By Utkan Sahin and Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
It is not always easy to predict when certain players will be ripe to play at the highest level of European basketball. For basketball players, the dream is to reach the sky and for players on the Old Continent, that sky is the EuroLeague, the best basketball competition in Europe. It is, however, very difficult to find that opportunity. Sometimes, a certain player can find that opportunity in the EuroLeague, but that alone does not promise a bright future. The first shot does not always reflect what may follow. For those who initially struggle, there are steps taken throughout a career that can lead to a much brighter future.
In the history of this distinguished competition, fans have witnessed this many times. Many great players were not considered to be good enough at this level early in their careers, but would shine in their second spring. At Eurohoops we decided to take a look at the past and uncover some of the best late bloomers in the EuroLeague. The fact that it took some of them a long time to become stars does not mean that they never had it in them… All the players on this list will be remembered as EuroLeague greats!
Adam Hanga
Even though he is now one of the best players in the EuroLeague, Adam Hanga had to patiently endure certain difficulties in order to get to this point. With his size and athleticism, Hanga was considered an important prospect early on in his career. However, after his first two seasons with Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz he hit a brick wall. Not efficient enough in offense, Hanga found himself loaned to Avellino. There, the forward both improved and found the confidence he needed. Following his return to Baskonia, Hanga showed the kind of all-around player he could be in the EuroLeague. He was one of Baskonia’s best players the last two seasons and he won the EuroLeague Best Defender award in his last season there.
Ricky Hickman
This is a story of a career that was an uphill struggle, all the way from the bottom to the top. Early in his career, Ricky Hickman played in Romania, Germany, Italy, and Finland. During that time, most of us probably did not have a clue who he was. And yet, we all saw him celebrate winning the EuroLeague trophy in 2014. Hickman’s skills and great work ethic allowed him to go a step further in Europe each season, and he found a long-awaited opportunity to play in the EuroLeague with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Being a great leader under Coach David Blatt, Hickman first helped his team reach the Final Four and then, along with Tyrese Rice, to the ultimate goal, the EuroLeague title. That Maccabi team was one of the most surprising title-winners in EuroLeague history. The guard continued his path with Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul, with which he appeared in the Final Four twice.