Eli Ndiaye (PF | 204 cm | ‘04) ~ Real Madrid

15.0 pts, FG2-55.6%, FG3-12.5%, FT-80.0%, 12.0 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.0 st, 4.7 to, 0.3 blck

Eli was dominant on both ends once again. He is one of the few players that scored in double digits in all matches played and at the final tournament he had a double double with points and rebounds in every match. Had a bad tournament from a shooting standpoint and made just one of his 8 three point attempts. Also lacked focus sometimes and recklessly lost the ball. Overall his game is above this age group and he is physically ready to make the jump into pros. The question is if that will be in Real Madrid or in some other team but similar as in Klavžar’s case, he needs to get the playing time to compete against stronger and more experienced players to maximize his potential.

(Written by Marko Turk)

14.3 pts, FG2-58.1%, FG3-41.7%, FT-50.0%, 7.8 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.8 st, 1.0 to, 0.8 blck

The most consistent and also the best player for Real at this tournament and he was awarded the MVP award. The difference between his game and the game from most players was huge and in some moments it looked like a man is playing with kids. Physically Eli is ready for pro level and to compete against grown guys. Real was feeding him the balls down low so he can go to work and out-power the defense to get a good look. Sometimes he went completely to the rim while also had some turnaround and fadeaway shots. He showed that he can be a force inside but also knocked down shots from distance so you need to defend him close everywhere on the court. His release is pretty slow and needs space but still can’t be underestimated. He was also running the floor well and managed to score a lot of his points in transition. There is room to improve on the defensive end because looking at his athletic tools he should make a bigger impact as a rim protector, especially at this level.

(Written by Marko Turk)

Eli played very consistently throughout the whole tournament, with the biggest performance in the Final for which he took MVP honours home. He is a fluid athlete, able to cover a lot of ground defensively and to switch ends very quickly. That, combined with so many capable passers on the team results in some easy points. Slithery finisher around the rim with very good balance. Managed to squeeze in some difficult shots around the rim, but still needs to further improve his non- dominant hand. Extended his game a little and started looking for shots from behind the arc. Mid- range game also looked a bit better and he even showed some well-coordinated one-legged fadeaways. Has pretty good, fluid handles and a fast first step thanks to which Eli can take on his man face up and challenge him 1 on 1. Aware defender with a very quick leap and nice reach. Number of blocks per game does not indicate how many shots he’s managed to alter around the rim. Not afraid to get himself in front of the opponent and the basket. Versatile defender effectively switching onto smaller guards.

One of the youngest players on the tournament but was great and consistent on all matches. Averaged 16.5 pgp and 7.8 rpg. Great athletic abilities. Strong body, long arms, explosive, very good leap and speed, runs the floor very good.. Efficient finisher around the rim, absorbs the contact well. In defense his legs are very good and he can switch into guard and cover them pretty good. Has great instincts for rebounds and protected the rim solidly. In offense his shots from distance is still in development, technique is not the best but I think he can become a legit mid range shooter over the years. Showed some good reads and court vision in offense too.   

John Eli Ndiaye (2004, Real Madrid)

Plays 4 and sometimes 5 position. Athletic body, good coordination but still not developed in 100 % as he is extremely young. Promising ball handler at this stage of career. He is thin and does not gain space in low post. During the tournament he stood out with his jumping ability, since almost all the baskets have been made after offensive rebounds. Member of all tournament team.