PHOTO: Pep Morata
ONE TO WATCH: Luka Doncic – Real Madrid; The Next European Superstar
NBA fans always love a new prospect, and 17-year old Luka Doncic has already got the attention of NBA scouts throughout the association.
Doncic, who currently plays for European powerhouses Real Madrid, is flourishing despite his tender age. Madrid are sitting second in the EuroLeague, which is widely regarded as the second best league in the world after the NBA.
NBA scouts are drooling at the potential of Doncic, who already stands at 6”7’and is reportedly still growing. At 6”7’, he may be tall, but Doncic plays the point guard position. Doncic is eligible for the NBA draft in 2018, but it is reported that Real Madrid will offer the Slovenian born international a substantial five-year contract that could see him stay in Europe until he’s 21 years old. This may be tougher than they anticipate, as Doncic is seen as potentially one of the best Europeans prospects of his generation.
After becoming the youngest player to ever debut for Real Madrid at just 16 years old, he has continued to impress and ride the upward spiral of development in the fundamentals of European basketball.
Doncic was recently named player of the week for the first time in his career in round 11 in the Liga ABC after scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Just two rounds later, Doncic won his first EuroLeague MVP of the round after dropping 16 points, dishing five assists and grabbing six boards in Madrid’s win over Brose Bamberg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aONdtdhqXs8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCy75Mft8ns
Doncic’s journey into the NBA in projected similar to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio. He can play both the point guard and shooting guards positons, and his attributes include athleticism, basketball intelligence and ability to play against older players. He has a competitive drive, as well as unique versatility with the ability to dribble with both hands, rebound, shoot with range as well as passing and scoring in a variety of ways.
There is little doubt Doncic will grace American shores in the not-so-distant future, be prepared to hear his name called on draft night 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waLnJeZupzQ
