Our weekly scouting lens is back on Europe’s talent scene: who’s trending up, who’s showing real potential, and which names deserve attention right now.
Rookie Team of the Week
- RAY’SEAN TAYLOR – Newcastle Eagles (ENG) – 32 pts, 9/14 2-P, 3 rbs, 3 ass, 9 frv – 39 index
- LATRELL REID – Esgueira Aveiro (POR) – 22 pts, 6/10 2-P, 9 rbs, 8 ass, 7 frv – 35 index
- XAVIER DUSELL – BK Liepaja (LAT) – 31 pts, 8/13 2-P, 6 rbs – 26 index
- C.J. WALKER – Elitzur Yavne (ISR) – 33 pts, 10/19 2-P, 7 rbs – 33 index
- BRANDON HUNTLEY-HATFIELD – Keravnos BC (CYP) – 21 pts, 9/14 2-P, 18 rbs, 2 blk – 43 index
- JAMARII THOMAS – Apollon Limassol (CYP) – 37 pts, 5/9 2-P, 4/8 3-P, 15/18 FT, 12 frv, 4 ass – 39 index
Beyond the Boxscore
Two of this week’s biggest outings came from one of Europe’s most underrated proving grounds for rookies: Cyprus. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield dominated with a 21-point, 18-rebound double-double leading Keravnos to an easy win, while Jamarii Thomas nearly shocked APOEL with 37 points and relentless energy. Both already look like the kind of explosive athletes who can turn early-season exposure into real traction on the market. Ray’Sean Taylor produced another high-level losing effort, going off for 32 points against EuroCup powerhouse London Lions. His off-the-dribble creation continues to translate, even against elite physicality.
In Latvia, Xavier DuSell took the spotlight in a high-scoring duel with Quion Burns, and came out on top. The former Nevada guard remains one of the early-season scoring leaders across the Baltic region. C.J. Walker made a strong professional debut in Israel, dropping 33 points and setting the tone for what could be a breakout rookie campaign. Rounding out the list, Latrell Reid flirted with a triple-double in Portugal, showing the all-around impact and composure that make him one of the most intriguing backcourt rookies to follow this season.
HONORABLE MENTION: Jalen Blackmon (Hubo Limburg) poured in 28 points on 4-of-7 from deep, leading his team to their first win of the season. He’s currently the BNXT top scorer at over 31 points per game. We featured him, along with other must-track rookies from the league, in last week’s exclusive scouting analysis.
Note: Great Osobor (Jena) wasn’t overlooked, our focus remains on rookies still under broader radar. The Washington product had a strong showing with 28 points and 9 rebounds on the road in Oldenburg, confirming his readiness for top-level competition.
Scouting Radar
A group of guards combining scoring instincts and playmaking control, each with a different way of impacting the offense. From efficient floor leaders to combo guards learning to run the show, these are four profiles worth keeping under close watch early in the season.
Ready to the Top – Daron “Fatts” Russell
U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca – 180 cm – [READ THE PROFILE]
Often labeled as a scorer, Russell hides a far more advanced playmaking sense. Over the last two seasons in Turkey, he posted a 9.5% turnover rate with an assist share consistently above 31% and a cumulative 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio: elite control for a high-usage guard. He brings BCL experience and now debuts in EuroCup, proving that size hasn’t limited his ability to run a team at continental level.
Our Take: Already managing the pace in the ABA Liga, his next challenge is breaking into a EuroLeague-level rotation as a secondary creator.
Next Step – Joel Murray
Antwerp Giants – 183 cm – [READ THE PROFILE]
After an injury-delayed start to his pro career, Murray has quickly found his rhythm in the BNXT League. Last season he combined playmaking and control: 39.2% AST%, 63.7% TS%, though turnovers (15.4%) still weigh on his overall efficiency. He’s a patient half-court organizer, selective with his shot but capable of scoring in spurts when required.
Our Take: A pivotal season ahead. If he keeps efficiency high while cutting down turnovers, he could soon lead a team in leagues like Lithuania, Poland, or low-level Germany’s BBL.
Solid Pick – Corey Allen
KK Cedevita Zagreb – 188 cm – [READ THE PROFILE]
Now in his fourth professional year, Allen has built a reputation for reliability. Following solid seasons in Romania, he’s showing the same structure in Croatia: 12.5% TO%, 31.7% AST%, a steady hand who keeps offenses functional. His TS% dropped from 61.8% to 52.4% last year but early signs this season suggest a return to balance. He’s not a flashy passer, but his floor leadership is visible in tempo and spacing.
Our Take: A dependable rotation guard, capable of being a trusted backup in upper-tier leagues or a full-time starter in mid-level European teams with continental ambitions.
Free Agent – Al Gilbert
No Team – 183 cm – [READ THE PROFILE]
A proven European veteran with three national titles and multiple cup wins, Gilbert remains a name of interest for teams seeking structure. In Poland, he recorded a +3.1 AST/TO ratio and 33.5% AST%, confirming his ability to manage high-tempo systems. A low 9.6% TO% underscores his discipline, though his 48.6% TS% limits his appeal as a scoring threat.
Our Take: An experienced floor general who brings order, defensive communication, and efficient ball movement. A valuable addition for mid-level clubs needing leadership and stability.
