More coverage from Belgrade:
European Junior Championships Recap One
European Junior Championships Recap Two
European Junior Championships: The Centers
European Junior Championships: The Power Forwards
European Junior Championships: The Small Forwards
European Junior Championships: The Shooting Guards
All photos provided by FIBA Europes excellent official website
ALEKSANDAR UGRINOSKI
Croatia; 1988; 6-4; PG; 29.5 mpg, 11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.9 apg
While there are no sure things in the 1988 crop, among this class Ugrinoski could very well be the most talented player seen here. Enjoying awesome skills for a playmaker, he features the physical tools to eventually deal with a high level of competition. At 6-4 he has the right size, while displaying good enough athleticism and particularly nice quickness.
Once we stop worrying about his physical gifts, what separates Ugrinoski from your everyday playmaker is his awesome ability to pass the ball, unmatched if we talk about kids seen in Belgrade (he was second only to Ohayon in this department statistically, although first in assists per minute). Perhaps where he stands out more is driving and dishing. He has good handles and the quickness to beat his matchup, forcing a defensive rotation and feeding a teammate to perfection. Besides, he can also see the pass from the perimeter without having to necessarily dribble past his defender first, finding the open man or rewarding a cutting movement from a teammate. Its a bit of the same story in transition, showing a natural ability to find a good pass.
There are shortcomings too, of course. Aleksandar is a streaky shooter. He fails to nail his jumpers on a regular basis, although he shows good mechanics, range and the ability to deliver his shots off the dribble. Indeed, theres nothing significantly wrong with his jumper, so theres no reason why he shouldnt be able to improve in this department with the proper work.
However, the biggest issue Ugrinoski has to face is his general consistency. He doesnt always make the best decisions available to him, sometimes falling to establish the right offensive pace or forcing plays to the point that a few times his team fared better with him on the bench. Considering that hes very young, a 1988 player, you shouldnt expect a kid like him to play like a veteran, and he certainly has time to learn. Also, he doesnt look particularly skilled finishing around the basket against opposition, also not looking too comfortable using his left hand in those situations.
It doesnt matter that much. If Ugrinoski is serious about the game and works hard enough, he should develop into an excellent playmaker who is ready to step onto any basketball court, no matter the level.
Once we stop worrying about his physical gifts, what separates Ugrinoski from your everyday playmaker is his awesome ability to pass the ball, unmatched if we talk about kids seen in Belgrade (he was second only to Ohayon in this department statistically, although first in assists per minute). Perhaps where he stands out more is driving and dishing. He has good handles and the quickness to beat his matchup, forcing a defensive rotation and feeding a teammate to perfection. Besides, he can also see the pass from the perimeter without having to necessarily dribble past his defender first, finding the open man or rewarding a cutting movement from a teammate. Its a bit of the same story in transition, showing a natural ability to find a good pass.
There are shortcomings too, of course. Aleksandar is a streaky shooter. He fails to nail his jumpers on a regular basis, although he shows good mechanics, range and the ability to deliver his shots off the dribble. Indeed, theres nothing significantly wrong with his jumper, so theres no reason why he shouldnt be able to improve in this department with the proper work.
However, the biggest issue Ugrinoski has to face is his general consistency. He doesnt always make the best decisions available to him, sometimes falling to establish the right offensive pace or forcing plays to the point that a few times his team fared better with him on the bench. Considering that hes very young, a 1988 player, you shouldnt expect a kid like him to play like a veteran, and he certainly has time to learn. Also, he doesnt look particularly skilled finishing around the basket against opposition, also not looking too comfortable using his left hand in those situations.
It doesnt matter that much. If Ugrinoski is serious about the game and works hard enough, he should develop into an excellent playmaker who is ready to step onto any basketball court, no matter the level.