By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
They say that lightning can’t strike twice, but on the other hand every criminal has his own pattern. And this is evident again, as the police issued five new warrants this week. In three cases, however, the names of the perpetrators are more than familiar to the authorities.
It’s seems that an organized crime ring is working inside the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and it’s no coincidence that some names are often repeated in the inquiries made by the police. Still there’s no solid evidence for anything with the exception of the certainty that criminally talented gangsters are operating all over the old continent. They are many of them and they are ready for anything, so be prepared…
Tyrese Rice: This is the second time that he was spotted doing exceptional damage. The first was in Madrid some months ago, when Khimki Moscow Region got a big score against the defending champs. This time, Zalgiris Kaunas proved to be quite an easy prey for Rice, who was ruthless to his team’s visitors. He got 20 points and 11 assists, along with 2 steals and he didn’t make a single turnover. That’s why once again he got the chance to escape. No mistakes mean less chance for the prosecutors to build a case against him…
Sergio Llull: The “Blur” has a knack for working at full speed when there’s a real challenge facing him. He did it in the past against Fenerbahce Istanbul and he repeated it now against Olympiacos Piraeus – the of biggest scores, in other words. Known as a hustler, but he is turning out to be a lot more, hitting the target multiple times with impeccable timing. That translated into 18 points on 3-for-5 three-point shooting and also 7 assists for Real Madrid. He is quicker than ever, no evidence was found at the crime scene and he reminded everyone who is the boss around Europe since last May…
Nick Calathes: A.K.A. Nick the Greek. He made his name after ripping off many casinos on the other side of the Atlantic and that’s one of the reasons he decided this summer to cross the pond again. He has the fastest hands in the “business” and that was obvious in Athens, when Panathinaikos faced Dogus Darussafaka Istanbul. Calathes had 14 points, but also 4 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals. He seems like an easy-going guy, but not when he is concentrated on the “job”…
Jayson Granger:The playboy from Uruguay was spotted once again, not at his Istanbul base, but in Malaga, the place he called home for two years. His charm was once again the key, but according to many eyewitnesses he had no mercy, despite being familiar with his victim, Unicaja Malaga. Granger led Anadolu Efes Istanbul with 22 points, he was smooth as always and never lost his smile. A typical day at the office for him…
Darius Adams: Here’s a new entry from the Vitoria gang. While there were rumors of his wrongdoings, this time he crossed every line. Considered a facilitator, he proved to be a hitman against FC Barcelona Lassa, making all the crucial shots as Laboral Kutxa Vitoria Gasteiz fled Catalonia with a rare heist. Barcelona had only lost one Top 16 home game in the previous 40 – before this pickpocket hit town to score 17 points, including the three-pointer that forced overtime, where his gang completed their grand larceny in style.
Art credit: JPsportart