2023 U18 European Championship Quarterfinals: Top Standouts from Serbia Versus Israel
The U18 European Championship offers an opportunity to get eyes on a wealth of talented international prospects and future NBA players. Now in the elimination tournament stage, let’s assess the top standouts from Serbia and Israel's quarterfinal clash.
Bogoljub Markovic I Big I Serbia I 6'1"
Averaging 17.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in five games, Markovic notched his first double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds (3 offensive). His performance was highlighted by his functional movement skills, touch from the free throw line (8-of-10), stationary playmaking (three assists), and second effort and help side blocks.
Nikola Topic I Lead Guard I Serbia I 6'5"
Topic has displayed his versatility throughout the tournament and this game wasn't any different. The big lead guard finished with a line of 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals in 35 minutes.
He buried two of his five 3-point attempts, a catch-and-shoot and the other a pick-and-roll pull-up, flashed the usage of his size/developing strength with a downhill contact finish and created for others from a live dribble.
Defensively, his length and activity produced his most notable sequence. First, getting into the passing lane for a steal, then stripping the ball at the point of attack for back to back points.
Omer Mayer I Lead Guard I Israel I 6'2"
Despite the rough shooting game (4-of-13 overall, 0-for-7 from deep), Mayer’s moments of smooth pull-up shooting, live dribble playmaking (four assists) and pick-and-roll feel continue to draw intrigue.
Shachar Doron I Lead Guard I Israel I 6'3"
Israel’s leading scorer at 19 points per game, Doron paced the game in scoring what felt like a sneaky 20 points. He was an efficient scorer that mainly got his points within the flow of the offense, including multiple level shotmaking, and capitalizing at the free throw line by sinking all eight of his attempts.
Pavle Misic I Big I Serbia I 6'10"
There wasn't anything flashy about Misic’s 14 points and five rebounds (three offensive) outing, but he found success as a below the rim play finisher and physical presence against the smaller Israel frontline to produce his best game of the tournament.
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