2023 U18 European Championship Quarterfinals: Top Standouts from Spain Versus Turkey
The U18 European Championship offers an opportunity to get eyes on a wealth of talented international prospects and future NBA players. Spain’s 75-67 win over Turkey proved to be one of the better matchups of the tournament to do so.
Who stood out most in this matchup?
Hugo Gonzalez I Small Wing I Spain I 6'4"
Displaying his twoway upside, Gonzalez was the best player on the floor. He stuffed the stat sheet with an efficient 22 points, 12 rebounds (four offensive) plus a disruptive three steals and blocks.
Gonzalez delivered vicious poster dunks from forceful slashes and cuts, hit the offensive glass for second chance points, and offered a skilled shotmaking moment while generating defensive events with help blocks and steals. The activity, hustle and determination he plays with is both endearing and valuable. With each viewing over the past couple of years, Gonzalez’s NBA future looks even more promising.
Aday Mara I Big I Spain I 7'3"
A preseason consensus first rounder and potential lottery pick on a share of early 2024 NBA draft mocks/big boards, Mara is the most known mainstream NBA draft prospect in the tournament. His tantalizing combination of size, length, fluidity, touch, basketball IQ and passing was on display again en route to scoring 10 points, grabbing eight rebounds (four offensive), dishing four assists and swatting five shots.
Mara showed off his pairing of footwork and touch with jump hooks with both hands, stationary and on the playmaking, and presence as a play finisher and rim protector due to his size and length.
A couple critical long term needed areas of improvement were highlighted throughout the game in his lack of vertical pop and NBA ready strength. Mara missed a couple of lob finishes. partly due to good defense and lacking explosive physical tools, and couldn’t consistently hold his spots in the post. Despite those well known improvement areas, Mara’s talent level is undeniable.
Ozgur Cengiz I Lead Guard I Turkey I 6'1"
Cengiz kept Turkey in the game with his blend of craft, pull-up shooting, pick-and-roll play and fiery spirit (even received a tech in the fourth quarter) to pour in to score both a game and personal tournament-high, 33 points.
He struggled with his efficiency (33 points on 33 shot attempts), just as he has all tournament (31.6% on 92 attempts in five games), especially as a rim and paint finisher in traffic. As a smaller guard, his growth as a paint finisher, consistent shooter and decision maker will be key to monitor.
Mehmet Efe Demirel I Big I Turkey I 7'0"
Despite having his plate full against Mara on both ends of the floor, Demirel had a solid game, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds (three offensive), giving him a double-digit scoring outing in each of Turkey’s five games. His package of functional movement skills, mid-range shotmaking and touch continue to make him one of Turkey’s best long term prospects to track.
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