Who are the young Europeans shining at the moment?

1Juancho-Hernagómez

Two weeks ago, we ranked the best prospects from Europe in our first European Top-10 Mock Draft and decided to do a Top-5 this time. In this update, you will find new guys in the Top-5 and the latest news about the best European young players.

1 – Juancho Hernagómez (Movistar Estudiantes), 6-foot-9, Power Forward, 1995, Spain.

Last two weeks averaged: 18 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, 50% FG, 70% FT, in 32.5 minutes.

The young power forward has emerged as the latest star in Spanish basketball. Hernangómez has shown a lot of skills in big games like he did 10 days ago against Real Madrid. He scored 16 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dominated the paint against former NBA players Gustavo Ayón and Andrés Nocioni. The Spanish power forward is the 3rd best of the ACB –one of the best leagues in Europe – and ranks first in rebounds. His team is not playing well but Hernangómez is on fire.

2- Nikola Ivanovic (KK Mega Leks), 6-foot4, Point Guard, 1994, Montenegro.

Last two weeks averaged: 12 points, two rebounds, 2.5 assists, 36.8% FG, 66.6% FT in 29 minutes.

The point guard from Montenegro has played his worst games of the season the last two weeks. Despite his awful numbers, Ivanovic has the coach’s confidence and has played almost 30 minutes per game.

3- Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot (KK Mega Leks), 6-foot-6, Small Forward, 1995, France.

Last two weeks averaged: 19.5 points, six rebounds, three assists, 44.4% FG, 60% FT in 34.5 minutes.

Luwawu-Cabarrot is the sensation of Adriatic League. In ten games, he has shown on the court why KK Mega Leks signed him this summer. The Frenchman is the most important player on his team. He is first in minutes, points and 3-point shooting. If he continues to play at this level, he will attract the attention of best teams in Europe and the NBA scouts that are watching him play.

4- Paul Zipser (FC Bayern Muenchen), 6-foot-8, Shooting Guard, 1994, Germany.

Last two weeks averaged (Euroleague & German League): Five points, 2.5 rebounds, 50% FG in 14 minutes.

Zipser had a bad week. He has been out the rotation in the German League where his team has lost two games in a row. Despite that, Zipser played his best game of the year in the Euroleague against Fenerbahce. The German scored 10 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists in only 21 minutes.

5- Marius Grigonis (ICL Manresa), 6-foot-6, Small Forward, 1994, Lithuania.

Last two weeks averaged: 10 points, two rebounds, 44.4% FG in 19.5 minutes.

Grigonis has fallen one spot in our ranking but he continues to play quality basketball in Spain. After a few games with 10 or more points, the Lithuanian has caught a cold streak. He’s playing fewer minutes than the first three games of the ACB and his stats are reflecting that. I had the opportunity to watch him live against Real Madrid last Sunday and he showed good skills. He can shoot with lots of fluidity, which will serve him well in the latter part of his career.

Arrow to top