Vrenz Beleijenbergh

Probably the prospect on this list with the most clear role and the player who should log the most minutes. He was an important piece of Antwerp rotation in last season already and his role should be a little bigger this year. I already wrote a few words about him in the Belgium league preview and not much to be added to that so I’ll just copy & paste the text here. Vrenz was working a lot on his body during the offseason, bulked up and his body looks better. The versatile wing can play and cover many positions but is the most efficient as a ball handler and pick & roll operator. His handles, court vision and decision making are very good for a player his size but his defense and shooting consistency can raise some question marks in the heads of NBA scouts and executives. 

Another top level prospect to watch is Vrenz Bleijenbergh from Antwerp Giants. He was working a lot on his body during the offseason, bulked up and his body looks better. The versatile wing can play and cover many positions but is the most efficient as a ball handler and pick & roll operator. His handles, court vision and decision making are very good for a player his size but his defense and shooting consistency can raise some question marks in the heads of NBA scouts and executives. 

VRENZ BLEIJENBERGH – While Belgium league is proven destination for mid to high level NCAA rookies, paradoxically domestic prospects are not eagerly given minutes quickly in their careers. At the age of Vrenz, Hans Vanwijn or Ismael Bako were just a walk ons. He may be even more exciting project but still has ways to go physically and can struggle to get consistent playing time in close games despite being part of generally very young roster, especially on the beginning of the season. Last year he played as almost non dribble stretch four in B team. Hopefully at least that role is changed as we all witnessed how good of an offensive facilitator he can be while given more possessions with the ball in his hands.

VRENZ BLEIJENBERGH, 2000, Belgium, 6’9, Forward TEAM: Antwerp Giants

STATS: http://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u18b/2018/player/Vrenz-Paul-
M-Bleijenbergh

Vrenz showed in that tournament that he is more than just potential. Lengthy forward did in all in every single game, with 4 double-double and a triple double. Handles the ball very well for his size. More like a rhythm shooter than a consistent one at this stage from three point line, however his quick trigger gives him an edge. Plays with high motor and his integrity to the team was terrific. Waits fort he ball to come to him rather than forcing unnecessary shots. Blows pasts opponents with impressive quickness and athleticism. Moves around the court very nicely, always in the right place. Great rebounder from the weakside, was clicking with Bratanovic. Very competitive, gets into zone when he is feeling it. Has great length but needs to put up a lot of muscles to be that competitive in the pro level as well. Didn’t get to the free throw line much because he keeps away from contact. He also excels at sharing the ball, feels comfortable at point forward, as the secondary ball handler. Makes the right decisions in the high tempo game. Needs strength defensively but was amazing at blocking shots thanks to his length athleticism, averaged 2 blocks per game. Already got an offer from Arizona. Still plays with Antwerp Giants B team.