By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
This encounter features accomplished Greek coaches on the benches and a pair of centers who have each in his own way been successful in the league and dominated, with diametrically different styles and sizes: Ante Tomic and Kyle Hines.
The Croatian-born Tomic sees the world from 2.17 meters and is perhaps the most important of the old school centers who base their game in the low post and know how to use their size close to the basket to score. Now in his eighth season in the EuroLeague (the first three were with Real Madrid and he is now in his fifth season in Barcelona), the 30-year-old Tomic has averaged 8.9 points on 54.5% in two-point shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and a performance index rating of 12.9 so far this season. Tomic has played at three EuroLeague Final Fours, was twice named MVP of the month and has been named to the All-EuroLeague First Team twice and the Second Team once.
Tomic has comprehensive moves in the low post, can score with both hands and has the ability to impose himself through his offensive gifts on opponents whom he outmatches in terms of size, especially if rival defenses don’t double up on him. Furthermore, very often he functions as a facilitator, either from the low post or the high post.
A very good passer, Tomic often becomes a playmaker from the paint. His big frame and lack of explosiveness and speed sometimes make things difficult for him on defense, but such is the fate of classic centers.
Hines, who is only a few month the senior of Tomic, stands 1.98 meters tall (with his shoes on, as he himself says jokingly!) and is in his seventh EuroLeague season: one with Brose Bamberg, two with Olympiacos Piraeus and now is in his fourth with CSKA. The reigning EuroLeague Best Defender award winner, Hines is averaging 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and an index rating of 8.9 this season.
He is regarded to be among the most successful Americans of all time in the competition. In fact, Hines and retired Panathinaikos Athens star Mike Batiste are tied for the most EuroLeague crowns among American players with three each. And when he hasn’t won, Hines has been close; he boasts six consecutive appearances at the Final Four.
If we look at the modern history of the institution, Hines is the player who has contributed most to the concept of utilizing an undersized center, which now exists at almost every big team in the competition. With supernatural strength paired with impressive speed and explosiveness, Hines finds a way to turn every mismatch in his favor against rival big men, not through size, but thanks to his speed.
On offense, he consistently does damage as a pick-and-roll finisher; he sets brutal screens and then dives in. Hines can even push the ball in transition and facilitate or score from such situations. Moreover, Hines does an amazing job on defense that is often not reflected in the stats. He is excellent in pick-and-roll defense, even when paired against the best guards in Europe.
And he has proven on multiple occasions that he can fend for himself in one-on-one situations against much bigger centers. Hines uses his strength, always has good position and he plays defense from the front, not allowing any passes.
There are many reasons to watch the Barcelona-CSKA game! These are important teams with a long history and many trophies, it is a crucial game in terms of the standings for both sides and for different reasons, and it is a great opportunity to watch the battle between big centers and… not so big centers. Choose the one you like best or admire both versions of the ‘5’ position! Have fun and GameOn!