7 Wings to Watch in Basketball Champions League
Part 2 of the series “Players to Watch in Basketball Champions League.”
In case you missed the first part where I wrote about 7 guards to watch, click on the ling below:
7 Guards to Watch in Basketball Champions League
This time I will write about wings/forwards that could have a good season or are worth following because of their potential.
Again, the list is in no particular order.
Todd Withers (Fortitudo Bologna) (F | 203 cm | ‘96)
Rookie year in Europe after spending last two years in the G League, playing for Grand Rapids Drive. Great athlete with explosive burst and capable of playing above the rim. Versatile offensive game, can attack with drives and get to the rim while also a shooting threat from distance. Uses his athleticism and body really well on the defensive end too, covers a fine amount of ground, capable of switching on smaller players too. His athleticism, motor and offensive & defensive game definitely make him a player worth following with the potential for the highest level.
Isaiah Pineiro (VEF Riga) (SF | 201 cm | ‘95)
Also his first year in Europe. Has great, strong and athletic body and knows how to use it. Likes to put smaller players on his back and attack from low post. Strong enough to move bodies while also has the feel and balance to make some shots. His shot from distance has room for improvements and needs to become more consistent as a shooter. Has great anticipation for rebounds and positions himself well. Also knows how to use his body on the defensive end and has good potential as a wing defender.
Ishmail Wainright (Strasbourg) (F | 196 cm | ‘94)
Played in BCL last year for Rasta Vechta. Such a strong and versatile forward, grinding his way up. All around game on both sides of the court. Working hard for every ball, doing all the small stuff in defense, athletic and strong enough to guard all five positions (!) in defense. Also offensively capable of hitting open three pointers while also finishing at the rim. Not a leading player in the team but a great glue guy for most teams on all levels.
Bonzie Colson (Strasbourg) (F | 198 cm | ‘96)
Another forward from Strasbourg. Bonzie is more scoring oriented than Ishmail. Very good in post up situations, knows how to find the best position and usually goes for a right handed jump hook but also capable of shooting fadeaway shots. Good spot up shooter behind the three point line. Not the most athletic forward but has good feel for game and instincts. Not a complete offensive package but has the potential for a nice career here in Europe.
Malcolm Hill (Hapoel Jerusalem) (F | 198 cm | ‘95)
Another gifted scoring wing on this list. Versatile scorer that can feel up the stats sheets quickly if you leave him wide open. Technically not the most correct shooting stroke but he is making shots with high percentages over his career. Moves good without the ball but also capable of taking the ball in his hands and score some points. Not elite athlete but has good motor and fights for rebounds and loose balls.
Omar Prewitt (Nymburk) (SF | 201 cm | ‘94)
Had a good season in this competition last year in Teksut Bandirma and will probably again be one of the best shooting wings in the competition. Such a great shooter. Smooth release and doesn’t need much space for shot. Has long limbs and uses his hands good in defense with making deflections or even going for pocket steals. Two-way player that could get a shot at a higher level too.
Kyle Wiltjer (Turk Telekom) (PF | 206 cm | ‘92)
He is not an unknown name here in Europe since he played in Euroleague (Olympiacos), Eurocup (Unicaja) and also last year in BCL for Turk Telekom but still deserves to be on this list. “Nikola Mirotić” of this competition. In the first BCL game this season he score 33 points and was just unstoppable. Versatile offensive game, likes to stretch the floor but can also put smaller players on his back and create from low post. High IQ and makes good reads, knows what are his advantages over his defender and exploits them.
