JEAN MONTERO (2003, 6’2, GUARD, GRAN CANARIA, DOMINICANA)
Jean Montero took a major drop comparing to his last year astonishing performance in Valencia. Dominican guard had a really tough month (couldn’t practise because of covid cases in ACB, had just single training session with his u18 teammates this season plus extensive travel to be with senior NT). He looked exhausted but at times also disinterested. He didn’t have that much support and dealt with double teams the whole time but it’s not like he played with talentless players and scouts pay big attention also to how much you can help even if you simply don’t have the best day at the moment or cannot play up to full potential from whatever reason. His attitude is not perfect either. While he is kinda tough, puts in work defensively (very quick lateral movement) his cockiness may not help at all once he is not the main guy in future. Besides in my scouting career every soon to be NBA player simply dominated ANGT big time. Despite all the mitigating circumstances questions will araise and I don’t really see surefire lottery pick perspective for a guard who is just 6’2, good not great playmaker, just solid pull up shooter, explosive but not particularly bouncy prospect. Yes he can create a shot, has a great wiggle with the ball, thrives in open space but also finishes difficult layups, was the most polished player but how much better he is in fact than someone like Nico Mannion who dropped to 48th pick after previously being considered Top 10?
JEREMY SOCHAN (2003, 6’8, FORWARD, RATIOPHARM ULM, POLAND)
Despite good team effort it’s quite obvious that Polish forward was the most impactful individual performer last days in Valencia. Sochan was defending everyone and his top notch court awareness was at full display as he was moving excellent within defensive rotations and presented elite rebounding instincts and ability by snatching the ball at the highest point. One of the best athletes as well given huge bounce and strong built. Another asset that Jeremy possess is being team oriented. While his takeover ability doesn’t standout he simply cares about winning, plays very hard and is extremely unselfish.
Jeremy’s shooting motion is still too slow at times and not in a perfect rhythm but he was forced to take a few difficult attempts here while he is more of time & space option from behind the arc. Also executing mismatches a little bit better vs both forward positions can help him down the road but he is super solid comboforward skills and tools wise which simply fits what NBA is looking for nowadays. Moreover team defense may be considered being on elite level. Gives hope to become second Polish player who ever sticked around in the NBA after Marcin Gortat. Probably will do fine anywhere but in Europe his status would be more special which is important factor thinking about draft moving forward given how underestimated he is by American rankings and lack of chances there on small forward position.
KILLIAN MALWAYA (2005, 6’5?, WING, ASVEL, FRANCE)
Despite underwhelming team result if we took under consideration individual potential only, ASVEL could very well lead the tournament. If i had to pick one the most intriguing prospect on that team I would go with Killian Malwaya. Despite being two years younger than competition embraced his role nicely and played with surprising composure. French wingy talent really has a great feeling for moving without the ball and is not only very bouncy but also crafty around the hoop. He spreads his noteworthy wingspan, gets into passing lanes and has the makings of high level defender. May still have some growing left and end up fully equipped to play 3 position but being on and off the ball swingman option would certainly add some value. Secondary playmaking was not not easy to evaluate as he wasn’t getting many touches here playing alongside dominant physical force like Kymany Houinsou. Took only 2 three pointers in more than 75 minutes of the floor but hard to find someone who is still such a big threat in the corner before he even develops the shot after catch. Foundation of desirable glue guy based on defensive potential, finishing, high impact – low usage, room for improvement and physical tools make him prospect with as much upside as anyone here especially if he continues to broaden his offensive game.
MIGUEL MALIK ALLEN (2003, 6’8, FORWARD, JOVENTUT BADALONA, SPAIN)
Miguel Malik Allen’s talent was never a question just loaded 2002 group of Joventut wings/forwards (Zsombor Maronka, Yannick Kraag, Adria Domenech) overshadowed him a little bit. Fluid athlete, smooth, shifty with light feet and high level feel for the game possess above average ball handling ability for a player his size which allows him to start offense after rebound and attack closeouts with long strides. Moreover he makes equally good impact off the ball by cutting with good timing or getting put backs. What’s more important – length and agility make him potentially multipositional defender who can also challenge attempts vertically. He doesn’t show any emotions but seems to be really into it and compete quite hard on the court most of the times. Miguel’s frame is not overly broad and he needs to keep filling out. Also despite soft hands in around the rim finishes, shooting from deep still seems a swing skill as such streakiness doesn’t suit nephew of Ray Allen the great (just 5/25 from downtown last two ANGTs).
MICHAEL CAICEDO (2003, 6’6, WING, BARCELONA, SPAIN)
Many players were out of the rhythm during tournament because in many countries non professional sports are still put on hold. Michael Caicedo was perfect example of that as he started from shooting bricks in opener vs Ulm but was getting his groove back more ands more every next game which eventually ended up as real statement performance in the local derby final. Barcelona product is a wing with good athleticism and physical profile. He sports very decent frame standing at 6’6, plus length and plays above the rim not only in transition but also excels as half court slasher. Shows really enthusiastic approach, looks eager to make plays on both ends of the court and his energy can be contagious. Still somewhat unpolished, seems to be more of an open court facilitator at this point but averaged decent 3.3 apg thanks to his fast break prowess. Besides even if he doesn’t become reliable decision maker he fits the mold of 3 and D player who can defend, make shots, outrun others for easy bucket and make a straight line drives.
NEXT IN LINE: Kymany Houinsou, Gael Bonilla, Kany Tchanda
TO FOLLOW: Andrija Grbovic, Jake Ensminger, Teo Simic, Augustin Ubal, Marc Loemba, Maxime Raynaud, Ruben De Olivera, Isaac Nogues, Freds Bagatskis, Kenny Kasiama, Zaccharie Risacher, Daryl Doualla
