Eurocup Rookies

In less than two weeks a new Eurocup season begins. After many stars have left to the big Euroleague teams, and the tournament's format has been changed several times, the Eurocup doesn't seem to become as glamerous as it was years ago. But there are also interesting newcomers to the league who could step it up a notch.

David Stockton, Guard, Cedevita Zagreb

The son of the NBA hall-of-famer John Stockton is a promising basketball talent. Just like his father, David Stockton developed his skills in the small Gonzaga college as a PG. And in many more ways he has a lot in common with his father: He is a short guard with excellent understanding of the game, with breath-taking assists and an ability to sink shots from every point. However, he is physically more limited than legendary John Stockton. His lack of athleticism is the reason why he is not in the NBA. But in Europe, with a gameplay that demands less athleticism, he might have a chance to shine.

Amar'e Stoudemire, Power Forward/Center, Hapoel Jerusalem

There is no need to introduce this player. After a long, succesful carreer in the NBA, Stoudemire surprised many by signing at Hapoel Jerusalem. In pre-season games he showed the right attitude: he is a mentor for Jerusalem's younger players. Still, there are some unsolved questions concerning Stoudemire's new adventure in the Eurocup: Will he be able to fit the European style of the game which is less physical? Can he guard shorter, quicker centers and forwards? Can the soon-to-be 34 year old, who repeatingly suffered from knee injuries, play the entire season with the same intensivity? If he is able to do all that, Hapoel will dominate the paint for the whole season.

Malcolm Miller, Small Forward, Alba Berlin

Alba Berlin is known for it's good scouting. Almost every season they draft a young prospect who turns into a Euroleague roster player just a few years later. This year Malcolm Miller could be the one. He has the whole package: Good shooting from behind the arch, great free throw precentage, amazing athleticism and the ability to draw fouls. And in the defense he is even better. Miller has extremely quick hands, collects a lot of steals and he is probably the best blocker among SFs in the Eurocup. Miller finished his senior year in Holy Cross with an average of 1.6 blocks per game. Great numbers for a a big man, absolutely amazing statistic for a 2.01m player.

Perry Jones, Forward, Khimki Moscow

Back in high school Perry Jones was considered one of the best players nationwide. In college he played for Baylor, one of the best schools for forwards to learn the game (he was playing there with Quincy Miller, one of the Euroleague's best forwards in the previous season). He was a first-round-pick in 2012 and played three years for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Eventually it didn't work out with the NBA, but still, Jones is a tremendous athlete. He is extremely quick, he can handle the ball well and has a great size, even for NBA standards. He might be another unstoppable “Forguard”. European basketball loves those kind of players.