MVP of the game, had a very good all-around performance for team Black. Constantly put pressure on defense, driving inside with ease using either hand, persistently waiting for the defence to react and countering with smart, well timed passes. Started slowly with missing couple of easy opportunities, but as the game progressed his hand got hotter and was very consistent with his shot from behind the arc throughout the rest of the game as well as active off the ball. Played well on defense as well, always close, tried to put pressure on the ball and was regularly getting in the way of driving opponents. Wasn’t careful with the ball in the end and got 3 to’s almost putting their lead at risk.

We said it here before: Mate Okros is a basketball Maverick, and as such very little can surprise us about his game. His natural evolution, topped with a more obvious leadership within the Myerscough program this season, has been noticeable especially when playing in the European Youth Basketball League, EYBL, and facing continental opposition. The Hungarian native already went places last year showing high IQ and improving with each minute on the court. From being Myerscough College’s best player for long stretches to becoming GB’s standout in the last FIBAU18.

Okros grew exponentially in Latvia last summer, coming from the bench in most occasions, and being able to read what his team needed most. He went from running the point and involving others in the play, to carrying the scoring load by driving the lane or opening defences with his long- range. His excellent awareness, wingspan and will made him important on the defensive end, while also helping on the glass. We are not talking about an elite athlete like other guys of his generation, but more of a cerebral player with a ton of fundamentals. He has shown a great understanding of the game the present season, and this alongside his versatility and ability to play different positions and meet the team demands, makes him the ideal piece around which to build a program.

Already committed to Drexel Dragons in the Colonial Athletic Association, Okros might of course need some time to adjust to the physicality and pace of the game in US, but with his tools and approach, he’s surely well prepared to carve out serious minutes under Head Coach Zach Spiker while he works on his strength and grows up his frame. We will follow his adventure in Philadelphia closely.

Hungarian born Mate Okros represents the future of British youth hoops almost better than anybody else. A go-to guy for the U16 GB team that was a bucket away from promotion to Division A, Okros has a high upside built on his notable ball handling skills, length and shooting ability. Playing at Myerscough against guys 2 or 3 years older, he has become a sort of a maverick that can fill up the 4 spot, bring up the ball against press, shoot 3s not just from the corners, or work his way back to the basket to create driving lines while bringing in other players with his passing. And he’s doing so helping out in D and in the boards, and showing his versatility playing across the backcourt line. Physical development is obviously needed yet, mainly strength, and decision-making will get better with time. But there is no hiding from the fact that he’s one of the top British prospects at the moment, who we expect will become a dominant figure next season in the EABL.