On an Island
Deondre Burns (fiba.basketball)
The Top Young(er) Players in OPAP League Cyprus
Five top league games in six days without driving more than a total of 500 kilometers - few countries offer more appealing conditions for a short and spontaneous scouting trip than Cyprus. And that is without the island's mediterranean climate being taken into account. The league is more competitive than many people would expect and quite a few teams resort to signing intriguing first-year pros due to modest budgets.
Here are our picks when it comes to OPAP League standouts to follow:
1. Deondre Burns - SG - Keravnos BC - Score: 73/100
We did not even get to see who arguably is the best player Cyprus has to offer these days as Keravnos were away on FIBA Europe Cup duties. A prototypical shooting guard with few weaknesses, the only knock on him might be that he can really only play one position. Has the skill set and body to excel at higher levels. Many were surprised to see him re-sign with the Nicosia outfit.
2. Brison Gresham - C - AEK Larnaca - Score: 71/100
Probably OPAP League's most intriguing long-term prospect who brings tremendous upside as a higher-level small ball 5. Superb athlete and a game-changer at the defensive end. His offense is slowly coming along after not having been used throughout his collegiate career.
3. Travin Thibodeaux - C/PF - APOEL Nicosia - Score: 69/100
Maybe the biggest overall talent in Cyprus. Can do it all as a modern mobile big: post up, shoot from mid-range and even from the perimeter, roll to the rim. Plus rebounder and a fairly good interior passer. Lacks consistent focus, though, and takes plays off, not necessarily for a lack of effort but due to concentration issues.
4. Tray Buchanan - SG/PG - AEL BC Limassol - Score: 68/100
The NCAA II's leading scorer in 21/22 certainly knows how to get buckets. But he does so without being an inefficient volume shooter. Maintains high percentages despite taking high-difficulty shots on a regular basis. And there is pick-and-roll upside, as well, even as a passer.
5. Carlbe Ervin - PG/SG - APOEL Nicosia - Score: 67/100
In a league full of scoring guards, Ervin is more of a true point guard who tries to get his teammates involved. Comes with an impressive physique that allows him to post up smaller opponents, rebound with the bigs and switch onto centers.
6. Zach Thomas - SF/PF - Keravnos BC - Score: 67/100
The former NBA Summer League and Serie A Italy forward has hit the ground running in Cyprus. Extremely efficient sharpshooter with an elevated basketball IQ. Has struggled to stick at the top levels but an established commodity one notch below. Still only 26.
7. Mikey Dixon - SG/PG - Etha Engomis - Score: 66/100
Calls himself “pointgod” on social media but is more of a scorer at this stage. Can really catch fire from beyond the arc and had a 48-point outing this season. Not a pure shooter, though, his quickness also allows him to get to the basket when guarded closely.
8. Pauly Paulicap - C - Anorthosis Famagusta - Score: 65/100
Energizer with a tremendous motor. Smallball 5 who does all his damage around the rim. Rim runner, but can also operate in the post some. Runs the floor with reckless abandon. Not very polished, a non-shooter and non-passer.
9. Malik Curry - SG/PG - Etha Engomis - Score: 65/100
Lefty scorer who puts a ton of pressure on the rim. Sits at more than ten free throw attempts per game. Comes across as a bit cocky and not a true point guard, but a challenging matchup for every opponent. Higher up this list when it comes to pure talent.
10. Aaron Cook - PG - EN Paralimni - Score: 64/100
Played high-major college ball at Gonzaga and Georgia. Production in his first season as a pro has been up-and-down. But there is upside, as he tries to be a real point guard and brings an interesting tool kit at the defensive end.
Other OPAP League players who caught our eye during the trip: Apollon's trio of bigs Taylor Adway (athletic) and Zane Waterman (crafty) plus Cotonou scorer Milan Acquaah, Buchanan's AEL backcourt mate and former BYU standout Brandon Averette, Etha's intriguing point forward Madut Akec, Paralimni's athletic Cotonou big Stephen Ugochukwu and Omonia's slashing combo Cody John.
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