7 Bigs to Watch in Basketball Champions League
Part 3 of the series “Players to Watch in Basketball Champions League.”
In case you missed the first two parts where I wrote about 7 guards and 7 wings to watch, click on the links below:
7 Guards to Watch in Basketball Champions League
7 Wings to Watch in Basketball Champions League
Without further ado. lets see who are the 7 big men to watch in this years edition of Basketball Champions League.
Justin Tillman (Dinamo Sassari) (PF/C | 203 cm | ‘96)
He had a great season last year in Hapoel Galil Gilboa and now it’s time to show his skills in an international competition. A modern, undersized big man that is a really good finisher around the rim. Has great motor, hustles for rebounds or loose balls and is a hard worker in the paint on both sides of the floor. His defensive game still has room for improvements and also it will be interesting to follow if he develops his shot from at least midrange to a solid level to be an offensive weapon outside the paint too.
Ethan Happ (Fortitudo Bologna) (C | 208 cm | ‘96)
Second interesting big man playing in Italy. A skilled big man with great passing game for his position. His low post game is on really high level, has great feel and also makes quick and good decisions. Mobile enough to switch in defense too. Great instincts for rebounds. Lacks shot from distance and is a bad shooter even from the free throw line. An interesting player for an team that could use a smart player creating from low post.
Isaiah Miles (Hapoel Holon) (PF/C | 203 cm | ‘94)
Has the size, body and moves from a wing player but plays mostly as a big man. His main weapon is stretching the floor. Such a great shooter and most opponent’s big men are struggling when they are guarding him. Quick release, has good footwork and can be used as a pick & pop player. Mobile enough to switch in defense too. A big man that can put good scoring numbers in offense.
Ondrej Balvin (Bilbao) (C | 217 cm | ‘92)
Center from Czech Republic that has some experience from Euroleague (Gran Canaria) and Eurocup (Real Betis, Bayern Munich, Gran Canaria) but is playing the best basketball of his career now in Bilbao. Mobile player for his size with good footwork. Can create space for his shot with his body moves while also moves well without the ball and offers himself around the rim. Has a high reach and his shots around the rim aren’t contested or blocked that easily. Would love to see him shooting more from distance since he has a soft shooting touch. Good low post game in offense while he knows how to protect the rim on the defensive end too. He could return to the highest international level in Europe soon.
Jasiel Rivero (Burgos) (PF/C | 204 cm | ‘93)
Rookie season last year in Europe after spending a few seasons playing in Argentina. He showed some of his qualities but could have an even better season this year. His body looks better, like he lost some weight and became even more athletic and mobile. His upper body is strong and he uses it wisely in the paint. Plays with energy, not afraid of contact and has a good motor. Not the most consistent shooter but can stretch the floor and hit some three point shots. Versatile on the defensive end with good reactions and always active as a rebounder.
TaShawn Thomas (Hapoel Jerusalem) (PF/C | 203 cm | ‘93)
Another interesting undersized big on the list and also his main liability so far is his shot from distance. If he would hit those shots better, he would play on a higher level already. Most of other tools are there. Has the body and especially athleticism for higher level, runs the floor well and active on the defensive end. Hard to stop when he is close to the rim, has soft touch and can absorb contact with his strong body. One of the players that should get a chance on the highest level in next years.
Jerry Boutsiele (Limoges) (C | 207 cm | ‘92)
Developing really well in last years in Limoges. Such a strong inside presence. Showing good feel and technique on low post, capable of hitting some fadeaway shots too. With his upper body moves he can create enough separation for an open look. Showing some mid range game and good touch too. In defense he can slide his feet well and protect the rim solidly but still has some space for improvement in this area. Definitely a center that could move to some Euroleague team in next years.
