From a European perspective, the NCAA might not be the most interesting thing to watch, as there are currently only a few really intriguing Europeans playing in collegiate hoops today. Besides, the Euroleague-quarterfinals are starting next week. Still, let’s take a look on all possible March Madness-heroes from the old continent:
Deividas Dulkys – Florida State – Lithuania
The freshman is getting some playing-time (13 mpg) off the bench.
He played his high school-ball in Las Vegas (Findlay Prep) before transferring to the Seminoles, and could develop into a starter in a year as his numbers (3.7 ppg – 28,9 % 3p-FG) are not worthy to talk about yet.
Paul Guede – Portland State – England
Sits on the bench and waves towels.
Not expected to play unless it’s a rout, which could happen.
Nikola Dragovic – UCLA – Serbia
Now here we have a prospect for the European market. Should be getting looks already, although just being into his junior-year.
Stepped up a lot this year, after being only a reserve on the end of the bench in recent years.
Now averaging 9,3 ppg with a knack for threes as most of his points coming from the mid- and long-distance.
Needs to get tougher on the boards and work on his rebounding (4 rpg) but with another year, he could sneak into the second round of the NBA draft or get a well-paid contract in Europe.
Frane Markusovic – American – Croatia
His Gatorade-per-Game Stats are impressive. Is not in the rotation and might be getting a minute or two in a big loss.
Dogus Balbay – Texas – Turkey
Ultra-kick point guard who drives without a care but has a good eye for the open player.
Took over recently the starting PG-spot and is feeding his fellow players with assists (5,5 apg since being a starter) and scores at times (6 ppg in the last 11 games) on the break or in penetration. Does not shoot the three (tried it only three times this season!) and tends to finish plays way too early. But since it’s his first year (did not play in 07-08), he might be growing into a complete player over the next years.
Martynas Pocius – Duke – Lithuania
Coach K’s Polish background did not help Pocius getting some playing time (6,5 mpg). He should transfer to another school after this year to earn playing time elsewhere.
Moussa Camara – Binghamton – France
14 minutes off the bench which is solid for this former Stoneridge Prep-player (School is known of recruiting African and European players) who had his moments (scored 13 on Vermont, Boston Univ. and Rider) as a soph with the Bearcats. Might be a filler in the first round against Duke, but don’t expect big things from Camara, who has a long way to go as he is still pretty raw in most aspects of the game.
>Midwest Region:
Nikola Kecman – Ohio State – Serbia
Played only in one game (six points) this season, thanks to a NCAA-suspension. Then tore his ACL and is out for reminder of the season. Hopefully, such a thing won’t happen to him again…
Kim Tillie – Utah – France
Was supposed to see more action this year which did not happen (15,5 mpg).
Mainly there for the rebounds and put-backs to give the starting centers a rest.
Luka Drca – Utah – Serbia
Not what you consider a true sharp-shooter (38 % FG), but knows how to play team-ball (3,5 apg), which is really rare in Serbia…not.
His coach is full of praises for him, so he might have a stand-out senior-year in 2009-2010.
Right now, he is a tall point guard with some range (33% 3p-FG is solid – better than his shooting from mid-distance) who is doing good but not great in the NCAA.
Nikola Vucevic – USC – Montenegro
Fills in here and there when needed.
Is a freshman (Played at Stoneridge Prep as well) and has most of his college career ahead of him. 10 minutes playing time each game are not the world, but if he takes the shots, he makes them (57% FG).
Played 30 minutes in a win over Washington State, so he is capable of more and Tim Floyd may integrates him into his rotation in the next season. Dad Borislav played 24 years as a pro, so Nikola may end up playing in the pro ranks too once his college-career in California is over.
Daniel Hackett – USC – Italy
Gets plenty of time on the court (37 minutes a game) but is rumored to be on his way out and on his way to Italy next season. With another year, he could be looking into the NBA as well. He is your versatile combo-guard that can shoot, pass and dribble, but he is not going to appear in any Top Ten highlight video soon unless it’s a buzzer beater. Expect him to lead USC beyond the first round.
Francisco Bateko – Robert Morris – France
A former junior-college player, Bateko is now playing guard at Robert Morris who is facing Michigan State in the first round.
Francisco has some range (37 % 3p-FG) and although not scoring in double digits (7,4 ppg),he stepped up for the Colonials when needed the most ( 12 points in the NEC Tournament vs. Quinnipac).Is known for being a great defender, so may end up in France’s leagues soon…
That’s the end…of part one, so please check back and read the second part with Euros in the South and West Regions as well !
I’m out like Coach K’s haircut.
