Youngsters in the A1 2007-2008

[Trifilli]

I thought that it'd be a nice idea where we can chat about the young players in the A1 for the 2007-2008 season, stating our expectations, discussing good performances by youngsters throughout the season, etc...

With the season start being only a few days away, I'm interested in your opinion on who are the young players to watch, and who could have a breakthrough season.

My candidates for this are the following (I selected players who're 21 years or younger):

Breakthrough season candidates:

Dusan Sakota (Panionios - SF/PF/2.09m, 1986/21 years)
Dimitris Verginis (PAOK - PG/1.91m, 1987/20 years)
Giorgos Trichopoulos (Olympia Larissa - PG/1.97m, 1987/20 years)
Dimitris Lolas (Aigaleo - SF/PF/2.01m, 1986/21 years)

These players had a good preparation, played well in the friendlies and received quite some playtime - of course this is no guarantee for a breakthrough season, but the chance is there at least. I expect the most from Dusan Sakota (who already spent 4 seasons with Panathinaikos, but will now play his first A1 season with major minutes most likely) and from Dimitris Verginis (he should get a real chance of running the point for quite some minutes this year, looking at PAOKs roster) actually.

Other youngsters to watch (small to no chance for a breakthrough season though):

Alexandros Sigounas (Panionios - PF/2.03m, 1988/19 years)
Giannis Vassiliou (PAOK - G/1.93m, 1987/20 years)
Karolos Galasoulas (PAOK - G/1.90m, 1988/19 years)
Charis Giannopoulos (PAOK - SF/2.01m, 1989/18 years)
Giannis Karagiolidis (Olympia Larissa - SG/SF/1.95m, 1989/18 years)
Lefteris Neofitidis (Olympia Larissa - PF/2.08m, 1986/21 years)
Nikos Theodorakos (Olympia Larissa - SF/PF/2.02m, 1989/18 years)
Petros Noeas (Maroussi - SF/PF/2.05m, 1987/20 years)
Stavros Toutziarakis (Maroussi - C/2.09m, 1987/19 years)
Epameinondas Papantoniou (Maroussi - G/1.90m, 1990/17 years)
Simos Ioakeimidis (Olympiada Patras - SG/1.97m, 1989/18 years)
Giannis Vavatsikos (Olympiada Patras - PF/2.02m, 1990/17 years)
Giorgos Theodorakos (Olympiada Patras - PF/2.01m, 1988/19 years)
Vassilis Moutsios (Olympiada Patras - SG/1.87m, 1988/19 years)
Anastasios Traianos (AEL - SG/SF/1.98m, 1987/20 years)
Vangelis Sakellariou (Aigaleo - SF/2.01m, 1989/18 years)

These players should/might play limited A1 minutes, but won't have a role big enough to have a chance for a breakthrough season most likely. Some of these guys might want to seek their chance in the case that injuries plague their teams. I didn't include youngsters with next to no chance for A1 playtime. What do you guys think? Did I miss anybody? Or would you rate a player different? Let us know your opinion

[ziv]

he isn't too young but i'm realy interested to see how will the aussie Brad Newly do in europe. i guess it'll take him some time to adjust. as far as i saw him he's a quite player not trying to force his game and as such i don't think he'll post great figures right from the start.

[Trifilli]

he isn't too young but i'm realy interested to see how will the aussie Brad Newly do in europe. i guess it'll take him some time to adjust. as far as i saw him he's a quite player not trying to force his game and as such i don't think he'll post great figures right from the start.

Actually Newley played a pretty good preparation. He may need some more time to adjust, but so far he looks pretty good already. Btw, I didn't include players older than 21 or foreigners in my list (also because it'd have been a bit much, and because a few of the older player already had their breakthrough season), but of course that doesn't mean that we can't discuss these players here (afterall Newley is only 22 for example).

[fasoulaki]

I am very curious to see how Michalis Tsairelis will develop know that he was signed by Aris.

Michalis Tsairelis(Aris Saloniki, PF/SF/2.06,1988,19 years)

[ArkadiosV2]

What about Jankovic?

[Buducnost PG]

What about the most talented player of all listed above Milos Teodosic? Or are you only wanted to speak about greek players?

[Buducnost PG]

I am very curious to see how Michalis Tsairelis will develop know that he was signed by Aris.

Michalis Tsairelis(Aris Saloniki, PF/SF/2.06,1988,19 years)

Isn´t he more PF/C then PF/SF?

[Trifilli]

I am very curious to see how Michalis Tsairelis will develop know that he was signed by Aris.

Michalis Tsairelis(Aris Saloniki, PF/SF/2.06,1988,19 years)

Yeah, I missed him, thanks. He only played a few minutes in the preparation though, guess that he belongs to the group of players to watch and without a decent chance for a breakthrough season.

What about Jankovic?

Didn't play at all in the preparation yet. He's currently playing quite well with the greek U18 NT at the Sea Games in Saloniki, which might be an explanation for that, but it remains to be seen if he can get regular A1 minutes this season (Nikos Pappas of Panellinios is a similar case btw, he played a bit in the preparation though, same applies to Epameinondas Papantoniou of Maroussi).

What about the most talented player of all listed above Milos Teodosic? Or are you only wanted to speak about greek players?

I'll quote a part of my answer to ziv as an answer to this question

Btw, I didn't include players older than 21 or foreigners in my list (also because it'd have been a bit much, and because a few of the older player already had their breakthrough season), but of course that doesn't mean that we can't discuss these players here

[fasoulaki]

Isn´t he more PF/C then PF/SF?

He played center with the youth national team but in the greek part of the ARIS website it is mentioned that he is a PF but also can play a SF.

[THRYLOS]

He played center with the youth national team but in the greek part of the ARIS website it is mentioned that he is a PF but also can play a SF.

I don't think he will get a chance at ARIS, or do you remember a greek youngster managing to get a roster spot in the last years?

[THRYLOS]

Verginis has been doing a very good job in the last two games for PAOK; Good scoring, good percentages and imroving organization in the game. He is the really hot candidate fpr a break-through season. Apart from him, I am impressed by the pt Printezis gets by Geshon. He has developed into a starter with solid performances. Vassiliadis has shown quite a lot in the games against Bologna and Maroussi. He is also gaining Pinchas' trust.
Perperoglou on the other hand seems to have taken the wrong decision by going to PAO. I am sure he will leave the club next season.

[Trifilli]

Here's a statistical update on some of the 1986-1990 youngsters in the A1:

Dusan Sakota:
A1 Stats: 5 Games, 25.8mpg, 14.8ppg (100% FT, 75% 2P, 53% 3P), 4.2rpg, 1.2apg
ULEB Cup: 3 Games, 27.55mpg, 9.7ppg (50% FT, 25% 2P, 50% 3P), 3rpg, 1.3bpg, 1spg

Dimitris Verginis:
A1 Stats: 5 Games, 24mpg, 10.2ppg (100% FT, 50% 2P, 37% 3P), 2apg, 1rpg
FE Cup Stats: 1 Game, 25mins, 13pts (100% FT, 20% 2P, 75% 3P)

Giorgos Trichopoulos:
A1 Stats: 5 Games, 13mpg, 1.6ppg (75% FT, 14% 2P, 16% 3P), 1.4rpg
FE Cup Stats: 1 Game, 10mins, 2pts (100% 2P), 3st, 1ast

Dimitris Lolas:
A1 Stats: 5 Games, 8mpg, 0.6ppg, 1rpg


Alexandros Sigounas: DNP
Giannis Vassiliou: DNP
Karolos Galasoulas: DNP
Charis Giannopoulos: DNP
Giannis Karagiolidis: DNP
Lefteris Neofitidis: DNP

Nikos Theodorakos:
A1 Stats: 2 Games, 6mpg

Petros Noeas:
A1 Stats: 2 Games, 12mpg, 2.5ppg (100% 2P, 16% 3P), 1.5rpg, 1spg
FE Cup Stats: 1 Game, 7mins

Stavros Toutziarakis:
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 1min
FE Cup Stats: 1 Game, 11mins, 2pts (100% FT),

Epameinondas Papantoniou: DNP

Simos Ioakeimidis:
A1 Stats: 3 Games, 2.3mpg, 1ppg (100% 3P)
FE Cup Stats: 2 Games, 3mpg

Giannis Vavatsikos: DNP

Giorgos Theodorakos:
A1 Stats: 2 Games, 1mpg, 1rpg
FE Cup Stats: 1 Game, 1min

Vassilis Moutsios: DNP
Anastasios Traianos: DNP
Vangelis Sakellariou: DNP

Others:

Nikos Pappas: (Panellinios)
ULEB Cup Stats: 1 Game, 12.33mins, 2pts (100% 2P), 1rbd

Vladimiros Jankovic: (Panionios)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 2mins

Dimitris Katiakos: (Panionios)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 2mins

Michalis Tsairelis: (Aris)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 1min

Dimitris Karadolamis: (Aris)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 1min

[Trifilli]

Time for another update:

Dusan Sakota: (Panionios)
A1 Stats: 17 Games, 29mpg, 11.4ppg (96% FT, 64% 2P, 43% 3P), 4.7rpg, 1.1spg
UC Stats: 12 Games, 26.5mpg, 10.8ppg (81.8% FT, 53.1% 2P, 41.3% 3P), 3.1rpg, 1.1apg
Dimitris Verginis: (PAOK)
A1 Stats: 16 Games, 24.9mpg, 11.6ppg (85% FT, 36% 2P, 39% 3P), 2.1apg, 1.5rpg
FE Stats: 7 Games, 25.1mpg, 11ppg (93.3% FT, 56.3% 2P, 31% 3P), 1.9apg, 1.4rpg, 1.1spg
Giorgos Trichopoulos: (Olympia Larissa)
A1 Stats: 13 Games, 9.8mpg, 1.4ppg (66% FT, 26% 2P, 20% 3P)
FE Stats: 5 Games, 9.4mpg, 0.8ppg (50% 2P, 0% 3P)
Dimitris Lolas: (Aigaleo)
A1 Stats: 13 Games, 8.9mpg, 1.5ppg (80% FT, 61% 2P, 0% 3P), 1.3rpg
Alexandros Sigounas: (Panionios)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 1:41mins
Giannis Vassiliou: (PAOK)
FE Stats: 2 Games, 6mpg, 0.5ppg (50% FT)
Karolos Galasoulas: (PAOK)
FE Stats: 2 Games, 1.5mpg
Charis Giannopoulos: (PAOK)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 3.19mins
FE Stats: 2 Games, 7.5mpg, 2ppg (50% FT, 0% 2P, 100% 3P), 1.5rpg
Giannis Karagiolidis: (Olympia Larissa)
DNP
Lefteris Neofitidis: (Olympia Larissa)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 2pts (100% 2P), 1rbd
FE Stats: 2 Games, 3.5mpg, 1ppg (100% 2P)
Nikos Theodorakos: (Olympia Larissa)
A1 Stats: 4 Games, 5.3mpg
FE Stats: 4 Games, 4.8mpg, 1spg
Petros Noeas: (Maroussi)
A1 Stats: 13 Games, 5.5mpg, 0.9ppg (16% 2P, 33% 3P)
FE Stats: 2 Games, 7.5mpg, 1ppg (33.3% 2P)
Stavros Toutziarakis: (Maroussi)
A1 Stats: 4 Games, 2.6mpg
FE Stats: 2 Games, 8mpg, 3.5ppg (75% FT, 50% 2P), 1rpg
Epameinondas Papantoniou: (Maroussi)
A1 Stats: 2 Games, 0.7mpg
Simos Ioakeimidis: (Olympiada Patras)
A1 Stats: 5 Games, 3.1mpg, 1.2ppg (0% 2P, 66% 3P)
FE Stats: 3 Games, 6.3mpg, 1ppg (0% 2P, 50% 3P), 1rpg
Giannis Vavatsikos: (Olympiada Patras)
DNP
Giorgos Theodorakos: (Olympiada Patras)
A1 Stats: 4 Games, 5.4mpg, 1ppg (100% FT, 50% 2P, 0% 3P), 1rpg
FE Stats: 2 Games, 17.5mpg, 3ppg (0% 2P, 50% 3P)
Vassilis Moutsios: (Olympiada Patras)
A1 Stats: 4 Games, 1.6mpg
Anastasios Traianos: (AEL)
DNP
Vangelis Sakellariou: (Aigaleo)
A1 Stats: 3 Games, 1.5mpg
Nikos Pappas: (Panellinios)
A1 Stats: 6 Games, 3.2mpg, 0.5ppg (0% FT, 0% 2P, 50% 3P)
UC Stats: 2 Games, 6.5mpg, 1ppg (100% 2P)
Vladimiros Jankovic: (Panionios)
A1 Stats: 4 Games, 3.6mpg, 2.5ppg (0% FT, 50% 2P, 66% 3P)
UC Stats: 2 Games, 1mpg, 1.5ppg (50% 3P)
Dimitris Katiakos: (Panionios)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 2:43mins, 1ast
Michalis Tsairelis: (Aris)
A1 Stats: 5 Games, 2.5mpg
Dimitris Karadolamis: (Aris)
A1 Stats: 3 Games, 1.8mpg
EL Stats: 2 Games, 1.4mpg
Marios Matalon: (Kolossos Rhodes)
A1 Stats: 6 Games, 4.7mpg, 1.5ppg (80% FT, 25% 2P, 100% 3P), 0.7apg
Giannis Karavasanis: (Olympia Larissa)
FE Stats: 1 Game, 1min
Aris Tatarounis: (Panathinaikos)
A1 Stats: 3 Games, 4.5mpg, 1.7ppg (33% 2P, 50% 3P), 1rpg
EL Stats: 1 Game, 3.47mins
Gaios Skordilis: (Aris)
A1 Stats: 1 Game, 1.43mins, 2pts (100% 2P)

[Vasileios Spanoulis]

Verginis, Tatarounis are good hopes for Greek team in the future.

[Turkish Airlines Euroleague]

Tatarounis who ??? C'mon, just because he's playing in PAO, doesn't make him "big and good hope for the future"...