European Prospects

News about Young European Basketball Prospects

Dobro jutro Mirza Sarajlija

November 30th, 2008 · 2 Comments

This week, Mirza Sarajlija used his first minutes in the Euroleague to put his name in very big letters on the boards of many observers. The 1991 born PG from Slovenian came up with 13 points and 3 rebounds in his debut against ALBA Berlin.

After having seen him already in the Victor Rho Tournament last spring, Sarajlija has made his first steps with Union Olimpija this season in the Adriatic League. What I saw from him now was not quite different from what he did in Rho a few months ago, the big difference though was that he scored some of his attempts.

His first appearance in half 1 was marked by two big three pointers of which the first one was fired right in the defenders face and he could have missed it badly as well as getting the additional foul call and go to the line. This first shot came after a nice right handed drive which he missed of the glass but could be converted on the offensive rebound by one of his team mates. These first plays gave him the necessary confidence to not ask himself questions and take the open shots afterwards, which he made.

In the second half, Sarajlija showed some suprising athleticism as he came up with a nice offensive tip-in and yet another three ball. The problem with Sarajlija is however his some times forced plays. His young age explains also the turnover prone play he is going for. But the release of US born point guard Jonathan Wallace shows how big is the confidence of Union Olimpija in their young gem. And this weekend, with Vlado Ilievski being injured, Sarajlija had again a good performance in the Adriatic League against Helios Domzale with 13pts.

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