Recap: ANGT Finals Kaunas 2023

Kaunas (Lithuania) – A host of young talents were part of last weekend’s EuroLeague final four, which also featured the Adidas Next Generation Tournament finals. The best under18 talents from all over Europe gathered to compete in the prestigious event. Real Madrid won the final game against the Next Generation Team and got the championship. Here are the eleven outstanding players born in 2005 and 2006 who made a splash at the event.

All-Tournament Team:

Jan Vide – Real Madrid (MVP)

Mouhamed Faye – Next Generation Select Team

Kasparas Jakucionis – FC Barcelona

Bogoljub Markovic – Mega MIS Belgrade

Nikola Topic – Crvena Zvezda Belgrade

Jan Vide, Real Madrid (05’ – 197cm / 6.46 ft – Slovenia): Point Guard / Shooting Guard

Statistics: 21.3 PTS, 5.8 REB, 4.8 ASS, 2.3 TO, 1 STL, 46.1 2FG (30/65), 36.4 3FG, 76.5 FT in 30:52 MIN

The new UCLA commit Vide has again shown his mature all-around playmaking skills at the ANGT finals, which made him the well-deserved MVP of the whole weekend. While being the main initiator of Madrid’s offense he showed his multitude of productivity, which is hard to stop for a point guard with the help of his size. When he did act off the ball, he immediately punished closeouts with high-percentage floaters or midrange shots. Let’s keep it short: He showed no serious and obvious weaknesses offensively and defensively.

Vide made the biggest leap in development since the ANGT in Munich in finishing with contact near the basket. Besides some and-ones, he also had less problems finishing against opposing bigs. Generally, his talent has been known for some time, as comparisons to compatriot Doncic are not infrequent. He’ll make a splash in the NCAA right away next season, as his controlled style of play suits the Bruins well.

Mohamed Diawara, Next generation Select team (05’ – 202cm / 6.63 ft – France): Small Forward

Statistics: 9.8 PTS, 3.5 REB, 2 ASS, 1.3 TO, 1 STL, 57.1% 2FG, 36.8% 3FG, 40% FT in 26:22 MIN

Looking at his stats, the 18-year-old doesn’t seem to have played an exciting final weekend at first glance. Nevertheless, Diawara’s name must be mentioned, because due to his physical assets, his uncompromising motor and high aggressiveness at both ends, he played a significant role in his team’s run. In transition actions, he was usually only stoppable with a foul and when that didn’t happen, he finished coast-to-coast run even single-handedly. In addition, he had good percentages from the distance, from which he hit 7 of 19 with partially deep shots.

In the past, there were hardly any approaches from the post, although he could be predestined there with his mass and long arms. Occasionally, he showed signs that he can be quite dangerous in this area. The next season is to be expected with suspense when he will possibly get more playing time in Paris at the highest European level.

Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (06’ – 199cm / 6.53 ft – Spain): Shooting Guard / Small Forward

Statistics: 16.5 PTS, 6.3 REB, 4.3 ASS, 3.5 TO, 1.6 BL, 58.5% 2FG, 19% 3FG, 87% FT, 2.8 STL in 32:19 MIN

The Spanish swingman was again one of the best athletes of the whole event. His defensive performance must be highlighted primarily, which was confirmed with 3.4 steals and rounded off with strong communication skills and help-side rotations, that alos lead to several highlight blocks. In addition, he had high participation in defensive rebounding.

Offensively, he was particularly conspicuous in the fastbreak. Here he used his assets skillfully and completed penetrations after close-outs with powerful finishes. Unfortunately, again no rapid increase in the three-point shot is to be recognized. Although he hit 4/10 against Belgrade, he only scored one in the following 4 games. It is important to mention that Gonzalez still belongs to the younger age group but was already one of the best players of the event. This promises a lot for the next season and upcoming ANGT events.

Dame Sarr, FC Barcelona (06’ – 198cm / 6.5 ft – Italy): Shooting Guard

Statistics: 17 PTS, 60% 2FG, 21.4% 3FG, 56.3% FT, 5.3 REB, 2.7 ASS, 1 ST, 3 TO in 35:42 MIN

After Sarr scored his first professional team points against Fuenlabrada in early May (8 points in 6 minutes), he took that confidence into the EuroLeague final tournament. They lost to rivals Real Madrid in the decisive third group game, but the Italian slasher was responsible for the previous wins against Athens and Belgrade in the first place. He initiated most of the Spanish offense and created many chances with his drives after the defense collapsed.

Compared to his performance in Zadar, on the one hand you can see similar difficulties in shooting from the 3-point line and also finishing with contact. On the other hand, he again used his quick first step coupled with above-average balance and light-footedness to finish variable. His shot selection was a bit better and not too many unnecessary shots were seen anymore. Progress could also be seen in playmaking. Although he made some unnecessary mistakes (6 TO against Belgrade), he was able to put his teammates in the spotlight more regularly (season high in assists against Belgrade).

Mouhamed Faye, Next Generation Select team (05’ – 209cm / 6.86 ft – Senegal): Center

Statistics: 19.8 PTS, 71.4% 2FG, 56.2% FT, 10.5 REB, 5 ORB, 1.2 BL in 28:12 MIN

The Reggio Emilia big was by far the most physical and dominant big, finishing putback dunks, dominating the boards and creating for himself from post-up situations or rolling actions. His development in face-up attacks was pleasing to observe, as he was able to overcome his opponents with good success on a few occasions with his improved ball handling even from the dribble.

His performance in the decisive last group stage game against Kaunas was outstanding, in which he put up 33 points (13/15 2FG) and 11 rebounds (7 offensive rebounds), as well as blocking 4 shots. In this game he also showed that he can hit good percentages from the free throw line (7/10 FT). He wasn’t as dominant in the final against Madrid as he struggled with foul trouble.

Bogoljub Markovic, Mega MIS Belgrade (05’ – 212cm / 6.96 ft – Serbia): Small Forward / Power Forward

Statistics: 16.3 PTS, 56% 2FG, 3/6 3FG, 11.3 REB, 2 ASS, 1.7 ST, 1.3 BL, 48% FT in 32:05 MIN

The Serbian forward, who brings an incredibly exciting length profile and solid athleticism, constantly looked for the way to the basket. Overall, he experienced a solid tournament. Although he performed at the highest level in the first game against Kaunas (22PTS, 11REB) and the last game against Badalona (24PTS, 16REB, 1.43 points per player possessions), he was also significantly involved in the loss in Game 2 against the Next Generation Team due to some poor shot selection, weak free throw percentage (1/9 FT) and high foul load after some clumsy fouls.

If you exclude his weak second game, Markovic was able to finish several drives with contact due to his enormously long strides paired with spin-moves and euro-step sequences. He set cuts skillfully and was also very active as a ball handler in the fastbreak. Often, he finished above ring level and took a few opponents to poster. Defensively, he could easily keep up with guards (good lightness of foot and lateral agility), but also stronger bigs. His shooting continues to be his biggest weakness, as evidenced by his only 48% from the free throw line.

All in all, he showed his high ceiling again in his 4th ANGT participation, which combines his always-in-attack-mode style of play with his physical assets.

Filip Jovic, Mega MIS Belgrade (05’ – 205cm / 6.73 ft – Serbia): Small Forward / Power Forward

Statistics: 23.3 PTS, 58.7% 2FG, 0/4 3FG, 57.1% FT, 7.7 REB, 2.3 ASS, 3.3 STL, 3.7 TO in 29:27 MIN

While Jovic still dominated the qualifying tournament in Belgrade at the beginning of April with his pure power, this time he had to compete with stronger teams and opponents. Nevertheless, he just missed the all-tournament team. His very well-developed feel for the game, his patient post-ups (many fakes and good footwork) and constant will to push the ball after a caught defensive rebound made him once again a dangerous weapon offensively. He also had no problems on finishes with contact, but on quickly forced decisions when the opposing help-side sank and doubled him. He often seemed too frantic in these situations.

He was the leader of his Mega team and is also one of the best competitors in the tournament. On the negative side, his distance shooting (0/4) and his free throw shooting (16/28) is still something to note. With his style of play, he will certainly be at the line often, but this also sometimes led to intentional fouls by opponents at the ANGT to take advantage of his weak percentages and not let him operate in the post. Therefore, it also remains to be seen how he will present himself on the pro-level soon. I am sure he will find his way to be efficient in the long run.

Ruben Prey, Joventut Badalona (05’ – 212cm / 6.96 ft – Portugal): Center

Statisitcs: 21 PTS, 54% 2FG, 3/6 3FG, 77.8% FT, 9.3 REB, 1.3 ASS, 3 STL, 2.3 TO, 2.7 BL in 35:21 MIN

Prey again showed what a great overall package he possesses as a variable big. He ran agile and explosive up and down, scored from distance, influenced the game defensively with his 7’2″ wingspan, was productive in the post and out of pick-and-roll situations, and was able to finish with highlight dunks as well. In closing, he was hard to beat on the defensive perimeter.

With this another strong performance and productivity in this year’s ANGT tournaments and the Spanish Junior League, he has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with and the NBA can be a logical option as well.

Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda Belgrade (05’ – 198cm / 6.5 ft – Serbia): Point Guard

Statistics: 30.7 PTS, 60.8% 2FG, 38.5% 3FG, 25/29 FT, 7 REB, 6.3 ASS, 2.3 STL, 5.7 TO, 9.7 fouls drawn in 38:17 MIN.

Although his team was unfortunately not particularly successful, Topic was once again convincing offensively, as his average statistics already show.

He showed his versatile skillset in the half court but especially in transition. He mostly knows how to most effectively lead the offensive and bring to points. Either by himself, but also by setting the scene for his teammates. When he finished by himself, it has been in a versatile way from the mid-range, the drive to the basket or the three-pointer. He handled contact very well and absorbs it. He shot lights out via threes (even from NBA distance) as well as from the free throw line.

His high turnover rate is due to the immense offensive load he must carry, but it is still one of his few weaknesses offensively. These are not the result of bad ballhandling, but mostly of inaccurate passing, which has already made progress during this season. Defensively, he rested a few times and did only the slightest. Although he showed good anticipation in intercepting passes but was beaten quite sometimes in 1v1 and generally unobservant.

Topic is the most promising point guard talent Serbia has to show right now from the 2005 age group. He simply has everything it takes to reach the European top level. Solid athleticism, game control, shot creation and ball distribution. If he can also provide motivation on the defensive end, nothing stands in the way of a great career.

Alexandros Samontourov, Panathinaikos Athens (05’ – 210cm / 6.89 ft – Greece): Power Forward

Statistics: 17 PTS, 14/23 2FG, 2/9 3FG, 70.8% FT, 6.7 REB, 3 ASS, 1.3 ST, 4 TO, 2.7 BL in 34:42 MIN

The well-sized forward with solid athleticism and good technical skills in ballhandling was able to make his mark on both ends of the court, but showed a rather inconsistent performance. His body continues to be underdeveloped and his three-point shot was still not even on a solid level.

His team lost every single game, which was partly due to him. He had a +/- of -11.3 through the tournament, although two of the three losses were by only 2 and 1 point differences. He also had negative +/- stats in the two games. Pleasing were his again strong drives from the wing, which he could finish successfully with the help of his long strides, also with and-ones. Speaking of fouls: Sometimes his head went down because he was not satisfied with referee’s decisions, or because he had problems with his teammates. The one or other time a consequence was to be recognized by it.

Samontourov has the most of what a flexible stretch big needs to have to compete at the highest European level. It remains to be seen how his shooting and also his physique in the form of musculature will develop.

Kasparas Jakucionis, FC Barcelona (06’ – 192cm / 6.3 ft – Lithuania): Point Guard

Statistics: 17.7 PTS, 10/14 2FG, 27.3% 3FG, 75% FT, 3.7 REB, 5 ASS, 1.3 STL, 3.7 TO in 32:36 MIN

The Lithuanian earned a spot on the Finals all-tournament team in his home country with a strong playmaking and transition high pace performance. Jakucionis is a big-bodied ballhandler whose best attribute to his game is his passing and game control. He was again a great processor of pick-and-roll situations. As a scorer, he has yet to develop a more consistent shooting form, but he knew how to get to his spots on pick-and-roll situations with drives but also constantly finding his open teammates. In addition, he has shown some good touches on one-on-one actions from the three-point line and catch and shoot.

In general, he is an enormously mature player for his age, who exploited weaknesses in the opposing team, made smart decisions and led his team confidently. In the decisive last game to reach the final, he showed this a little less, but it was mainly the defensive side in the second half that was the sticking point here, which is still also his biggest weakness. Due to the fact that he doesn’t have excellent lateral speed, he had problems defending fast guards or controlling close-outs. Nevertheless, another strong weekend at the ANGT for Jakucionis.

Honorable mentions:

Alexander Gavalyugov – Next Generation Team

Makar Voronin – FC Barcelona

Ismaila Diagne – Real Madrid

Makar Voronin – FC Barcelona

Karim Lopez – Joventut Badalona

Egor Demin – Real Madrid

Illan Pietrus – Next Generation Team

Jakub Szumert – Next Generation Team

Lucas Giovanetti – Next Generation Team

Neoklis Avdalas – Panathinaikos Athens

Asim Djulovic – Mega MIS Belgrade