By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Well, it’s that time of the year again.
Eurohoops presents the Top 100 EuroLeague Players ahead of the 2018-2019 season. A list of players compiled with some specific criteria with the purpose of tracing and ranking those hoopers that are expected to define the upcoming EuroLeague season.
While there are some objective and factual elements that were taken into consideration when choosing the 100 players and then ranking them, the final result is, inevitably, subjective.
As always, there was a calculated risk with rookies, especially those who are completely unfamiliar with European basketball. Hence why some players who will now take their first steps in EuroLeague have been omitted from the list or where placed in lower positions in comparison with rookies with considerable experience at a competitive level of European basketball. Experience in this level and type of game matters since we’ve seen no few quality players, even established NBAers, immensely struggle in their new surroundings simply because of their unfamiliarity with everything that European basketball encompasses.
What should be noted is that player of a team that is a title or Final Four contender automatically got a relative priority over another with possibly similar or equal, maybe even superior individual strengths. This is why you will find that there is an increased number of players from well-known powerhouses, apart from the fact that these teams usually sign top talent.
It also goes without saying that injury problems played a major part in the list.
Like every year, the Eurohoops Top 100 Players ranking is based on the following criteria (in this order):
1) The individual quality of each player in combination with the role and playing time we anticipate he will get with his team.
2) The strength of the club he plays for. The players of the teams that are usually playoff staples and are considered among the title contenders always have the edge because they combine individual quality with their club’s high aspirations.
3) What each player has achieved in his career in the EuroLeague, combined with the prospect he carries for the 2018-19 season.
Let’s begin the countdown, starting from positions #100 to #91.
100. Micheal Eric (Darussafaka)
Year of birth: 1988
Height: 2.11 m
Position: Center
2017-2018 stats: 7.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.6 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game with Darussafaka in EuroCup.
Playing the pick n’ roll with Micheal Eric should be a delight for any guard. This a very fast diver and a high-flying big who can easily catch any lobe his teammates throw at him to send it home. Hey, don’t be surprised if he becomes the new regular in dunk highlights of the upcoming season. His first in EuroLeague, after helping Darussafaka win the 2018 EuroCup (he also had an MVP performance in Game 1 of the semifinals vs. Bayern Munich).
On the other hand, approaching him on defense isn’t fun at all for his opponents. Eric protects the rim fiercely and in a manner that numbers don’t represent accurately.
While Eric poses a serious danger when the pick n’ roll is done right and will finish plays at close proximity to the basket, he’s a minor to no threat when kept at a distance. This lack of diversity on offense might be challenging for the Nigerian big next season in EuroLeague, but if his game on both ends adapts to this advanced level of basketball, he might become a sensation.