By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following 335 NBA games, Nik Stauskas moved to EuroLeague and KIROLBET Baskonia last summer. He admittedly did not know what to expect, but a few months in his European career has spotted significant differences between the way of play in the Old Continent and the NBA.
“The games here are very competitive” he said talking to gathered journalists ahead of the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 8 home match versus Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv, “I feel the defense here is a lot better.”
“The guys really pressure the ball, they pick up full-court press. There’s not as much space in offense to work with” he added sharing his experience so far against the top European clubs, “The defense is the biggest difference”.
“Teams move the ball very well” he mentioned on offensive play in Europe, “The guards are consistently running off screens. In the NBA, the shooters often space the floor. Huge difference.”
In his first five EuroLeague tilts, the Michigan alumni averaged 9 points, 1.6 rebounds and one assist, also has 2.2 points and one assist per ACB appearance. “Still have ways to go. It’s going to take some time, it’s still November, but I feel I am progressing well” Stauskas said.