European Prospects

In the second part of the review of the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, I will talk about the Forwards. The last part will then talk about the big guys.

Semen Shashkov (2m06 – Forward – 1989 – CSKA Trinta)

Every year, I am waiting for the summer in order to get a possibility to see Semen Shashkov playing. The Russian forward is one of the most hidden players as he is not playing somewhere easily to scout. So this camp was a good opportunity to see Shashkov. And it was worth it. Shashkov displays great size for a wing player and has also an impressive wingspan. So much about the physicals.

Shashkov has an amazing shooting touch and good handles for a player of his size. He can score three pointers in series and if he is not on, he has no problem to penetrate between the defenders and score also on difficult layups. His footwork is excellent and he can come up with difficult moves on the drives. He has an eye for the cutters and can go for nice passes additionally. But still remains the lack of aggressivity in his play, which means that Shashkov disappears over total quarters to erupt then with spectacular 5 minutes where he displays all his talent. He should be a member of the Russian U20 squad this summer and we will see how he is playing over a complete tournament in Riga.

Marko Keselj (2m09 – Small Forward – 1988 – Cologne 99ers)

Some considered his performance a surprise, but they may have ignored how well Marko Keselj played most of the season in Germany, his first real season where he saw playing for quite a while. With his great size and picture perfect shot, Keselj is the typical Serbian forward that can a bit of everything on the basketball court. His jump shoot looks perfect, with a high release and great accuracy.

Inside he has some nice fakes in order to score, but he is mainly an outside player. He is present in rebounding but his still very thin and long frame does not give him an advantage when it comes to physical play. It is not quite sure what will happen to Keselj next season but he should first of all play the U20 European Championship with Serbia this summer.

Jonas Jerebko (2m08 – Forward – 1987 – Angelico Biella)

The Swedish forward that joined the Italian team of Angelico Biella last season displayed a correct showing during the camp. With his attitude on the court, he had a very tough job to convince me as he played a lot on his own and taking nearly every shot he had. But all in all, he made those shots, even if he had sometimes a little bit of hesitation in them. For his shots, Jerebko does not really jump and risks to get blocked despite his great size.

Jerebko also showed nice athleticism as he went for some dunks against the defense. He also had one great play during the camp where he grabbed the offensive rebound, waited to see what’s happening which was the sign for a team mate to cut which he fed with a great pass. Defensively, Jerebko lacks a bit of passion and he sometimes looks a bit lazy on boxing out.

Nikita Kurbanov (2m01 – Small Forward – 1986 – Unics Kazan)

Nikita Kurbanov was one of the older players of the camp, and you could see that on the court with his experience and basketball knowledge. Always under control, the Russian forward was a fighter and hustler like nobody else in Treviso. Additionally, Kurbanov showed great basketball IQ and decision making on the court and always sees what the defense is doing in order to take advantage of any possibility.

Not much of a shooter, Kurbanov can hit jumpers however all-around the basketball court, also from behind the arc. But his game is more of an in-between game, going for drives, post-ups or sometimes also three-point shooting. His main asset is however his defensive presence where he uses his great defensive court-vision to go for a handful of steals or charges. Probably not a NBA prospect but don’t be surprised to see him as a serious Euroleague rotation in short time.

Vladimir Dasic (2m08 – Forward -1988 – Buducnost Podgorica)

Vladimir Dasic played probably the best camp among the forwards in relation to what has been expected from him. The forward from Podgorica showed great all-around skills and a nice physical build. Dasic has nice hands and a good touch and can hit the ball from behind the arc without any problem. Also more of an outside player, Dasic is always well placed when he goes inside to score on dishes by his team mates.

In defense, Dasic came up with some nice steals in the passing lanes and was also present in rebounding with where he could take advantage of his large shoulders. After having led Montenegro to the Division A in the U20 Championships last year, Dasic will again be the leader for the team in Riga this summer.