Zurab Talakvadze

Schroeder, Wagner top Eurobasket Top 5

The bests among the bests. Eurobasket is over and we have Top players who were named to both first and second units of the tournament. It is tricky shot, but so that there always will fans and experts who have their own favorites to enter any of those tops. Let’s say, Deni Avdija of Israel had a superb event, but he is a tip behind those who made the first Top 5. The same could be said of Finnish phenomenon Lauri Markkanen, who got tired in the end, but all in all, had a tournament for the ages. Jordan Loyd was averaging 22.4 points per game, but Poland was beaten BY Turkey in the quarters, so his claim came a little bit short. Others dominated as well, but the first Top 5 is filled with titans. So, here we go.

Dennis Schroeder (Germany)

Dennis was the beast from start to go. The German playmaker was at his bets when his team needed him to be. Schroeder had an average of 20.3 points, 7.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds, but je delivered when it mattered most. In the semis against Finland Schroeder dished out 12 dimes and repeated that in the do or die final versus Turkey. Schroeder was a relentless attacker from any distance and saved his best for the last. No Dennis – no title for a great German machine and Dennis was the mechanic in this team of serial killers. Schroeder played his heart out and became the member of the Top for the second straight Eurobasket. This edition of Schroeder was better, than in 202 though.

Luka Doncic (Slovenia)

Well, I am not sure who will be Lakers first option in the upcoming season. Lebron is still there, but this Luka deserves and demands everything. He is that good and he is that unstoppable. Doncic was the heart and soul of the weakest Slovenian NT of the last decade. Doncic was the Slovenia. Luka finished the tournament averaging almost 35 points and 8.6 boards to go with 7.1 assists. He had the triple double against Belgium in the group stage and he singlehandedly destroyed Italy in the play offs. Slovenia was beaten soon after, but Luka was the MAN.

Franz Wagner (Germany)

Well, do we need to add anything that was not said about this great player? Often (and undeservedly) being in the shadow of Paolo Banchero in Orlando, Franz is unstoppable when given some free lanes and time to operate by himself. He is the great spot up shooter, became a reliable ball handler and was great on defense. Franz often gets double teamed, but that is when other get much needed freedom to score. Together with Schroeder, he created best one-two punch om the tournament. Wagner had an average of 20.8 points, 5.9 boards and 3.4 assists. What a great player. What a great character. What a teammate!

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)

Now we talking about the most unstoppable player not only of this tournament, not only among stars of Eurobasket, nut the most demonic and unstoppable guy in the whole world of Basketball. The Greek Freak is simply a monster. He is demanding so much attention, that it gives a huge freedom to the rest of his teammates everywhere he plays. Giannis did not perform bet against the steady Turkey, but was pivotal, sensational in other games. He was averaging 27.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and solid 4.1 assists per game and he was everywhere on defense. The huge season awaits for him in NBA as well, but here he was the most brutal man. Class!

Alperen Sengun (Turkey)

Sengun topped Nikola Jokic in the group stage. Sengun had his long awaited triple double against Poland. Sengun was the most sensational big man of this tournament. Sengun was a classy defender and Alperen was the leader of the strong finalist, that almost grabbed the Jackpot. His stats (21.6 points, 10.1 boards, 6.6 dimes) are otherworldly as is his game. He will have to share the court in the upcoming season with Kevin Durant and that is another challenge for this youngster, but we trust Alperen, we await for another splendid campaign from him. The sky is the limit for him and as always, he will deliver. A perfect, almost flawlee player.

The second unit was filled with Joradn Loyd (Poland), Cedi Osman (Turkey), Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Lauri Markkanen (Finalnd) and Avdija (Israel).

The Rising Star of Eurobasket went to representative of Finland Miikka Muurinen.