The Rookie Class 2024 in European Leagues

With the new year, we are identifying the most promising talents from the Class of 2024 who have decided to embark on their professional careers overseas. A group of players transitioning from the NCAA has already made their mark in these early months, showcasing the potential to make a significant impact on major European courts in the coming seasons.

This analysis is brought to you by Basketball Scouting Service, a platform dedicated to uncovering new talent and supporting international sports organizations. Our database, featuring over 900 player profiles and regularly updated with new additions, is an indispensable resource for those seeking detailed insights into the best NCAA prospects. The Class of 2025 is currently being published exclusively for subscribers and will be available for the upcoming summer transfer window.

QUI LA VERSIONE ITALIANA PER PIANETABASKET.COM

HOT BEYOND THE ARC

D.J. HORNE (MLP Heidelberg, 185 cm – 79 kg) A standout rookie in the Bundesliga, Horne has chosen Europe over the G-League—a decision proving wise as he averages 14 points per game with a solid 37% from beyond the arc. While his playmaking still leaves room for growth, his impressive impact in one of Europe’s top leagues, especially in such a demanding role, combined with his notable growth potential, makes him a prospect to watch closely.

JOSEPH GIRARD (Nevezis Kedainiai, 188 cm – 86 kg) Nevezis Kedainiai continues its tradition of unearthing or revitalizing talent, and this year it’s Girard’s turn. The shooter, who transitioned from Syracuse to Clemson, leads the LKL in scoring with 21.5 points per game, boasting a stellar 43.4% from three on 9.4 attempts per game. A natural off-ball player with an excellent sense of rhythm, Girard also displays solid court vision, contributing 3 assists per game. However, his athletic profile remains a limitation, requiring careful management to maximize his strengths.

TYLER THOMAS (Alba Fehervar, 190 cm – 91 kg) One of the premier three-point shooters from the 2024 class has lived up to the hype: shooting an outstanding 47.1% in his domestic league and 41.4% in the FIBA Europe Cup. But there’s more to his game—Thomas is an above-average athlete, pulling down over 4 rebounds per game, and shows signs of becoming a versatile scorer with the tools to attack the basket. While his future may lie as a second-unit offensive leader at a high level, improvements in playmaking and defensive intensity will be key to unlocking his full potential.

THE DUQUESNE CONNECTION

JIMMY CLARK (Bnei Herzliya, 191 cm – 84 kg) A standout for the fourth-ranked team in the Israeli league, trailing only the powerhouses of Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem. Clark is a high-energy player who thrives on attacking the rim, averaging over 17 points per game with an impressive 60% from two-point range. His all-around contributions include 6 assists and 2.5 steals per game, showcasing his value on both ends of the court. His biggest flaw? For some, it’s actually a hidden strength: his defensive intensity often leads to foul trouble. Once he adjusts to European officiating, Clark could develop into one of the league’s most formidable lockdown defenders.

DAE DAE GRANT (Rio Breogan Lugo, 188 cm – 84 kg) Grant’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and proof of the power of scouting. Overlooked during the summer, he began his professional career in North Macedonia, where it took just three games to catch the attention of Serbian scouts. At Radnički Kragujevac, he confirmed his talent, averaging 23 points, an outstanding 49.3% from three-point range on 7.4 attempts, along with over 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. An unexpected injury to Charlie Moore opened the doors for him in the ACB, where he made an immediate impact, debuting as the top scorer with 18 points in a critical victory over Girona.

THE YOUNGSTOWN STATE CONNECTION

BRANDON RUSH (BC Komarno, 191 cm – 88 kg) Slovakia may not be one of Europe’s top leagues, but scoring 53 points in a single game, with an outstanding 13/18 from beyond the arc, is impossible to ignore. Add a 40-point game and several other +30 performances, and it’s clear why he’s on everyone’s radar. A high-volume three-point shooter with a remarkable 40.2% success rate on 9.2 attempts per game, Rush is the league’s top scorer. He could follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Kevion Taylor, now shining in Turin’s Legadue. While his ball-handling and playmaking need further development, he’s unquestionably a scoring prospect to keep an eye on.

D.J. BURNS (Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion, 201 cm – 95 kg) A modern version of John Brown, Burns has made his way to Europe through unconventional paths. Starting in Kosovo, he dominated the league for 11 games, averaging 16 points and over 13 rebounds per outing. His performance earned him a call-up to Israel, where he hasn’t missed a beat: 20 points and 9 rebounds in his first four games. If he can develop a reliable three-point shot, his name will undoubtedly emerge at higher levels. His relentless energy and competitive edge make him the kind of player every fan dreams of watching.

HIDDEN ASSETS

JOHN NEWMAN (Kortrijk Spurs, 196 cm – 93 kg) The BNXT League has proven to be an excellent development ground for future European basketball stars, and Newman is a standout contributor for the league’s second-ranked team. A vital player with a chiseled physique and strong athleticism, he brings a defensive mindset honed at Cincinnati, where defense is a core philosophy. His efficient shot selection—60% from 2-point range and 49.1% from beyond the arc—complements his versatility, as shown by his 5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. While he may not take center stage, he has the potential to develop into a top-tier glue guy within a few seasons.

JOEL SCOTT (MPH Ludwigsburg, 201 cm – 102 kg) From setting records in NCAA Division II to a final collegiate year at Colorado State, Scott entered the European scene somewhat under the radar. A low-profile but highly productive player, he consistently contributes on both ends of the court—averaging 11.5 points and 5 rebounds in Bundesliga and FIBA Europe Cup action—with an impressive 60% shooting accuracy from 2-point range. Defensively, his versatility makes him an invaluable asset. However, his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, as he currently converts under 30% from long range.

DOMINANT BIGS

FARDAWS AIMAQ (NHSZ Szolnok, 211 cm – 111 kg) The Canadian giant, a product of California University with an impressive collegiate résumé, has quickly established himself in Hungary as a force in the paint. Averaging 13 points and 13 rebounds per game, he lives up to the “double-double machine” label. His performances in the FIBA Europe Cup have been even more impressive, with averages of 16 points and 13 rebounds across six games. However, his efficiency around the rim—currently at 47%—remains an area for improvement to make him a more reliable interior scorer.

T.J. BICKERSTAFF (AEL Limassol, 206 cm – 100 kg) After a standout season at James Madison University, Bickerstaff’s arrival in Cyprus might seem surprising, but he has been nothing short of dominant. In a league known for occasionally producing breakout players, he stands out with averages of 18 points, 13 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2 steals per game. However, his lack of progress in developing a reliable outside shot could hinder his chances of climbing the ranks in European basketball.

QUDUS WAHAB (BC Lavrio, 211 cm – 111 kg) The Greek team Lavrio has once again shown its knack for uncovering rookie talent. The Nigerian center has made an immediate impact, demonstrating impressive efficiency with a 73.5% field goal percentage from inside the arc—one of the best in Europe. He pairs this with a consistent presence on the boards, averaging 7.1 rebounds per game, and provides reliable rim protection, all in just 25 minutes of play. To fully reach his potential, Wahab will need to work on extending his shooting range and managing foul trouble more effectively.

UNLOCK THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN BASKETBALL

With over 40,000 annual visits, 900 players in our database, and 150 scouting assistance reports shared with clients, Basketball Scouting Service stands out for its commitment to providing an unparalleled level of analysis. Unlike traditional scouting platforms that rely solely on stats, we deliver comprehensive player profiles that go beyond the numbers, offering in-depth evaluations tailored to the needs of clubs and agencies.

Featuring 290 players from the 2024 class and ongoing work on the 2025 class, the platform ensures exclusive insights into tomorrow’s stars. Our independent assessments empower clients to make informed decisions, minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities in building competitive rosters.

Discover how our expertise can give you an edge—explore the database or dive into a player profile today to experience the difference. Stay ahead of the game and shape the future of European basketball with us.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SAMPLE PLAYER PROFILE