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The December Monthly Report opens by highlighting that two of the players mentioned in the PREVIOUS report have changed teams in the meantime: DJ Burns has left Sigal Pristina as a dominant force in the Kosovo SuperLiga to make an immediate impact with a double-double at Maccabi RiShon Lezion in Israel. Even more surprising has been Dae Dae Grant’s impact in Spain with Rio Breogan Lugo, where he was the top scorer in a crucial matchup against Girona for an important victory.
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FINLAND
In Finland, the level of interest in emerging players remains high, as mentioned in last month’s report. In addition to rookies Symir Torrence and Anthony Roberts, known for their efficiency despite not being top scorers, other newcomers in Europe are making a mark. Among them is the big man from the league leaders Helsinki, Kalib Boone, who, despite limited playing time, stands out for his rim protection skills (2.2 blocks per game) and rebounding. Another name to watch is the newcomer Mason Walters, coming from Wyoming after a record-breaking NAIA career, where he was player of the year over Riley Minix. Walters could be the ideal complement to his teammate Blake Francis, forming a duo that, albeit in a minor key, resembles the connection that the point guard had at Richmond with Grant Golden.
In Kataja, currently second in the standings, shines KeShawn Curry, the league’s top scorer, who after experiences in Sweden, Romania, and Portugal is proving capable of handling a larger usage. In addition to scoring, he stands out for his ability to involve teammates (4.3 assists per game), including Naje Smith, a versatile player capable of contributing in every statistic. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed the rise of Kaden Anderson, coming from D-2 and with a stint in the German Pro-A, and Carlos Marshall.
In the second division, however, I highlight performances of great impact, such as those of athletic wing Jordan O’Neal and point guard Jamal Hartwell, who, despite a year gap, is showcasing the talent he had already demonstrated while playing alongside Zyon Pullin at UC Riverside.
LATVIA – ESTONIA
The Latvian-Estonian League continues to grow, with two prominent organizations like VEF Riga and Kalev/Cramo capable of competing at the European level. Among the Estonians, it is unfortunate to report a new injury for Hugo Toom, who will have to be sidelined for a month and a half after returning positively from a long absence last season. The beneficiary has been the 2005-born Stefan Vaaks, who has delivered remarkable performances with an average of 25 points in the last two games, achieving his career highs.
In Riga, VEF features a more experienced roster but does not shy away from giving opportunities to interesting young talents like Peteris Pinnis, a promising 210 cm player with room for growth. However, from a scouting perspective, it is Rigas Zelli that attracts greater interest. After Kamaka Hepa, the team has found a new reference, also from Hawaii, in Justin McKoy, the team’s top scorer who is helping to elevate numerous local talents. Among these, 2002-born Kriss Helmanis stands out, a 210 cm player capable of stretching the floor and with good facilitation skills. After experiences in Spain and Germany, he is emerging in his home country.
A similar situation concerns 2001-born Roberts Berzins, who, after two seasons in the VEF rotations, became a key player with significant responsibilities at Zelli. Another name to follow is Kahliel Spear, who, despite a rookie year complicated by an injury and a season finale in Denmark, is now averaging a double-double with over 3 assists per game. What limits him is still an inconsistent three-point shot. A second year is also Omar El-Sheikh, an Egyptian inside player who, after performing well in Switzerland, is confirming himself in Tartu.
Among the rookies, the impact of Jalyn McCreary stands out, an excellent finisher with an impressive 66% from the field, limited shooting range but excelling in rebounds. M.J. Randolph confirms his presence; after positive experiences in Ireland and Austria, he continues to be an offensive reference point thanks to his ability to combine scoring and playmaking (4.5 assists per game).
SWEDEN
In Sweden, Boras leads the standings, thanks in part to the selection of a pair of forwards from the Czech league. However, one of them, Matt Johnson, is out for the rest of the season due to an injury. The other, Jase Townsend, is proving to be a top scorer, averaging over 24 points per game with an excellent 45.3% from three-point range on more than six attempts per game.
A rookie to keep an eye on is Tahlik Chavez, who at Koping is taking on greater offensive responsibilities compared to his time at Louisiana Tech, where he was the alternative to Isiah Crawford. So far, he is maintaining excellent shooting percentages: over 53% from two-point range and 39% from three-point range. Derek St. Hilaire is also averaging over 20 points in his first European experience, but his scoring abilities are not enough to lift Umea, which remains at the bottom of the league.
With the same team, the potential of Alonzo Gaffney struggles to emerge: after a good start, the long series of losses has affected his performance. Although he continues to be a valuable rim protector (1.8 blocks per game) and a solid rebounder, he suffers from shooting percentage issues from three-point range and a high number of fouls.
Among the former stars of NCAA D-II, the fates are contrasting. Larry Wise struggles to establish himself at Sodertalje, while Shane Hunter has made an extraordinary impact with the national champions of Norrköping, both in the league (16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds) and internationally, with high-level performances in the FIBA Europe Cup as well.