Βy Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The missing EuroLeague trophy and the mystery that surrounds its whereabouts remains unsolved while the five new arrests made this week led once again to a dead end. Everywhere around the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague gyms there are rumors about the precious cup, still the authorities have not reached any conclusion yet.
So it’s no surprise that the five alleged criminals once again were left to walk free, despite the numerous reports about their hideous deeds. The clock is ticking, however, for everyone and soon someone will make a mistake…
Krunoslav Simon: Just two months after his initial arrest, the Croatian mobster from Milan insisted that he was innocent and police made a mistake by prosecuting him again. That was not the story heard in Italy. He didn’t show any kind of remorse when he hit Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul with 19 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds as EA7 Emporio Armani Milan finally got what they needed, after 10 straight failed attempts.
Nando De Colo: He is one of the poster boys of what’s wrong with this ongoing investigation. The notorious French sniper was released, despite being arrested for a record sixth time in the last two years. There’s no need to mention that the latest CSKA Moscow caper has his fingerprints all over it. He executed Brose Bamberg with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in broad daylight, but even if he had a smoking gun with him, things didn’t change. He always seems to have the ultimate get-out-of-jail card.
Vitor Faverani: This Brazilian hustler kept a low profile for many years, moving under the radar, despite tales about his amazing criminal talents. But not anymore. He emerged out of nowhere in a time of need for FC Barcelona Lassa and got the job done against Anadolu Efes Istanbul. With 18 points and 8 rebounds, nobody could stand in his way as he dominated the court.
Trey Thompkins: Speaking of under-the-radar guys, this member of the Real Madrid “white gang” ended up in custody for the first time. His looks can deceive you, since you expect from him to be a bouncer, but on the contrary he got 12 points on 4 out of 6 six long-range shots, finishing off Zalgiris Kaunas with finesse on the road. He was stopped by the authorities on his way back to Madrid, but it’s safe to assume that he is already safe at home in in the Spanish capital.
Stefan Jovic: It was just a matter of time before he was arrested again. The Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade crew is wanted all over Europe and he was in the hands of the authorities three times during last year. It’s obvious that his status is high among the Serbian organization, and on a road trip Israel that was proven once again. Against Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv, he was merciless with 14 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds. The Israelis were left mortally wounded and nobody knows if, at this point, they can recover.
Photo Credit: JPsportart