By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikos Rogkavopoulos’ decision to withdraw from the 2020 NBA draft was not an easy one. The AEK youngster discussed his future plans with Eurohoops pointing out the importance of competing at the Basketball Champions League stage, a catapult for upstarts looking for a path into the list of players selected annually by the NBA teams.
“I intend to work hard every day and give my best in every game. I want a good and solid image,” he said regarding his plan for the ongoing 2020-21 season, “That being said, I hope for an opportunity to take part in the pre-draft workouts since the pandemic prevented me from doing so this year.”
Rogkavopoulos, 19, joined AEK three years ago. He has since made his way to nine BCL matches, including the 15-point outburst versus Anwil Wloclawek in February. He also registered ten points in the Final Eight semifinal opposite Casademont Zaragoza helping the Queen advance to the championship game. A likely sign for an improved playing status rolling into this year.
“It is a plus to play games at the high level of the Basketball Champions League, a tournament constantly upping its overall quality,” he told Eurohoops, “My goal is to help my team progress as far as possible. The BCL helping players to claim a spot in past drafts is certainly important. However, at the moment all I am focused on is my team winning.”
Frank Ntilikina, Isaac Bonga, and Luka Samanic highlight the list of Champions League players picked in the NBA draft also consisting of Vlatko Cancar, Ognjen Jaramaz, Alpha Kaba, Arnoldas Kulboka, and Issuf Sanon.
The BCL is consistent in producing players launching themselves all around the basketball world, also successful in workarounds to keep the action going through the coronavirus pandemic. Such prime examples, the Final Eight in Athens completing the 2019-20 season and the adjusted format to the 2020-21 Regular Season to reduce the number of games for each participating club in this challenging situation.
“It is a difficult year due to the conditions brought by the coronavirus, but I hope circumstances will not push us away from the courts,” wished Rogkavopoulos, “Our team is very experienced with an excellent roster. We always aim to win. Beyond improving at a personal level, I believe I can build a winning mentality playing at this club since I can draw from my established teammates understanding how they have accomplished so much. The same goes for the coaches as they transmit that professional mentality through the correct guidance for the team to achieve preferable results.”
An ambitious team in the Queen and head coach Ilias Papatheodorou will indeed demand more and more from the players, including the promising Greek forward. A roster packed with experienced players with plenty of success in various competitions is an environment Rogkavopoulos aims to thrive in.
“I can definitely benefit from these surroundings,” he said, “I am part of a team with high goals consisting of good players in every position and with a passion to win. In contrast to other players in more relaxed situations either in college or at minor clubs with less pressure.”
He shifted his focus to the 2021 draft but firmly believes Europeans are destined to make yet another splash in the 2020 draft expected to be held on November 18.
“Deni Avdija is one of the best players available, while Aleksej Pokusevski has the highest potential among the field,” he argued commenting on the top European prospects remaining available for the NBA teams, “I wish the best to all players and for them to excel in the NBA.”
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League