By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
It feels like you’ve been watching them forever, but at the same time, you are not at all tired of watching them. And you’ll keep watching them for some time to come. Why? The answer could not be simpler. Having turned 35 – and, in some cases, even older – they are performing as if they were much younger and are definitely an example to follow for those who are actually younger.
How many have the talent, quality, consistency and careers of Real Madrid‘s Felipe Reyes (1980), Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul’s Ali Muhammed (1983), Valencia Basket’s Fernando San Emeterio (1984), Zalgiris Kaunas’ Paulius Jankunas (1984), Madrid’s Rudy Fernandez (1985), Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade’s Taylor Rochestie (1985) or Zenit St Petersburg’s Vitaly Fridzon (1985)?
Eurohoops presents the top five in points scored so far this season out of the over-35 generation.
VASSILIS SPANOULIS
Olympiacos Piraeus | Guard | August 7, 1982 | Greece
7 pts | 1.3 reb | 3 ast | 0.9 stl | 0 blk | 1.5 tov | 17:30 min | 5.8 PIR
There’s no need for any recommendations when it comes to Vassilis Spanoulis. Olympiacos Piraeus’s captain is one of the all-time best in the EuroLeague and has the statistical records to prove it (career leader in points and assists, among others). Coming from successive surgeries on his right foot, his numbers may not be as high as they’ve been in the recent past but woe to any opposing team that focuses on those and not his greatness.