U19 Final Four

WIKTOR JAKUB COULIBALY (6’9, Poland, 2003, GBA)

Polish big man raised in Spain seems like perhaps one of the most improved prospect last season. Overshadowed in Unicaja system, used mainly as a roll guy, reveals his traits big time in a new environment. While his production still often comes from physical and size advantage, there is a strong foundation in his game when it comes to functional strength, touch and timing. Moreover he keeps making strides as a reliable pick and pop target. Defending in space on the perimeter can be a small question mark as despite ability to play above the rim he is not overly quick footed. Overall there is a lot to like in Wiktor’s physical profile and his inside-out game especially regarding recent progress. However he is not a polished player yet, needs maturity which can come with more of a killer mindset and battling against grown man on higher level day in, day out next season. Good project player for Spanish teams which can develop him in a satelite team but doesn’t really have to attach himself to that market specifically with his passports and profile. Another year in Jindrichov Hradec, but in a main team, could work well too for now.

MOBI IKEGWURUKA (6’5, Ireland, 2003, GBA)

It’s been three years since I last saw Irish high flying wing. He is bigger and less raw now but still keeps playing with that fantastic tenacity and grit. While tools are elite in terms of jumping ability and explosiveness, game awareness is a key to reach full potential. Mobi at times still don’t really know what and when to do on the court which shows in questionable decisions. I doubt he can ever become decision making type of wing with the ball but even embracing his never ending energy so he could play more within himself is a challenge for now. If besides progressing with his bball IQ moving forward, he is able to hit open shots, cut with good timing and attack off the catch up to his potential, he can become a great role player as defenders like him are unique. He slides as fast as it gets, disrupts passing lanes and takes pride in D. Doesn’t really seem ready for good pro level next year. If he gets a chance program like Overtime could work wonders for him given ability to compete with likewise athletes or fit style and personality wise for US ball.

JAKUB NECAS (6’8, Czech, 2004, Brno)

Brno is becoming really interesting place on a basketball scouting map and Jakub necas is definitely a highlighter of that spot. Versatile forward may lack magnificent skills as an individual but is a tremendous piece to the puzzle which already allows him to play a big role in Kooperativa NBL team. Lengthy, instinctive and able to check many positions defensively. On attacking end brings really a bit of everything – good spot up shot, prolific straight line drive, ability to bring the ball up, rebounding impact, playing within himself, consistent & high energy and many, many more valuable small things that help winning and make him flexxible lineup fit. Could make a great 4 year player in decent high major but by then may actually already be a rotation guy in a foreign good European team. 

Honorable mentions:

Ondrej Svec (6’5, Guard, 2003, USK)

Ian Granja (6’6, Wing, 2003, GBA)

Adam Hustak (6’11, Big, 2003, Brno)

Kooperativa NBL play out game

VINICIUS DA SILVA (7’1, Brazil, 2001, GBA)

Brazilian big man recently returned to Europe and is looking to rebuild his stock in Czech academy after somewhat unsuccesful and pre mature comeback to his motherland. Supersized big thrives as a rim protector which is understandable by simple eye test but he also surprisingly seems switchable enough for European standards thanks to tremendous mobility for that height. Anyways you could hope he is more ahead for someone who spent couple years in arguably the best development system especially regarding how extremely humble and determined he is. There is still a chance he eventually lands a spot as a defensive specialist on high European level but Vinicius unfortunately may also turn out to be too limited to achieve it. His touch was never really promising but what’s more concerning is a big problem with catching (even good) passes. Unskilled center with his profile simply must be reliable finisher to be playable. He needs to gain more strength too. Australian NBL opportunity would be fantastic booster if he can compete against such level of physicality.