After his performance in the 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship Division B, Nikos Rogkavopoulos was considered as one of the top 2001-born International draft prospects. His career in AEK didn’t help his NBA dreams much. He was still a legit NBA prospect and showed it frequently in 2021 for Promitheas as being one of the best young players in the EuroCup that season. Sometimes in order to reach the next level, you need to take a step back and Rogkavopoulos did that. He went to a team that was nowhere close to be participating in any European competition, a team that was trying to avoid relegation in Turkey. He got himself a solid role in Yukatel Merkezefendi and made good use of it. In 22 league games in 2022/23 in the Turkish Basketball Super League, Rogkavopoulos has averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.1 steals. It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that he is the best undrafted European player in his age group now.

STRENGTHS

  • Long arms and high shoulders. Decent size for his position.
  • Solid catch&shoot skills with a nice form and fast release that is hard to contest. One of the best, if not the best European 3-point threats of his generation and Turkish League. Hit 2.4 3-point shots a game this season. (39%)
  • Impressive footwork. Adjusting his steps well accordingly to the defenders and creates open looks for himself off-the ball.
  • Really good anticipation and timing both on defensive and offensive rebounds.
  • Ideal pace and style for transition basketball. Initiates fast break opportunities right after grabbing rebounds, runs the floor well.
  • Underrated passer. Finds the open man in transition, feeds the cutter in half court plays. Has good court vision and likes to play as a distributor when he gets the ball in the post, punishes the help defense and double teams.
  • A good competitor and team player. Gives his all whenever he is on the floor and makes the energy and hustle plays to help his team win.
  • Flashes of athleticism and slashing abilities, doesn’t always create the easiest layup chances but can finish around the rim, draw fouls or dish out assists.
  • Reliable behind the free throw line. Made 68 of his 78 free throw attempts (87.2%) in 2022/23 season so far in Turkey.
  • Still shows defensive upside as a weak side defender with deflections and anticipating passes.

WEAKNESSES

  • Can dribble the ball and has adequate fundamental skills as a forward, struggles with that against smaller matchups or good defenders and can lose control.
  • Not an efficient post scorer. When he gets the ball in the high or low post, he tends to try to create distance from his defender and shoot, often predictable even against mismatches such as small guards.
  • Lacks strength. One of the reasons why he has not been able to cause remarkable damage as a scorer in the post. On the defensive end, has a hard time standing in front of big men and powerful players.
  • Not showing considerable progress in terms of defending pick-and-rolls. Often can not get passed the screens and loses his matchup.
  • Even though his first step on offense is a plus, struggles to keep it up on the defensive end, especially against guards.
  • Shot selection and creation still needs progress. Might need to work on adding more finishing options in his bag to get better and open looks.

OUTLOOK

Nikos Rogkavopoulos showed that he is capable of getting big minutes for a EuroLeague team and contribute to winning, starting next season. His development on defense and self creation skills are still question marks that will determine his full potential which might lead to him having a solid EuroLeague career and even finding a good contract in the NBA later on his career.