I kinda share similar opinion, but I was wrong once already.

Sabonis didn't show anything as a young player in Europe. At the same age, he was much worse than Antonis Fotsis was, just as a comparison. But Sabonis just kept getting better and better as he got older. Very few players constantly get better every single year, for years on end, like Sabonis has done.

You can't really compare other young players to Sabonis, because his career trajectory is very unusual.

[UcanUwill]

What made Domas great was his workethic, he is one of those guys who got more athletic after his teen years, he is in amazing shape, guy found perfect balanced between being strong and still light on his feet, if Petrusev can transform his body like that, he can be very good no doubt about it. I admit I wasnt high on Sabonis at a time, I saw him as low ceiling guy, Petrusev I have seen only highlights and I kinda share similar opinion, but I was wrong once already.

Sabonis didn't show anything as a young player in Europe. At the same age, he was much worse than Antonis Fotsis was, just as a comparison. But Sabonis just kept getting better and better as he got older. Very few players constantly get better every single year, for years on end, like Sabonis has done.

You can't really compare other young players to Sabonis, because his career trajectory is very unusual.

I disagree with that. He debuted in Euroleague at age 17 or16, not everyone can do that, he wasn't biggest superstar in youth competitions, but he was dominant rebounder, I believe till this day he owns rebounding record there, and you could tell that even when he was not dominating players his age like some others do, you could tell his game would translate to higher level right away. Thats why he was called to join national mens team when he was very young, straight out of FIBA u19. He was like Leo Westermann, Leo Westerman wasn't super dominant PG in FIBA juniors, but you could just tell his game could translate to much higher level right away, and it was the case with Leo and it was the case with Sabonis. He was high floor, low ceiling type of guy, or at least it looked that way, but he raised his ceiling to very unexpected levels with his hard work.

[Mirotic12]

I disagree with that. He debuted in Euroleague at age 17 or16, not everyone can do that, he wasn't biggest superstar in youth competitions, but he was dominant rebounder, I believe till this day he owns rebounding record there, and you could tell that even when he was not dominating players his age like some others do, you could tell his game would translate to higher level right away. Thats why he was called to join national mens team when he was very young, straight out of FIBA u19. He was like Leo Westermann, Leo Westerman wasn't super dominant PG in FIBA juniors, but you could just tell his game could translate to much higher level right away, and it was the case with Leo and it was the case with Sabonis. He was high floor, low ceiling type of guy, or at least it looked that way, but he raised his ceiling to very unexpected levels with his hard work.

2.7 points and 2.0 rebounds, on a very mediocre team (Malaga), at age 17 in EuroLeague, is only impressive in terms of just being able to play at that age. But it's definitely bad in terms of performance and production. His trajectory is way higher than what it should be, based on how he was performing during that age.

[UcanUwill]

I disagree with that. He debuted in Euroleague at age 17 or16, not everyone can do that, he wasn't biggest superstar in youth competitions, but he was dominant rebounder, I believe till this day he owns rebounding record there, and you could tell that even when he was not dominating players his age like some others do, you could tell his game would translate to higher level right away. Thats why he was called to join national mens team when he was very young, straight out of FIBA u19. He was like Leo Westermann, Leo Westerman wasn't super dominant PG in FIBA juniors, but you could just tell his game could translate to much higher level right away, and it was the case with Leo and it was the case with Sabonis. He was high floor, low ceiling type of guy, or at least it looked that way, but he raised his ceiling to very unexpected levels with his hard work.

2.7 points and 2.0 rebounds, on a very mediocre team (Malaga), at age 17 in EuroLeague, is only impressive in terms of just being able to play at that age. But it's definitely bad in terms of performance and production. His trajectory is way higher than what it should be, based on how he was performing during that age.

Well, most players, even good ones, were still on B teams ate age 17, thats what I mean. Yeah, he sucked as Euroleague player at age 17, but he was there and it was already an achievement and recognition that he is better than most 17 year olds.

[jman3134]

Largely unknown Malagasy prospect Sitraka Raharimanantoanina (who plays for Elan Chalon's U21):

In my fourth edition of 'Circling the Globe', I profile Elan Chalon U21's own Sitraka Raharimanantoanina, a positionless Malagasy player with a versatile enough skillset to take his game to another level in the coming years. While he still is very much a developmental prospect for the next level, Sitraka's 6'9 (or 6'10) size, length, long speed, athleticism, and fluidity suggest that the future is very bright. Though I have no indication that he will opt to apply for the NBA draft this year, his physical profile is certainly that of a top level pro in the making.

In terms of his offensive tendencies, Sitraka is a player that thrives in transition. On tape, he is almost always the first player down the floor, which bodes well for his ability to adjust to the heightened pace of play at the NBA/G League level. At 6'9, he possesses great long speed, solid strides, and has a serviceable enough handle to blow by his man on the break.

https://bit.ly/2OsZ9us

[bwgood77]

Josh Giddey went off today - he was flat out exceptional.

His team went to double OT... first half wasn't getting played in good lineups and wasn't being given the ball enough. 2nd half, particularly 4th and both OT's, they put him alongside Donald Sloan (who mostly stunk it up, only 7 points) and it helped both of them.

Giddey ran the offense extremely well, was impacting the game all over the court from defensive plays to contested rebounds, his fingerprints were all over it and he started either scoring or assisting on the majority of buckets down the stretch. He really out-did my expectations in this one.

Finished with 16/11/7, with a steal and a block. Looked like a 1st round lock in this one. Quite honestly won his team the game, he put them on his back.

He was x10 more impactful today than RJ Hampton was in any of his games here (slightly different team circumstances worth considering, but still pertinent).

His limitations are still there - jump-shot is more or less not a factor at all right now and is struggling a little bit laterally on D, but his strength's translated completely today.

He's certainly in a very rare crop of players that can read the game and make plays on the ball at an elite level for his size.

King had a quiet opening game, finished with 7, but showed some flashes. Hope he has a similar breakout soon.

Hope I don't come across as a homer here due to being an Aussie, I always try to be a realist, but having watched his junior games over the last couple of years as well as these NBL games now, I'm tooting his horn because I've watched a lot and am really impressed.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

(Vid doesn't do it justice, can find the full game on twitch/yt etc.)

I just noticed Giddey is mocked to Phx. Phx could use a great PG for the future. Though I don't know if you can expect to get a great one in the 20s (if they hold on to a playoff spot).

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[GimmeDat]

Josh Giddey went off today - he was flat out exceptional.

His team went to double OT... first half wasn't getting played in good lineups and wasn't being given the ball enough. 2nd half, particularly 4th and both OT's, they put him alongside Donald Sloan (who mostly stunk it up, only 7 points) and it helped both of them.

Giddey ran the offense extremely well, was impacting the game all over the court from defensive plays to contested rebounds, his fingerprints were all over it and he started either scoring or assisting on the majority of buckets down the stretch. He really out-did my expectations in this one.

Finished with 16/11/7, with a steal and a block. Looked like a 1st round lock in this one. Quite honestly won his team the game, he put them on his back.

He was x10 more impactful today than RJ Hampton was in any of his games here (slightly different team circumstances worth considering, but still pertinent).

His limitations are still there - jump-shot is more or less not a factor at all right now and is struggling a little bit laterally on D, but his strength's translated completely today.

He's certainly in a very rare crop of players that can read the game and make plays on the ball at an elite level for his size.

King had a quiet opening game, finished with 7, but showed some flashes. Hope he has a similar breakout soon.

Hope I don't come across as a homer here due to being an Aussie, I always try to be a realist, but having watched his junior games over the last couple of years as well as these NBL games now, I'm tooting his horn because I've watched a lot and am really impressed.

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

(Vid doesn't do it justice, can find the full game on twitch/yt etc.)

I just noticed Giddey is mocked to Phx. Phx could use a great PG for the future. Though I don't know if you can expect to get a great one in the 20s (if they hold on to a playoff spot).

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

I've been in media watching him the last few games in person including last night, and he's just so good. The national team's head coach will seriously consider him for the Olympic squad, he thinks he's the best prospect to come out of Australia since Simmons.

He also measured in at 6'7.5 barefoot at the latest NBA event he was at - he's essentially an 'NBA' 6'9, legit PG. Doesn't have a plus wingspan but he plays long and has excellent defensive instincts, been racking up stocks at a high rate.

There's two question marks basically - the jump-shot and what position he defends. I feel pretty optimistic that the 3 will develop enough to the point that he will make defenders pay for going under (was 10/26 over his most recent stretch from 3), and once he gets stronger it'll help him on both ends.

The thing about the NBL is the court is tighter, it's a lot easier to help. He's going to thrive with NBA spacing. It's the same reason LaMelo wasn't about to do as much here as he's doing now.

If I was you I'd be pretty stoked with him in the 20's.

[GimmeDat]

Mojave King finally made the most of his woefully low minutes last night as well. 11 points in 12 minutes.

Come out and went 3/3 from three, then also beat one of the NBL's best perimeter defenders off the dribble for a dunk.

Dude's had a really slow start to the season because he's barely playing and the coach has killed his confidence, but he's still a great prospect imo. Hopefully this opens the door for more opportunity.

[Curtis Lemansky]

Largely unknown Malagasy prospect Sitraka Raharimanantoanina (who plays for Elan Chalon's U21):

In my fourth edition of 'Circling the Globe', I profile Elan Chalon U21's own Sitraka Raharimanantoanina, a positionless Malagasy player with a versatile enough skillset to take his game to another level in the coming years. While he still is very much a developmental prospect for the next level, Sitraka's 6'9 (or 6'10) size, length, long speed, athleticism, and fluidity suggest that the future is very bright. Though I have no indication that he will opt to apply for the NBA draft this year, his physical profile is certainly that of a top level pro in the making.

In terms of his offensive tendencies, Sitraka is a player that thrives in transition. On tape, he is almost always the first player down the floor, which bodes well for his ability to adjust to the heightened pace of play at the NBA/G League level. At 6'9, he possesses great long speed, solid strides, and has a serviceable enough handle to blow by his man on the break.

https://bit.ly/2OsZ9us

If there was ever a player that deserves the "CTRL C" nickname, it is this guy.

[jman3134]

Largely unknown Malagasy prospect Sitraka Raharimanantoanina (who plays for Elan Chalon's U21):

In my fourth edition of 'Circling the Globe', I profile Elan Chalon U21's own Sitraka Raharimanantoanina, a positionless Malagasy player with a versatile enough skillset to take his game to another level in the coming years. While he still is very much a developmental prospect for the next level, Sitraka's 6'9 (or 6'10) size, length, long speed, athleticism, and fluidity suggest that the future is very bright. Though I have no indication that he will opt to apply for the NBA draft this year, his physical profile is certainly that of a top level pro in the making.

In terms of his offensive tendencies, Sitraka is a player that thrives in transition. On tape, he is almost always the first player down the floor, which bodes well for his ability to adjust to the heightened pace of play at the NBA/G League level. At 6'9, he possesses great long speed, solid strides, and has a serviceable enough handle to blow by his man on the break.

https://bit.ly/2OsZ9us

If there was ever a player that deserves the "CTRL C" nickname, it is this guy.

Absolutely

I struggled even trying to get started. I think the first name is unique enough (not where he is from but for pro basketball).

[Mickey8]

Read on Twitter

[DaBolden76]

Josh Giddey was good again. Close to hitting a triple double. His 3pt shot is improving and expect to be averaging 30-35% by end of the season.

Watch on YouTube

[clyde21]

if Giddey shooting is close to being semi functional he might mess around and end up being a top20 pick

[DCasey91]

I see Giddey as a lesser version of Lamelo warts and all. Lamelo is obv the more athletic, wirey, taller, bouncier and more instinctual player whereas Giddey has more composure age for age.

Giddey’s defense is very suss, Lamelo on the other hand has his brothers natural instincts that coupled with a better athletic profile he’ll be fine on that end (in fact he’s doing very very well for a rookie guard). Big time motor too

If you buy Giddey’s shot he might just be the value pick in the draft. Plenty to work with. Oversized ballhandling guards seems to be the norm now. Can handle the rock very very well and is savvy.


I’m from the Aus and we do have a knack/good strike rate in the NBA for producing players considering our talent pool. (Always like players more that have legitimate transferable skills, Giddey has that Ballhandling/Passing).

Wasn’t that high on exum, & certainly didn’t think anything of Maker. Giddey certainly looks the part.
Both were more athletes than high level bball players Giddey is kind of the opposite to that.

Filip will go 1st round I reckon he’s very sound fundamentally in his touch/footwork/playstyle. Very easy to see him have a role in the NBA.

Pre all star Vucevic ceiling?

[MemphisX]

Giddey is picking it up just like LaMelo. Just want to see that volume pick up on his 3 point shooting more than even the accuracy.

[DCasey91]

Giddey is picking it up just like LaMelo. Just want to see that volume pick up on his 3 point shooting more than even the accuracy.

Lamelo though is the better innate talent/athlete.
Hence the lesser version comp. But they do share similar characteristics good and the bad. I just think Giddey is way more suspect on the defensive end and the the 3 ball. But playmaking/passing/ballhandling for an oversized guard can be translatable.


Don’t see star level prospect just yet (don’t think he’ll get the keys so to speak in the NBA fwiw Ball didn’t either but now he’s flourishing big time). Both Ball brothers have super quick adjustment skill advancements namely the shot took them both about half a season and a season a piece and everything is okay to very good. That’s absurd natural gifts that they both share in spades.

Trying to find a role for Giddey might be the problem in a starting lineup. I see more of a fine role player. If he had a wetter like Ingles then I could see star written all over him despite some shortcomings. There’s a pattern with us Aussies either you have a wetter (Ingles, Mills, Broekhoff) or you can’t shoot/bad shooter. For Giddey it’s probably the second one.

(I don’t want to see an Adjva situation currently it kind of minimizes their skill advancement potential).

Bouknight might be the steal come draft night.

[GimmeDat]

Continued to be at Giddey's games at he's just going from strength to strength. The near triple double game the other night, he had multiple mid-range J's, as well as the 2 triples.

I see people knocking the defense, and it certainly isn't a strength at this stage, but people were absolutely ripping into LaMelo's defense while he was in the NBL too. I do question what his best position is defensively going forward, but like Ball, he has pretty strong instincts on that end, which is reflected by his strong stock numbers. A lot of blocks on bigs, great timing on strips, etc.

Mojave King is continuing to get run as well, 3 good games in a row now that he's been given some freedom. A lot more confidence offensively and the defense has picked up too. Covers a lot of group with his dimensions, has been rotating well, and he also threw this down last night -

Read on Twitter

[coutournant]

Watch on YouTube

[Hal14]

Giving this thread a bump.

Curious at this point how people would rank the international guys as NBA prospects? Specifically Giddey, Sengun, Petrusev, Garuba, Roko Prkačin and Vrenz Bleijenbergh and how high you see each player going in the draft?

Really intrigured by these guys.

I'm thinking at this point:

1. Sengun (projected in the 6-11 range)
2. Giddey (projected in the 8-13 range)
3. Garuba (projected in the 15-20 range)

4. Petrusev (projected early 2nd round, possibly late 1st round)

Prkačin/Bleijenbergh (seems like they're projected mid 2nd round, maybe earlier?)