10 Newcomers to Watch: Basketball Champions League

Next league under my magnifying glass is the Basketball Champions League that starts on Monday, 4th Oct with the match between San Pablo Burgos and Besiktas.

The rules for which players are eligible are a little different for international competitions than for domestic leagues. The rule that only-non domestic are eligible doesn’t apply in international competitions

• 1st rule: the players will be playing for the first time in this competition
• 2nd rule: the player must be 27 years old or younger — so only players born in 1994 or after that were eligible for the list

The players on the list are not necessarily the best but just the most interesting to me and I expect that they will not have any problems translating to their new team and league. Also the players are not in any particular order.

Yoeli Childs (PF | 203 cm | ’98) ~ MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg

Starting with Yoeli Childs. Looking at his body and player profile he is the right player for the system of coach John Patrick. A strong but undersized big that plays really physical and is not scared of contact. Quick in his legs and rolls really well in pick & roll sets. Can make some powerful dunks and rock the rim but lacks touch in his shot from distance even though he can make some shots from time to time. I think he will be an important player in Ludwigsburg and that he can be a good player in Europe.

Mikael Jantunen (PF | 203 cm | ’00) ~ Oostende

After two years at the Utah University Finnish big man Mikael Jantunen is returning to Europe. Mikael likes to use his athleticism to create advantages in offense. This is especially well seen in transition where he is outrunning other bigs or forwards easily. Very useful in pick & roll sets too where he rolls quickly and directly to the rim. It will be his first pro season and he will need some time to get used to the physicality but I’m sure that he will learn that quickly. Not a consistent shooter from distance yet but he has the potential to be one in the next few years. One of the most talented Finnish big men and he deserves a spot on this top 10 list.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (C | 208 cm | ’97) ~ Besiktas

One of the latest but also biggest signings on paper this off-season in the Basketball Champions League was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to Bešiktaš. The 23rd pick from the 2015 NBA Draft wasn’t getting too many opportunities to play in the NBA since he left Brooklyn. He has the body for the NBA but lacks offensive game and shot from distance and without that it is really hard to get a spot in the NBA. His defense was always on a high level and I expect that he will be a dominant wing defender in BCL and Turkey too. His offensive role should be bigger than in the NBA too but I don’t expect him to be a great scorer but just that he will do his job in defense. It will be his first season in Europe so he will probably need some time to adapt but I’m really curious how he will perform in Europe.

Elijah Stewart (SG | 196 cm | ’95) ~ UBT Cluj Napoca

We already know the qualities from Elijah Stewart since I made a report on him about six months ago. Great spot up shooter that shouldn’t be left open even for a few seconds. Not a player that would play a lot in isolation or with the ball in his hands but lethal when combined with a player that can pass him the ball on time. Can play good defense too, help his team in rebounding and he is one of the players to watch since he has the potential to shoot the lights off on any given night.

Sylvain Francisco(PG | 179 cm | ’97) ~ Baxi Manresa

I’m really happy to see Sylvain Francisco on this level since he deserved it with his great performances in the last few years. This will be his first season outside of France but in the ACB league he already showed some very good games and proved that he will be an important piece of this team. Aggressive point guard that likes to put pressure on the ball handler in defense and attack with drives in offense. Really quick player with low gravity and even though he lacks size, he can replace that with his aggressiveness and quickness. Solid shooter from distance but lacks more consistency. Manresa has a great team in this season and I can’t wait to see them play in BCL.

Trey Drechsel(SG | 198 cm | ’96) ~ Stal Ostrow

Trey Drechsel is a player that was working hard last years to get a chance at this level. He signed for Partizan but was loaned to their development team in the last two years and played in lower level competitions but he has the game and qualities for this level for sure. A versatile player that can fill many stat lines. Good shooter from distance, be it in spot ups shots or off the bounce. Has the size to create something on post ups too and play solid in defense. Really smooth with the ball in his hands and can be used in many ways. I think Ostrow is the right place for him to bring his game to an even higher level.

Tai Odiase (C | 206 cm | ’95) ~ Baskets Oldenburg

Tai Odiase was actually the first player I made a report on and he definitely deserves a chance on this level if not even on some higher level. Athletic big that has great defensive qualities. His instincts for blocks are on a high level and in my opinion he will be one of the best defensive bigs in BCL in this season. Has a good motor and goes for every ball. On offense he still has some reserves but can be a solid option in pick & roll sets. A player whose development needs to be followed since he could finish on the highest level in a few seasons.

David DiLeo (SF | 203 cm | ’97) ~ PAOK

David DiLeo had a decent season last year for Murcia in the competitive ACB league. He averaged 8 points per game with very good shooting percentages but had a smaller role in the team. Now in PAOK his offensive role should be bigger. David is a great spot up shooter with repeatable shooting motion. Not really a player that would play a lot 1vs1 but if he is combined with a player that can deliver him passes on time, he could be a great player in the right system. I think PAOK is the right place for him and that he could have a good season there in Greece and BCL.

James Blackmon (SG | 193 cm | ’95) ~ Pinar Karsiyaka

Another player that I’ve been really high on for a few years now is James Blackmon. Such a great scorer that could score 15+ points every night. Always dangerous to score some points with the ball in his hands but also moves well without the ball and creates separation for shots. Had some injury problems last years and his defense needs some improvements but his offensive game is on a high level and I think he could get a shot in the Euroleague in the next few years.

Jalen Adams (G | 191 cm | ’95) ~ Hapoel Jerusalem

Jalen Adams started last season in France and averaged 20 points per game in the 7 games he played there and in January went back to the States to play in the G League. Now he is back in Europe and will play for Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel and the Basketball Champions League. Great isolation player, very good slasher and can get past defenders easily. Also good off the dribble shooter so it is really hard to defend him when he gets in rhythm. Hapoel Jerusalem has some great individuals in their team but Jalen should be one of their main scorers if not even one of the best scorers in the competition.