With scouting U16 FIBA European Championship we finished long summer on the road. Russia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Macedonia were granted promotion to division A but let’s take a look at what is the most important for us. Below you can find my short analysis on best top 10 prospects (without specific order):

PAVEL SAVKOV (RUSSIA, 6’7, FORWARD, BASKONIA)

MVP of the tournament, Pavel Savkov provided his team with nice shooting touch both inside and outside of the arc. 6’7 forward has amazing wingspan, body is pretty much undeveloped now but promises huge upside. Had some off games shooting from range but he can shoot off the dribble in midrange with decent percentage. Has very good vertical but needs to improve overall quickness and burst. He impressed with his high basketball IQ in Sarajevo and deserved to be MVP of this tournament.

ALEKSANDER EVSEEV (RUSSIA,6’7, FORWARD)

In a tournament with lack of efficient finishers around the rim, Evseev was the one who found his way to the rim constantly. Not a very big guy has OK frame. Power forward of Russia has showed some potential as stretch guy. He averaged around 4 offensive rebounds per game which was important to Russia’s title run. Knows where to stand on both sides of the court, he flourished in well coached Russia team in Sarajevo.

ALEKSA GATARIC (BOSNIA, 6’4, GUARD)

Aleksa showed premises of crazy potential in him with flashy passes, good level of coordination and athleticism, which helps him to be efficient in high tempo transition plays. His on-ball skills were above the level of this tournament but he struggled to contribute his team on a regular basis. Looks very inconsistent now, especially with his shooting.  He misses shots usually through problems setting his feet differently every time even though his stroke looks promising. Blowed past a lot of opponents thanks to his first step. Protects the ball very well but had some bad decisions in the final game probably because of pressure.

ONDREJ HANZLIK (6’6, CZECH REPUBLIC, FORWARD, BASKONIA)

Hanzlik was the leader of his team in Sarajevo and he eventually ended up being in the all star five of the tournament.  Baskonia player can do a bit of everything on the court. Versatile and Possesses high basketball IQ, combined with nice feel and instincts of the game. His biggest deficiencies looked like his level of athleticism and outside shooting consistency as of now. Has tremendous size already for a small forward at 6’6, needs to play better perimeter defense outside but he was competitive inside enough to go after rebounds and defending penetrations.

KRISTIAN KOCAB (CZECH REPUBLIC, 6’11, CENTER)

Czech big man has freakish length and decent motor for a big. Looked very raw, as he has no skills thus polished but presents high potential with his quickness and overall athleticism. Can't cope with contact had foul troubles in some games. He has the potential to be a good two way center who can run the floor well, which will eventually help him find his spot in pro basketball. Has good finishing fundamentals under the rim but needs to improve his footwork to be more of a tool inside the painted area.

EMIL STOILOV (BULGARIA, 6’10, CENTER, ESTUDIANTES)

Bulgarian center has an already established body (6'10) with good frame and wingspan. Looks fluid and knows what to do on offense. Very comfortable finishing with small hooks around the basket. Level of aggressiveness and intensity is questionable, attempted few possessions for a guy with his capabilities. Another question is about his rim protection, he definitely needs to improve his awareness and knowledge of defensive end of the game.

FILIP SIEWRUK (POLAND, 6’8, FORWARD, BARCELONA)

Good size for forward. Average athleticism best case scenario. Seems like he is getting adjusted to his body – made many power drives here which is something I didn’t notice that before from him. It makes intriguing mix given his footwork and ability to hit shots from perimeter in various unconventional way. Has a rainbow shot but very repeatable and almost pro ready. Defensively I saw his better moments before – here didn’t show promise of guarding SF position.

KACPER KLACZEK (POLAND, 6’7, SWINGMAN, STELLAZZURRA)

Klaczek is a talented wing prospect. Displays great size and is very fluid athlete who can ocassionaly throw it down with authority. He can handle the ball and is an open court threat. Also drives to the rim in half court with long strides, body control and more patience than likewise athletes. Moreover helps a ton with securing rebounds and posses adequate court vision to kick it out to the well positioned teammate. Very active on the court seems to have quick adaptability thanks to natural flair and outgoing personality. Still gets streaky but it’s normal at this age and shouldn’t really be considered as red flag. There is some utilizable defensive potential in him and to sum up he possess all the ingredients to end up on really high European level. Will spend next 5 years in Rome suiting up for Stellazzurra.

WOJCIECH TOMASZEWSKI (POLAND, 6’6, SWINGMAN, BIOFARM BASKET POZNAN)

Spiderman body type – around 6’6 in shoes with +/- 6’11 wingspan. Well- proportioned – shouldn’t have any troubles bearing some additional bulk. Moves super fluid and has exceptionally light feet (huge bounce off two feet, can make poster dunks). Possess outstanding defensive potential. Deflects everything in his arena and gets each 50/50 ball. Solid court vision. Most likely SF in future but can play as secondary ball handler. Still has huge work to do with his shot (especially on the move it looks really bad) and offhand anyway great upside.

MATTHEW MARSH (ENGLAND, 6’11, CENTER, BARCELONA)

Strong bodied at 6’11. Runs the court hard and plays above the rim. Very nimble, definitely added value defensively. Simple offensively and lacks good touch for now. Not talented at all but stays in his role. Mostly screen & roll + trying to take advantage of the tools in whatever way. Throws body around, uses elbows. Great rebounder. Very good blue collar fit for strong teams. Similar profile to Sasha Kaun but may never have equal post production.

Honorable mentions: Konstantin Kostadinov (Bulgaria) & Kenny Pohto (Sweden)

PHOTO: FIBA