Rising Stars U18: Standouts after 5 games (part 2)

The first five games of this year's Rising Stars U18 have been completed, and there have been several standouts so far during those initial matches.

A tournament like the Rising Stars U18 provides players with the opportunity to face the best talents in the country, compete, and showcase their improvement. During the first five games of this year's campaign, several players stood out. In the initial edition of this year's Rising Stars U18 standouts, we featured two players who have excelled with their performances.

In this article, we will focus on additional standouts, now that we have a broader sample of their profiles and skillsets.

Panagiotis Pagonis (PF, 204cm/6’8, 2006, AONS Milon)

Panagiotis Pagonis is participating in the Rising Stars U18 for the second season, this time with Milon, having transferred from Peristeri. Throughout this season, he has emerged as one of the top performers in the tournament, garnering attention despite flying under the radar before the season began. Pagonis has made a significant impact with his on-court performances.

During the qualification tournament to secure a spot in the Rising Stars U18 regular season, Pagonis showcased impressive statistics. In the qualification round, he averaged 21.3 points (64.7% on 6.3/9.7 2PTS, 21.9% on 1/4.6 3PTS, and 59.7% on 5.7/9.3 FT), 13.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1 block per game over seven games.

In four games (he missed just one), he maintained high averages: 29.5 points (64.6% on 7.8/12 2PT, 37% on 2.5/6.8 3PT, and 70.3% on 6.5/9.3 FT), 15 rebounds, 1.8 assists (2.5 turnovers), 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 28 minutes of playing time.

Pagonis showcases guard-like movement on the floor, displaying speed both on-ball and off-ball. His agility, fluidity, and versatility make a significant impact on all aspects of his team's game. With effective dribbling and penetration, he utilizes his acceleration and good handling, demonstrating the potential to stretch the floor with his confident 3-point shot. His shooting mechanics are fluid, and he boasts a fast release.

Defensively, Pagonis excels as an exceptional rebounder, demonstrating instinct and good positioning. He aggressively pursues rebounds, and his shot-blocking potential is evident, whether defending forwards/centers or switching onto guards, thanks to his impressive lateral quickness.

Anastasis Rozakeas (F, 203cm/6‘8, 2006, Olympiacos)

Rozakeas showcased standout performances for Olympiacos in the initial weekend of the Rising Stars U18, averaging 15.2 points (3.4/5.8 - 58.6% 2PT, 1.6/7.4 - 21.6% 3PT, 3.6/5.6 FT), 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 32 minutes of playing time. Standing at 203cm/6'8, he is a versatile and mobile forward excelling in scoring, playmaking, and defense.

Offensively, Rozakeas demonstrated proficiency in both inside and outside scoring. He is confident in his shooting (although during the last two games he shot 0/13 behind the arc), never reluctant, with a fluid shooting mechanic and good range. His active contribution on the boards played a crucial role in initiating fast-break opportunities. Notably, his court vision and precise passing were evident with 3.2 assists and just 1.6 turnover.

Defensively, Rozakeas utilizes his length and agility effectively, making him a standout perimeter defender, either vs guards or vs forwards.

Grigoris Prekas (PF/SF, 202cm/6’8, 2006, Promitheas Patras)

Prekas, is a versatile player standing at 6'8, with above-average athleticism, who displays fluidity, mobility, and agility, making him effective on both ends of the court. Prekas averages in 5 games: 15 points (3.4/6 – 56.6% 2PT, 1.4/5.4 – 26%, 4/4.8 3PT – 83.3% FT), 7 rebounds (5 offensive, 2 defensive), 3 assists (with 3 turnovers), 2 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 27 minutes of playing time.

Offensively, Prekas leans towards a perimeter-oriented style, excelling in driving to the basket with impressive acceleration and change of direction. His transition game is notable, showcasing correct and fast floor running. He confidently utilizes his 3-point shot in various scenarios, including spot-up situations, weak-side threats, and plays involving pin downs and flare screens. In pick-and-roll situations, he opts to pop after the screen, displaying a fluid and quick shooting mechanic with a high release point. Despite not frequently posting up, he capitalizes on mismatches against guards or weaker opponents, exhibiting excellent touches and finishes.

Defensively, Prekas emphasizes a perimeter-oriented approach, demonstrating proficiency in switching and defending against guards. His length and active hands contribute to ball pressure and steals, effectively disrupting passing lanes. He hustles to secure possessions through steals or rebounds, showcasing good timing and coordination.

Apostolos Nikolaidis (PG, 191cm/6’3, 2006, Panerythraikos)

Apostolos Nikolaidis, the younger brother of Alexandros Nikolaidis currently playing in Marousi, has made a strong impression in the early stages of this year's Rising Stars U18 with Panerythraikos. He is a versatile and agile two-way point guard.

Nikolaidis stands out as a leader on his team, excelling in both rebounds and assists while ranking as the second-highest scorer. Despite Panerythraikos winning only one game so far, their close losses in tightly contested games underscore Nikolaidis' impact. He exhibits a statline reminiscent of Nick Calathes, showcasing his role as a facilitating point guard influencing every aspect of his team's play.

Nikolaidis primarily attacks by driving to the basket, demonstrating strong finishing skills and leveraging his acceleration and change of direction. He excels in orchestrating fast breaks, running the floor efficiently, and effectively creating open looks for teammates. Defensively, Nikolaidis applies significant pressure on ball defense, showcasing a keen sense for steals. He contributes on the boards, serving as his team's leading rebounder and coming close to a double-double in various games.

In five games he averages: 14.8 points (3.8/6.8 - 55.9% 2PT, 1/5.6 - 18% 3PT, 4.2/5.2 - 80.8% FT), 9.8 rebounds, 5 assists (3.5 TO), 2.4 steals and 0.2 blocks in 32:36 of playing time.