Who are your 5 favorite players from your country?

[Raze Lupin]

List you're most favorite "Current" players from you're country! Also Tell why they are your favorite players! If you have more than one country or more than 5 favorites list those too!! C'mon tell TalkBasket about your country! Don't be shy!

[Black Urum]

Greece:



Diamantidis

Papadopoulos

Fotsis

Big Sofo

Papaloukas

[Raze Lupin]

[quote name='Black Urum' timestamp='1298068085' post='28992']

Greece:



Diamantidis

Papadopoulos

Fotsis

Big Sofo

Papaloukas

[/quote]



Please tell why you like those players. Also if you could do me a favor give full names. Excuse my ignorance friend but I am not as familiar with foreign names but I am trying to learn. I do know Big Sofo I'm still feeling the beating the Greeks gave us! LOL

[straight forward]

Overall or currently active? I would name currently active. Used to love Macijauskas, Šaras and specially Šiška, but Macas already retired, Šaras is getting old and Šiška is injury prone lately. So lately I'm most interested in these players:



M. Gecevičius. One of the brightest young players in Europe and probably having the most effective club career from young Lithuanian talents. Deadly shooter, unselfish, great passer and hight BB IQ. Lacking athleticism though.



D. Motiejūnas. Can't follow him closely, but enjoyed him playing in LKL. Universal big man with many tools in offense. Can be unstoppable in the offensive end. Poor defender and rebounder.



J. Valančiūnas. 18 yo young talent. The kid possess some explosive talent, even though that talent is still very raw and hard to name. Great rebounder, aggressive under the boards, sweet touch and feeling for the tip ins. Lacking weight and skills, but highly expected to be dominant in the future.



M. Kuzminskas. Currently adjusting to Euroleague's level, not in the best place to say the least. Universal small forward, pretty good athlet. Could ne dominant in his day, but lacking consistency. Could be a role player at the highest level in the future.



Ž. Janavičius. One of Lithuanian PG prospects, having Eurocup experience with Šiauliai. Very athletic, quick and aggressive slasher. Good rebounder and sharp passer. Unfortunately seems to have mental issues, very inconsistent shooter and lacking IQ for a point guard. Seems like he might struggle with ability to play well for all seasons. Basically tends to go up and down. Still possess potential to become strong Euroleague's level player.

[Black Urum]

Dimitris Diamantidis... because he is the most complete European basketball since Bodiroga and Euroleague MVP. He makes things look so easy. Ask any Euroleague club coach to name their fantasy lineup and 90% will begin with DD. Loved by all European fans throughout Europe.



Lazaros Papadopoulos... because we share some similar culture background and because he is one of the ebst human beings out there. He fight for good and justice sacrificing career, image and money.



Antonis Fotsis... probably the most gifted Greek player since Galis when it comes to pure talent and sheer physical abilities. Had he had more brains or worked harder he could be the Greek version of Gasol. They were drafted the same year if I remember correctly, and in the years prior to that Fotsis was considered same talent.



Big Sofo... well cause he is Big Sofo. So many trivial facts all in one player.



Teo Papaloukas... cause he is a good example for everyone... late bloomer, a nobody in Greece. And then he went abroad and proved the saying of "no man a prophet in his own land". Had the best abroad career of all Greek athletes of all times... 9 Final Four in a row... going for his 10th... tops assists and steals categories of EL... this season playing like in his CSKA days... need to say more?

[stefans]

Serbia:

Teodosic - he is best playmaker in Europe.

Stojakovic - he is third three-pointer in NBA history.

Dusko Savanovic - player with hart and he will do everything to win the game.

Milan Macvan - young and very talented he could throw triples and he is universal center

Nenad Krstic - player with great experience and awesome center.

[MaccabiTA]

Omri Casspi-the first Israeli in the NBA, a hard worker with an unbelievable ambition

Lior Eliyahu-probably the most talented Israeli player in the last years but never was a hard worker, a 2.06 player that can lead a fast break, has these weird one handed shots that are so hard to anticipate and almost impossible to block and you never get used to them <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Guy Pnini-a great defensive player, built himself from the bottom and became one of the top Israeli players in the league with hard work even though he's no exactly a player with big talent. Developed deadly 3 point shot along the years.

Meir Tapiro-a true PG, always been a great player but never got to Maccabi and about to end his career without a championship.. He does it all, a good scorer although not very stable, has great court vision and a terrific passer and he has an unbelievable rebounding ability for a PG, recorded a few triple doubles in his career even this season when he's way after his prime, also had one triple double in the EuroCup.

Derrick Sharp-yea he's not exactly an Israeli born player and never was the best player or anywhere near that but he's a true legend in Maccabi, always been usefull and is always there for the team, giving the crucial threes or the stop on defense. Even in 2008 semi final when he was 37 he got in the court when Maccabi was in a crysis against Siena and took Maccabi back to the game almost by himself. He's more than a player, much more.

[skangles]

1) Kevin Love - Beast

2) Dwight Howard - See Kevin Love

3) Kevin Durant - 1 man show

4) Blake Griffin - I'm not sure I've ever seen a more explosive player

5) John Wall - He doesn't have the ego of other PGs with his skill and he is lightning quick

6) Russell Westbrook - He can play three positions better than most players can play one.

7) Kobe Bryant - I actually hate Kobe, but he's still the best player in the world (even if I try to convince myself that it's Durant) and all this crap about LeBron, Carmelo, Wade, blah, blah, blah makes me like Kobe even more. He's the real deal and those other guys don't even come close.

[straight forward]

[quote name='skangles' timestamp='1300578687' post='29772']

1) Kevin Love - Beast

2) Dwight Howard - See Kevin Love

3) Kevin Durant - 1 man show

4) Blake Griffin - I'm not sure I've ever seen a more explosive player

5) John Wall - He doesn't have the ego of other PGs with his skill and he is lightning quick

6) Russell Westbrook - He can play three positions better than most players can play one.

7) Kobe Bryant - I actually hate Kobe, but he's still the best player in the world (even if I try to convince myself that it's Durant) and all this crap about LeBron, Carmelo, Wade, blah, blah, blah makes me like Kobe even more. He's the real deal and those other guys don't even come close.

[/quote]



I agree that Bryant is the best player in the world currently. A close eyes would spot that he saved USA 2008 in the final against Spain. On other hand he's so much weaker player than M.J used to be, NBA is declining. Great list after all, you like athletic players a lot and I miss them in European BB a little bit.

[eidsonas]

Arvydas Eititavičius - PG with great court vision, like Jasikevicius. He needs more agressive in the offensive, but team control is OK.

Deividas Dulkys - one of the top Lithuania prospect. Athletic, very good shooter from 3p line. He will very good career in the future.

Linas Kleiza - what i can say - he is a best Lithuania basketball player in the world.

Deividas Bušma - other prospect from NCAA. He play not-TOP university, but he terrific in defense. Within one game he blocks 8 shots!! Impressive. I don't now, how it look like in Europoe, but i thinks, everything will by fine.

Jonas Valanciunas He is just 18 year old, but already now he plays fantastic. He needs improved his defense, but he's work this way

[straight forward]

[quote name='eidsonas' timestamp='1300719904' post='29793']

Arvydas Eititavičius - PG with great court vision, like Jasikevicius. He needs more agressive in the offensive, but team control is OK.

[/quote]



It's completely your choice who is your favourite player and I highly respect your options, but let's avoid such nonsense like Eitutavicius is "PG with great court vision, like Jasikevicius". Not in this world at least.

[eidsonas]

[quote name='straight forward' timestamp='1300720364' post='29795']

It's completely your choice who is your favourite player and I highly respect your options, but let's avoid such nonsense like Eitutavicius is "PG with great court vision, like Jasikevicius". Not in this world at least.

[/quote]



I have seen very much games with Eitutavičius, when he played in France - Cholet club, and he court vision is fantastic. He don't show this in Lithuania NT and i don't know why. Maybe nervous? But i say man, his court vision is very good

[straight forward]

[quote name='eidsonas' timestamp='1300720650' post='29797']

I have seen very much games with Eitutavičius, when he played in France - Cholet club, and he court vision is fantastic. He don't show this in Lithuania NT and i don't know why. Maybe nervous? But i say man, his court vision is very good

[/quote]



He might be better and he is than he showed in NT this summer (and I saw his good games in Neptunas), but the fact that he completely struggling in the highest level, and even in the lower level Eitutavicius can't show such things as Jasikevicius does, makes him not comparable with world class players. That's my point.

[eidsonas]

[quote name='straight forward' timestamp='1300721003' post='29798']

He might be better and he is than he showed in NT this summer (and I saw his good games in Neptunas), but the fact that he completely struggling in the highest level, and even in the lower level Eitutavicius can't show such things as Jasikevicius does, makes him not comparable with world class players. That's my point.

[/quote]Yea. i understand, but i just keep in my mind assist culture - not playing level <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[Black Urum]

If you're having a fight over the guy who plays for Iraklis (one of the worst teams of A1, probably THE worst) where he sucks... then you've got problems <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[Raze Lupin]

Skangles stole 6 of my players,. I can't blame him though there good! lol These are some of my favorite players others I may not like as well but their skill is undeniable. I choose to only use professional players. My list is too long as it is. So here is a list of my fav players that currently play. Most of these players are stars a few might be obscure to internationals.



Shaquille O'Neal: Yeah he's old (39). Still he's one of my favorite playes that currently play. His basketball skill is legendary so is his sense of humor and feel for comedy. The guy was a beast on the court but off the court he's like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyXCVJQiqCI



Jason Kidd Another old guy BUT also one of the greatest point guards that ever lived. He has a great mind. Everything he does on the court seems thoughtful.



chauncey billups Yet another old guy who still has some years left in him. He's a brilliant leader. Has the rare ability to hit clutch shots. I'm glad to have him on my Knicks. He was the brain behind the Pistons during their recent championship run.



Kevin Love Watching highlights of the 2010 WC I noticed how opposing centers and fowards would try to hold him but he could still elevate and score/rebound. Love is strong and has fast lateral movement. He Rebounds, scores in the paint, hits the three and broke Moses Malones record for consecutive double doubles. Love had 53 straight doubles this season. Love is son of former NBA player Stan Love. Growing up, Stan passed on his interest in basketball by showing Love tapes of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. In addition, Love studied tapes of all-time great passing centers in Wes Unseld and Bill Walton, along with instructional tapes from Hall of Famers such as Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Charles Barkley, and Michael Jordan. For hand and wrist strength, Stan would push Love to do fingertip push-ups as well as other upper body exercises. At 22 years of age he's a reason why the USA has a bright basketball future.



David Lee Although he doesn't have a gold medal(s) like most on my list, he is a part of the Team USA select squad. He would have been chosen for the 2010 WC roster BUT an injury prevented him from playing. He's the reason Kevin Love's streak eneded. David Lee plays tough defense rebounds, scores inside and has a nice midranged jumper. One of my favorite Knicks in recent history.



Nate Robinson He's such a fun loving player. You can tell by watching that he enjoys being in the NBA. Athletically he's a bit of a freak. To be so small yet have so much skill and ability is unreal. I can't wait untill he becomes more mature. He'll be dangerous. Also one of my favorite Knicks players.



Kevin Durant you all have seen what Kevin Durant can do. He can do almost anything. Play almost any position. He became the youngest in league history to win the scoring title at 21, averaging 30.1 points per game, beating out LeBron James. Durant also set the modern record for most games in a row with at least 25 points, breaking Allen Iverson's old record. he is only 22 and his game is so smooth. I've been to six Thunder games this season watching him play is a joy. Well with the excpetion of earlier this season he bombed a three pointer at the buzzer to beat my beloved New York Knicks. That bastard....:-(



Blake Griffin Was Born March 16, 1989 (1989-03-16) (age 22)in Oklahoma City Oklahoma. He curently holds the title of "The baddest dude on the planet". His father is a basketball coach and local business owner. I saw him play in high school, college and a couple weeks ago I watched him play the Thunder in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma crowd cheered for him even though he played for the visiting team. I get an extra since of pride when he plays well because he attended the same University I did. ;-) Once he starts reliying on his jumper he will be unstoppable. Hopefully he won't be hurt by the time 2012 Olympics rolls around. I'm going to London and I want to see him dunk all over the worlds best players!

Blake Griffin vs the Polish Hammer happened a couple days ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ34Xi75qmE



Blake vs Timofey Mozgov and Danilo Gallinari:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2VLEGtRuz4



Kobe Bryant I actually hate Kobe. yeah I know thats been said before but its true. Its not his fault I hate him. Its just that he keeps winning and he rarely stops. Unfortunately he beats my teams. He is one of the most skilled shooting guards since Michael Jordan. In truth the only way to explain his (Kobe) talent is to say well he's not quite as good as Jordan. Hate aside his basketball IQ is extremly high, his personal skill set is second to none and his will to win and work hard is among the greatest I've seen. he's a true student and lover of the game. I don't care if he misses 20 shots in a game, if the game is on the line in the final seconds I want him to shoot the ball. In 2008 Olympic game 2 USA players made shots in the final moments to save the game Kobe was one of them the other....



Dwayne Wade...was Dwayne Wade. He was the most consistent shooting guard for the USA in 2008 OLY. he also had some clutch plays in the gold medal game against Spain. He is my favorite shooting guard in the league right now. To me when he is playing at his best he is perfect. He can drive he can shoot he can pass and unlike other so called superstars he has an NBA championship and a finals MVP. Wade can also guard Kobe and other elite guards. His performance in the finals was insane! He led the Heat from a series deficit to beat tha Mavs! Also he is one of the most exciting players to watch in person. Seeing Wade and Russell Westbrook match up was spectactular. It was speed on speed. Wade is older but still has much of his speed. He lives up to his moniker the Flash.



Russel Westbrook I enjoy watching this kid grow into a star. I can't say too much about this guy that hasn't already been said. Here is something that is interesting. Russell Westbrook is former UCLA teamate and roomate of Kevin Love. The two are quoted as referring to each other as best friends. Both are constantly caught texting each other. Rumor is that Kevin Love will leave Minnosota at some point to go to the Thunder. Although I am an Orange and Blue stay TRUE Knicks fan, the thought of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Kevin Durant all on the same team makes me salivate.



Derrick Rose One word AMAZING. He has the highest skill level for a basketball player. His ball control, shooting, driving, court vision are all top notch. The best thing about Rose is he is young and improving. If he is like this at 22 i can't wait to see him at 25!



LeBron James Immature, arrogant, egotistical all this is true of LeBron James. What is equally true is that he is in the discussion for the greatest basketball player in the world right now. Unlike many people I don't hate the guy. I see his situation as possibly tragic. I'd like to see him live up to his potential. Being in Miami I've seen him grow to be more of a team player. It's been hard for him but good all the same. I hope this progress continues. Although james and the great Allen Iverson are very different people. I would hate to see James go the way of Iverson. Iverson to me embodied everything that was bad with USA basketball. Iverson had all the talent and skill that any one player could ever hope to achieve BUT could never truly fit into the TEAM concept. Great talent has its curse....or as Peter Parker's(Spider Man) Grandfather said "with great power comes great responsibility" <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Here is an intersting article about LeBron apparently he was not wanted on '08 redeem team. Coach K, Colangelo, NBA elders and players alike were fed up with his attitude.:

http://www.knicksonline.com/forums/showt...php?t=8565



Tyler Hansbrough6-9 /2.06m Also called "Psycho T"! North Carolina stand up! He is possibly the greatest North Carolina Tar heel player outside of Michael Jordan. He can score inside and out. His career in the NBA (Indiana Pacers) has been underwhelming (due to injuries) until this year where he has dominated the interior for the second half of the season.Since the All-Star break avg. 14.2 points and 6.3 rebounds. The last 10 days he's avg 20.3 points and 8.3 rebounds!! March 15th, 2011, Hansbrough scored a career high 30 points against the New York Knicks. This is his break out season I expect more great things from Psycho T!



Gordon Hayward(6-9/2.06m) March 23, 1990 (age 21) Hayward won a gold medal with team USA in 2009 U19 championships. He is also part of the USA select team. This kid is fast and can jump out of the gym. He is known to jump over and through players. Hayward probably left college too early BUT I hope he will develop well in Utah. Hayward is extremely athletic, fun to watch! His Veritility and skill added to a good B-ball IQ should take him far. This is to be expexted from a kid born and raised in the great basketball state of Indiana. If Happy Birthday Kid!

[skangles]

Good call with Jason Kidd. He's one of the best distributors of my lifetime at least, a true pass first point guard. You can't even get him to shoot these days except for the odd kick out for the open three.

[Sagenas]

[quote name='Black Urum' timestamp='1300744043' post='29806']

If you're having a fight over the guy who plays for Iraklis (one of the worst teams of A1, probably THE worst) where he sucks... then you've got problems <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[/quote]



But he didn't suck in Cholet last year and played really well.

[Raze Lupin]

[quote name='skangles' timestamp='1300839540' post='29838']

Good call with Jason Kidd. He's one of the best distributors of my lifetime at least, a true pass first point guard. You can't even get him to shoot these days except for the odd kick out for the open three.

[/quote]



Same here, Jason Kidd pass first mentality will be missed when he retires. I'm not done yet with my list i added a few more. i have some others I'd like to add as well. There are so many promising young players in the NBA. Not only the NBA but in America the College and highschool level is chalk full of gems. Fredette, Walker, McAdoo etc... Looking at current USA FIBA sucesses and the the current talent pool. I think this country is at a point of basketball renaissance. What do you think about that Skangles?

[skangles]

[quote name='Raze Lupin' timestamp='1300904376' post='29859']

Same here, Jason Kidd pass first mentality will be missed when he retires. I'm not done yet with my list i added a few more. i have some others I'd like to add as well. There are so many promising young players in the NBA. Not only the NBA but in America the College and highschool level is chalk full of gems. Fredette, Walker, McAdoo etc... Looking at current USA FIBA sucesses and the the current talent pool. I think this country is at a point of basketball renaissance. What do you think about that Skangles?

[/quote]



I think it's tough to make a call about the upcoming American youth. The U-19s and U-17s have done really well in the latest FIBA tournaments; however, if you look back at US youth rosters over time a lot of the players don't end up having successful careers.



NBA lockout aside, this year's NBA draft class is terrible. I mean the Clippers actually gave away their lottery pick to the Cavs just to save a few million dollars over the next few seasons because they think this draft is such garbage. That's unheard of, it'll happen with a late first round pick but I've never seen it with a lottery pick.



I'm not too familiar with the current High School crop of players but even if they don't amount to much there is still an insane amount of US talent under the age of 25.



In fact, we can build this team from U-25 American players:



C: Howard (25), B. Lopez (22), Aldridge (25)

PF: Love (22), Griffin (22)

SF: Durant (22), Gay (24)

SG: E. Gordon (22), Westbrook (22)

PG: Paul (25) Rose (22), Curry (23)



That's not even including guys like Wall (20), Rondo (25), or Mayo (23).



If we move the age to 26 we can include LeBron, Bosh, Carmelo, D. Williams, A. Jefferson, Iguodala and Perkins.



That is an unbelievable talent pool.