Zurab Talakvadze

AC/DC guitar master Angus Young

Eurobasket is getting to the most intriguing, chaotic and over the top games. Some heavy favorites are out and resting, while some unexpected teams are writing down their history. Look at Greece. A juggernaut as a whole, which reminds me of a British heavy metal tank Motorhead. You always get the same powerful chords, where the simplicity is the king. Serbia, got beaten by Finland, was this event’s Dire Straits with game like British magicians’ riffs, where the cacophony is well mixed with craftiness. And so on and on. Let’s take a look at this tournament’s Top 5 players and which Rock/Metal giants they remind us the most.

1. Luka Doncic – AC/DC

Ac/DC is often described as Hard Roc, Blues Rock and more often as Heavy Metal, but ask Angus Young, what the real definition of their music is and you get the simple answer: Rock And Roll. And Luka is Rock And Roll. With his rhythm section working as smooth as ever. Luka has the passion for a real rock and roller, where you get what you expect and no one comes close. AC/DC sold over 200 million records. Luka sells everything he plays. Luka is a true magician and his magic hides deep in his simplicity. Rock On! This planet belongs to Luka and no one comes close.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Slayer

How can a destruction be as beautiful as Slayer. The secret hides in the iron Riffs created (mostly) by a late Jeff Hanneman, one of the melody makers in Thrash Metal. Giannis’ game is Slayer. It can be compared to immortal Reigning Blood and and if there ever will be a Giannis tribute, some Slayer tune would be a perfect fit for it. Giannis demolishes you, Giannis crushes your soul and Giannis is a war machine. Slayer is the BAND of all Thrash bands and if I choose the song for Giannis, it would be Waaaaaaarrrr Ensemble!

3. Nikola Jokic – Queen

Queen is unparalleled in music anal. Nikola is unparalleled in a game of Basketball. Queen is silk like, deep and unique. So is Nikola with his perfectly timed game, that has no comparisons. Queen created Bohemian Rhapsody. Nikola created the rhapsody of his own. Queen has a perfect blend of operatic vocals and volcano music from Brian May. Jokic is the prince of this universe. Queen had A Kind Of Magic. Nikola is a kind of magic. And, Jokic is a best selling basketball product, while Queen was at the top of the world when healthy. Bow to those greats and long live the King-Nikola.

4. Lauri Markkanen – Nightwish

I was never really into the Opera-Folk-Heavy Metal, that Nightwish created, but their songwriting was always off the charts and their extraordinary style was a gift from gods to us, mere mortals. Lauri is atonal, like Nightwih riffs and Lauri is so unpredictable, like Nightwish. This young gentleman creates the unexpected, while Nightwish was always full of surprises. Markkanen gives you a feel of matured hunter, who is seeking for another victim. Same goes with Nightwish. Watch Lauri playing and put on some Finnish classic like Nemo or I Wish I Had An Angel. Perfect mix!

5. Alperen Sengun – Deep Purple

Sengun stormed out of gates and never stopped. Just like the second incarnation of this legendary band with Ian Gillan and Roger Glover in the mix. Sengun is fast and crafty enough and you can never get tired of him. Think of immortal Highway Star. Sengun has lyrical stops, where you can witness the true greatness of this young man. Same goes with Wasted Sunsets or When A Blind Man Cries. Just ask James Hetfield. So, the Turk is full of surprises, just like Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar. Sengun is good enough to be immortalized. So are members of Deep Purple. The Battle rages On!