Euroleague season 2021-2022 begins this Thursday, September 30 with many new, early talents as old NBA and European underdogs, among the 18 teams entered. Focus on our selection of the 10 most anticipated rookies of the exercise.
1 – Victor Wembanyama (ASVEL)
The one that all NBA scouts are snapping up on, announced as a potential future No. 1 draft in 2023. Featuring mobility, technical quality, speed and shooting mechanics far above average for a player of his size, Victor Wembanyama is capable of changing the course of a match. The young interior made a name for itself from its professional beginnings, at the age of 15 with Nanterre. Atypical profile with a unique physique, he discovered the Eurocup last season and finished… Jeep Elite’s best blocker – by far – in just 17 minutes on average (1.9 units). As well as best youngster, despite only playing 18 matches. He also came very close to the coronation and the MVP trophy at the U19 World Cup this summer… where he broke the record for the number of blocks (4.7 on average!). At only 17 years old, the Euroleague awaits him at least for two seasons with ASVEL, before the big leap to the NBA.
2 – Emmanuel Mudiay (Zalgiris Kaunas)
At only 25 years old and after five seasons in the NBA and one in China, Emmanuel Mudiay arrives in Europe for revenge, he who has not obtained a new opportunity in the United States. The fiery and talented playmaker will have the keys to attacking Zalgiris Kaunas. With an arsenal of offensive movements, but also a defensive palette, the former Denver Nuggets (300 NBA matches) can help the Lithuanians find the playoffs. His preseason debut is very promising. If the Kinshasa native successfully adapts to European basketball and types of defenses unlike anything he has experienced before, he could be the surprise of the season, or one of the favorites for the title of best scorer.
3 – Filip Petrusev (Anatolian Ephesus)
Trained at Gonzaga and MVP of the Adriatic League last season with the Mega Bemax (23.5 points to 61.2% on shots including 41.9% on 3-points) for his first professional season at barely 21, Filip Petrusev rises in standing on the side of the Anadolu Efes. Alongside his partner in the national team Vasilije Micic and the French Adrien Moerman and Rodrigue Beaubois, the Serbian replaces Sertac Sanli in the paint of the reigning European champions. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 50th pick this summer, he has a tremendous opportunity to shine on the European stage. Pick-and-roll, pick-and-pop, transition, play at the post, rebounds… His palette is wide, and fans could see him this summer during the TQO as in the preseason.
> Our portrait of Filip Petrusev
4-Shabazz Napier (Zenit Saint-Petersburg)
An NBA veteran who did not play last year but whose fiery legs and offensive abilities can allow him to explode in the Euroleague. At the age of 30, Shabazz Napier, 345 NBA matches on the clock, is a more than expected rookie in a team coming out of the most successful exercise in its European history, Zenit Saint-Petersburg, and which must fill the departure of his master to play Kevin Pangos (gone to the Cleveland Cavaliers). Author of 33 points in his first official game in the VTB League Supercopa, the leader will miss the start of the regular season due to an ankle injury qualified by his team as serious but not requiring surgery. There is no precise timetable for his return but it is already shaping up to be thunderous.
5 – Troy Daniels (Olimpia Milan)
Like Napier, Troy Daniels will make his Euroleague debut at the age of 30 and with 339 NBA appearances to his name. Also passed by many American franchises, the experienced back arrives in Milan with a label of shooter – but not only – and will have the opportunity to fully play his role in a team with leaders creators / passers (Rodriguez, Delaney ). He will not be the only Milan rookie to watch since the intense Jerian Grant (279 NBA games), author of an excellent season with Promitheas Patras, arrives to replace Kevin Punter who left for Partizan Belgrade. Injured in the hamstrings in preseason, he should quickly return to the courts.
6 – Jaleen Smith (ALBA Berlin)
Arrived in German D2 after a four-year course in a university not referenced in NCAA, Jaleen Smith has just spent two seasons in Ludwigsburg, the last crowned with a title of MVP of the German championship (15.7 points, 5.5 assists , 5.2 rebounds). An unfailing efficiency for the 26-year-old leader, who will make his Euroleague debut with ALBA Berlin. A complete player, the American scores, rebounds, excels in defense and, perhaps most importantly, knows how to make others play… the ultimate compliment of a basketball player in Europe.
7 – John Brown (UNICS Kazan)
Another intense player, revealed late after four seasons in NCAA and then European debut in Italian D2. For his first season with UNICS Kazan, John Brown had his best campaign last year, reaching the finals of the VTB League and the Eurocup (against Monaco). And he was chosen in the second All-Eurocup team and as the best defender in the VTB League. The interior uses their long arms, coordination and speed to switch between games in defense. A game changer that will debut in Euroleague.
8 – Costas Antetokounmpo (ASVEL)
With the arrival of one of the younger Antetokounmpo brothers, ASVEL President Tony Parker struck a big blow on the international scene. His brothers Giannis and Thanasis won the NBA title in 2021, a year after him, crowned champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Drafted in 60th position by Philadelphia in 2018, Kostas has only 22 matches on the clock in three seasons. NBA (87 cumulative minutes), and played more in the G-League (12.3 points and 7 rebounds) than in the Great League. By joining Villeurbanne, the 23-year-old athletic interior (2.18 m wingspan), capable of progressing to positions 5 and 4, offers himself a new start in Europe, where he will be able to show himself, he who has started in NCAA. An intriguing player with great potential, his debut will be scrutinized but he must prove his worth.
9 – OJ May (UNICS Kazan)
Fantastic scorer at every stage of his career and especially in the NBA (547 matches), OJ Mayo will make his Euroleague debut with UNICS Kazan after playing in China last season. The 33-year-old is a late addition to the Russian squad and is unlikely to be the major player of his squad, which notably signed Croatian Mario Hezonja. But his experience should help him integrate quickly. The 3rd pick in the 2008 draft is not just a scorer, but a good passer and defender. “The Next One” should energize the backcourt of the Eurocup finalist.
10 – Elie Okobo (ASVEL)
Third ASVEL player in this top 10. He signs his return to France. After three seasons spent in the United States between the NBA (Phoenix Suns) and the G-League (Northern Arizona Suns and Long Island Nets), Elie Okobo chose Villeurbanne to discover the Euroleague. A measured bet since the door of the NBA has closed and the former Elan Béarnais still has good odds in Europe despite a mixed season (only 14 appearances in G-League for discreet statistics and a low percentage on shots). The international tricolor (8 selections), member of Team France Basket, will bring a little madness to position 2 but may also be brought to lead the game in Villeurbanne.
Mentions : Jerian Grant (Olimpia Milan), Marial Shayok (Fenerbahçe), Daryl Macon (Panathinaïkos), Kendrick Perry (Panathinaïkos), Josh Nebo (Zalgiris Kaunas), Jerry Boutsiele (Monaco), Alpha Diallo (Monaco), Tamir Blatt (ALBA Berlin) ), Matt Costello (Baskonia), Andreas Obst (Bayern Munich), Dylan Osetkowski (ASVEL), Raymar Morgan (ASVEL).
Photo: Victor Wembanyama (Thomas Savoja)
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