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ShareA Tough Transition
Scouting and drafting international players has always been a tough scene. Contractual issues have stopped some talent from making it to the NBA. Language barriers have made it hard for scouts to fully understand everything about a prospect. In addition to these obstacles, scouts must try to project to see how a player’s game is going to translate from an international game to the NBA game.
After Oleksiy Percherov of Ukraine worked out with the Sixers, he knew this experience would improve his game and eventually help him get to the NBA.
“I think it’s a good experience for me. It will help me a lot in my future. It’s a different kind of practice, different coaches. I think I can learn from this,” said Pecherov.
Pecherov, a 7-foot center, has gained much experience playing overseas. After playing in Ukraine for two years Pecherov moved to France this past season to play with Paris Basket Racing, the country’s top league.
“He improved his game so much to play in the French league. He has to learn how to play the NBA game,” said Sixers European Scouting Coordinator, Danko Cvjeticanin.
The transition from the international game to the NBA is difficult for many foreign players. The international game is different and played under FIBA rules. For example, the length of the game is different and offensive goaltending is allowed.
In recent years, foreign players have made a smooth transition from the international game to the NBA.
“It is obvious with Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili and Andres Nocioni that international players have been adapting quite well in recent years.” ,” said Courtney Witte, Sixers Director of Player Personnel.
For some the transition is not always easy and some need another year or two to develop overseas before they are NBA ready.
“Oleksiy [Percherov] has a very good leap, he can jump easy and very quick but his body is not ready,” said Cvjeticanin. “I think he could be ready in one or two years.”
Although Pecherov is a great outside shooter, he will need more than just a great shot to make an impact in this league.
“What’s going to earn your stripes in this league is playing hard and guarding people,” said Sixers President Billy King. “There are a lot of guys that can score but can’t guard in this league.”
Like other potential international draft picks, Percherov is hoping to hear his name called in this year’s draft.
“I will be waiting for that moment. I think it’s a very important [moment] in every life of a basketball player,” said Percherov.
Until then, Percherov will continue to try and model his game after other foreign players who have made an impact in the league.
“I like Nowitzki. He is an incredible player. He can do whatever he wants and everyone know he scores,” said Percherov. “He can come into the game and score 25-30 points. He is a good example for me in the way I can improve.”
After Oleksiy Percherov of Ukraine worked out with the Sixers, he knew this experience would improve his game and eventually help him get to the NBA.
“I think it’s a good experience for me. It will help me a lot in my future. It’s a different kind of practice, different coaches. I think I can learn from this,” said Pecherov.
Pecherov, a 7-foot center, has gained much experience playing overseas. After playing in Ukraine for two years Pecherov moved to France this past season to play with Paris Basket Racing, the country’s top league.
“He improved his game so much to play in the French league. He has to learn how to play the NBA game,” said Sixers European Scouting Coordinator, Danko Cvjeticanin.
The transition from the international game to the NBA is difficult for many foreign players. The international game is different and played under FIBA rules. For example, the length of the game is different and offensive goaltending is allowed.
In recent years, foreign players have made a smooth transition from the international game to the NBA.
“It is obvious with Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobili and Andres Nocioni that international players have been adapting quite well in recent years.” ,” said Courtney Witte, Sixers Director of Player Personnel.
For some the transition is not always easy and some need another year or two to develop overseas before they are NBA ready.
“Oleksiy [Percherov] has a very good leap, he can jump easy and very quick but his body is not ready,” said Cvjeticanin. “I think he could be ready in one or two years.”
Although Pecherov is a great outside shooter, he will need more than just a great shot to make an impact in this league.
“What’s going to earn your stripes in this league is playing hard and guarding people,” said Sixers President Billy King. “There are a lot of guys that can score but can’t guard in this league.”
Like other potential international draft picks, Percherov is hoping to hear his name called in this year’s draft.
“I will be waiting for that moment. I think it’s a very important [moment] in every life of a basketball player,” said Percherov.
Until then, Percherov will continue to try and model his game after other foreign players who have made an impact in the league.
“I like Nowitzki. He is an incredible player. He can do whatever he wants and everyone know he scores,” said Percherov. “He can come into the game and score 25-30 points. He is a good example for me in the way I can improve.”
