Official Tiago Splitter Thread

[AFBlue]

Since the search function has been turned off and Splitter has just hit the halfway point in the Euroleague season (excluding playoffs), I thought I would give the update in a new thread.

Splitter had 16pts (7-11 FG, 2-3 FT), 8 rebs, 2 asts, and 1 blk.

For the season, Splitter is averaging 13pts and 7rebs.

Bruno, or someone else, can you give a sense of his play thus far this year? It seems he has not taken over as the "dominant force" but he has put up fairly consistent production? How has he looked on the court?

Just trying to keep tabs on a future piece to this Spurs squad...

[whottt]

Those numbers are decent for Euroleague...Scola was only putting up about 16 and 6/7 when he was considered the best player in Europe.

[jay014]

euroleague play (http://www.euroleague.net/competition/players/showplayer?clubcode=bas&pcode=CBY) good numbers.

[T Park]

Lovin it.

Too bad he couldn't have come over this year and replaced Elson immediately.

[FirebatMIV]

If you go by per minute, Splitter is 6th in points, 9th in rebounds in the Euroleague

[Darkwaters]

Lovin it.

Too bad he couldn't have come over this year and replaced Elson immediately.

I think he needed this year in Spain to be "the guy". It's going to boost his confidence, build his poise, develop his skills and make him an all around more accomplished player. I think it is significant that a player have an opportunity to display so much at a high level before integration into the Spurs' system. Then when they are unleashed they are (theoretically) already more comfortable with pressure situations and therefore more capable of stepping up their game in times of need. Players like Ginobili that have this experience are more ready to go at an early age. Players without it (a la, Parker, Mahinmi) will have to struggle to find it.

All and all, good piece for the Spurs building efforts.

[jay014]

Worst game of the season. 17min. 2pts. 3rebs. in a victory against Olympiacos.www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=85&clubcode=bas (http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=85&clubcode=bas)

[ArgSpursFan.]

Great Numbers for Tiago this season,He´s averaging a big amounts of points and rebounds. :tu

[koopa]

Worst game of the season. 17min. 2pts. 3rebs. in a victory against Olympiacos.www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=85&clubcode=bas (http://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=85&clubcode=bas)


it says he only took one shot and when the free throw line once so i guess it ain't that bad at least he didn't get 2 points on 10 shots or something

[Bruno]

I've watched the first quarter of this game. Splitter struggled at defending Marc Jackson in the post and was in foul trouble. Jackson was just too fat for Splitter.

[Russ]

Scola was only putting up about 16 and 6/7 when he was considered the best player in Europe.
And Scola didn't play near the D Tiago does. :toast

[Bruno]

Splitter started really well the season before slowing down in Nowember especially in the Spanish league. He is now back at a really good level. He is this week euroleague MVP after a great game against Virtus Bonlogna (25 points, 12 rebounds, 6 steals)


http://www.euroleague.net/news/i/21297/180/item

Week 9 MVP: Tiago Splitter, Tau Ceramica
Tiago Splitter, Tau Ceramica

One of the best young centers in the world registered the top individual performance in Week 9 to help his team take home an important road win. Tiago Splitter of Tau Ceramica became the Week 9 MVP with a 42 performance index rating. Splitter had 25 points on 10-for-14 two-point and 5-for-5 free-throw shooting in Tau's 69-85 road win against Virtus VidiVici Bologna in Group A. He added 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals and 6 fouls drawn to amass a 42 index. Right behind Splitter came Reyshawn Terry of Aris TT Bank, who busted out for 21 points on 8-for-9 two-pointers and 5-for-6 free throws in a 93-74 home win over Le Mans. Terry added 14 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 6 blocks for a 41 index. Nikola Pekovic of Partizan Igokea helped his team to register an important home win against Chorale Roanne with 26 points on 11-for-18 two-pointers, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks for a 34 index. Kostas Vasileadis of Olympiacos and Ramunas Siskauskas of CSKA Moscow, each with a 28 index, complete the top individual performances of the week.

[BeerIsGood!]

25-12-6 on the road. Nice.

[Bruno]

Euro steals aren't exactly the same thing that nba steals. If you draw an offensive foul on another player it's a steal in Euroleague while it isn't in nba. Saying that, 6 steals in Euroleague is a really good performance.

[MoSpur]

That's good to hear. Thanks for the update Bruno.

[m33p0]

you guys think he can make an immediate impact on the spurs when he finally comes on board? spurs need a considerable upgrade on the frontcourt to reduce the wear on duncan.

[BacktoBasics]

This guy won't make an impact right away. He'll have to adjust just like Gino and Tony and Fab or really any other Euro around the league. I'd guess he'll be productive starting around his 3rd or 4th season if he gets that far. If he puts up numbers anywhere near

12 points
5 board
1 block or steal

this guy will be considered a huge success. Its totally unrealistic to think this guy is going to be a 18 and 9 player. He's not that good and he's not a strong rebounder.

[Bruno]

Splitter has a nba body and is more experienced than your typical nba rookie coming from the draft.
I don't think he will send in D-League in his first year like Mahinmi or Washington. He should be able to contribute in his first year even he will be better in his second year. IMO, he will be in the rotation and play 20mpg at the end of his rookie year.

[BacktoBasics]

Wow. 20mpg??? Thats a lot for a rookie under Pops system. I just can't envision a scenario where that would actually happen.

[Bruno]

Wow. 20mpg??? Thats a lot for a rookie under Pops system. I just can't envision a scenario where that would actually happen.

Spurs will have some playtime available at PF/C next year.
Duncan should play about 32 mpg and Oberto 24mpg. Behind them you have 40mpg. Horry should retire, Bonner is a limited role player who likely won't more than 15-20mpg and I think that Splitter will overplay Elson (if he stays) and Mahinmi.
Spurs could sign a quality vet but they won't have a lot of money to do so if they spend their MLE on a swingman. I think that Splitter will overplay the FA signed for the min or the LLE.

[urunobili]

he will be awesome in our system no doubt about that

[phxspurfan]

Since the search function has been turned off and Splitter has just hit the halfway point in the Euroleague season (excluding playoffs), I thought I would give the update in a new thread.

Splitter had 16pts (7-11 FG, 2-3 FT), 8 rebs, 2 asts, and 1 blk.

For the season, Splitter is averaging 13pts and 7rebs.

Bruno, or someone else, can you give a sense of his play thus far this year? It seems he has not taken over as the "dominant force" but he has put up fairly consistent production? How has he looked on the court?

Just trying to keep tabs on a future piece to this Spurs squad...


Great news. I'm excited about the possibility of a capable Elson-replacement at this point. I just hope that for the rest of this year, Elson can at least have some decent showings so when he's off the Spurs team, he will get a chance somewhere else.

[Harry Callahan]

There's a spot for him immediately next year with Horry probably retired and Elson possibly not being resigned. We need some young energetic players coming in to complement the stars.

[BacktoBasics]

There's a spot for him immediately next year with Horry probably retired and Elson possibly not being resigned. We need some young energetic players coming in to complement the stars.Bigs aren't that easy to come by. If he's on the cheap I see no reason to not bring Elson back. He's at least a body with some, albeit small, but some grasp of the system.

[timvp]

I haven't seen Splitter play this year. His stats look pretty good and 25, 12 and 6 is a really nice line for Euroleague. I have high hopes for him and I think he should at least be a good backup center in the NBA. I don't see him ever averaging more than 12 points and 8 rebounds ... but a center averaging those numbers nowadays makes him a top ten center in the NBA.

I asked someone who has played against the Brazil NT team twice about Splitter and was told that Splitter is a tougher guy to guard and a better defender than either Nene or Varejao. I'm not sure if I'd go that far but I think at the very least Splitter won't be a bust. He's good enough to at least be a fifth big.

[Spurs Brazil]

Spliter works harder than Nene and is have more talent than Anderson.

He can help us in the 1st year as a backup, and will be ready to start when Oberto contract is over

[BonnerDynasty]

All I care about is...

1) Defense


2) Defense


3) Some nice post moves.

[wildbill2u]

Reyshawn Terry anyone? Athletic 6'8" long three? Another cut from last year's great draft class who went to Euro league.

Do any of our resident Euro experts have any comments?

[Mr. Body]

No one owns Reyshawn Terry's rights? Back in the day they called him "Radio" because he'd tune out and do something stupid every once in a while, but he has good size and is defense-oriented.

[Darkwaters]

No one owns Reyshawn Terry's rights? Back in the day they called him "Radio" because he'd tune out and do something stupid every once in a while, but he has good size and is defense-oriented.

I thought Dallas still owned his rights and he agreed to play the year in Europe and reassess next offseason (a la what Marcus Williams should have done). I could be wrong though.

[objective]

Anyone who watches the most recent games give an update on Splitter's prospects vs. Marc Gasol's?

[tav1]

I'm really excited about next year's team, and the prospect of the Spurs reloading for another run. If they win this year, it will not have been without some risk--the roster is dangerously old.

So, the idea of bringing in some new bodies to play alongside the Big 3 is obviously attractive. This is especially the case in that Ginobli and Duncan will start to slip, however marginally, over the next few seasons. No one can escape Father Time...So the free agents signings will not only be needed to replace the retiring/expiring guys, but also to supplement the marginal declines of Ginobli and Duncan.

But here's the catch--the Spurs system does take a year to learn. We'll have a lot of turnover between now and next season, and that will at least mean a rockier regular season. This is all to say, I sure hope that Splitter and the rest of the new guys are quick studies. In the long term, Splitter will be a big help. Short term, however, he could hurt. Thankfully, his production couldn't be much worse than Elson's.

[mystargtr34]

Spliter works harder than Nene and is have more talent than Anderson.

He can help us in the 1st year as a backup, and will be ready to start when Oberto contract is over

Imagine if Nene actually gave a shit...

I cant wait for Splitter... i think people around here are trying to downplay the guy... ive watched 3 of his Euroleague games and he just seems to have 'it'. That is probably the biggest thing with legit 7 footers who can run the floor and have the fundamentals. He sets brilliant picks... rolls at the right time and the right way by opening up to the ball handler.. hes good at defending the P&R... just flat out knows how to play the game.

Combine that with the fact he was a legit 7'0" in shoes when he was 19... his ability to run the floor and experience at such a young age.

I dont know what you guys really think or hope... but i expect him to eventually become the Spurs starting C and play 30 minutes a night. Im not going to predict numbers... he does things that will help the team win and Pop will love him.

[mystargtr34]

I thought Dallas still owned his rights and he agreed to play the year in Europe and reassess next offseason (a la what Marcus Williams should have done). I could be wrong though.

Dallas still has his rights

[picnroll]

Looks like Splitter had another good game in a win for Tau today. 24 points on 7/11 with 10/13 from the FT line and 12 rebounds.

[A.H 21-50]

Looks like Splitter had another good game in a win for Tau today. 24 points on 7/11 with 10/13 from the FT line and 12 rebounds.

a very nice game

[TDMVPDPOY]

how about a update on all the spurs euro farmers?

sanikidze
russian dude
javtokas

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

what russian dude? You mean Karaulov?

[Bruno]

Splitter biggest trouble this year is that he is sometimes in foul troubles. When his on the floor, he is really effective. In Euroleague, He average 13/7 in only 22mpg. For reference, he is scoring at the same pace than Scola last year.

About other players who nba rights are owned by Spurs.

Sanikidze is without a team.

Javtokas is a solid center for a very good Russian team called Dynamo Moscow. He averages 10/5 in 24mpg in ULEB cup and 8/6 in 20mpg in Russian league.

Karaulov is at the end of the bench of a good Russian team called Lokomotiv Rostov. He averages 0.7/0.3 in 3mpg in FIBA Eurocup and 3.7/2.5 in 9mpg in Russian league.

[mystargtr34]

Cant believe Korolev was picked 13th

[Darkwaters]

Cant believe Korolev was picked 13th

Hes a free agent now too. I bet you could get him for the minimum.

[Bruno]

Hes a free agent now too. I bet you could get him for the minimum.

Korolev isn't a free agent. He has signed a couple of weeks ago with Dynamo Moscow (Javtokas' team).

[The Truth #6]

Korolev was picked 13th? I can't remember the Spurs having a pick that high since the 90s, maybe the 80s.

[Bruno]

Korolev was picked 13th? I can't remember the Spurs having a pick that high since the 90s, maybe the 80s.

Spurs haven't drafted Korolev.
Spurs have drafted Sergei Karaulov with the 58th pick of the 2004 draft. Sergei Karaulov is a big center. He played in Russia without a lot of success for teh moment.
Clippers have drafted Yaroslav Korolev with the 12th pick of the 2005 draft. Yaroslav Korolev is a very young SF who spend 2 years in LA without playing. He is back in Russia this year.

[JPB]

In any other team, I'd say he would be an instant contributor.
But spurs system always takes time to adapt.

Nevertheless, I think he'll be part of the rotation in his first year. Depending on his rapidity to adjust, he'll have consistant PT.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:lmao @ people getting Karaulov and Korolev mixed up.

[urunobili]

Euroleague's Week 9 MVP!!!!

One of the best young centers in the world registered the top individual performance in Week 9 to help his team take home an important road win. Tiago Splitter of Tau Ceramica became the Week 9 MVP with a 42 performance index rating. Splitter had 25 points on 10-for-14 two-point and 5-for-5 free-throw shooting in Tau's 69-85 road win against Virtus VidiVici Bologna in Group A. He added 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals and 6 fouls drawn to amass a 42 index. Right behind Splitter came Reyshawn Terry of Aris TT Bank, who busted out for 21 points on 8-for-9 two-pointers and 5-for-6 free throws in a 93-74 home win over Le Mans. Terry added 14 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 6 blocks for a 41 index. Nikola Pekovic of Partizan Igokea helped his team to register an important home win against Chorale Roanne with 26 points on 11-for-18 two-pointers, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks for a 34 index. Kostas Vasileadis of Olympiacos and Ramunas Siskauskas of CSKA Moscow, each with a 28 index, complete the top individual performances of the week.

http://www.euroleague.net/news/i/21297/180/week-9-mvp-tiago-splitter-tau-ceramica

[wildbill2u]

Bruno:

Why is Sanikidze not playing anywhere? I thought he did pretty well in the Summer league and would play in Europe for sure.

[Bruno]

Bruno:

Why is Sanikidze not playing anywhere? I thought he did pretty well in the Summer league and would play in Europe for sure.

I don't know why Sanikidze isn't playing.

All I know about him is :
- He signed last summer a years contract with Estudiantes Madrid. Maybe Sanikidze has been waived or release or he is still maybe under contract with them but he isn't with the team. This summer, a German team (likely Cologne) was interested in Sanikidze but Estudiantes has asked some money to trade him and the German team refused to give that money.
- Sanikidze last game played was at the end of August with Georgian NT and Sanikidze had an injury during this game. He didn't play the last game with Georgian NT that was days later.
- Georgian Basketball federation said at the start of October that Sanikidze will play for Cologne this year but nothing happened.

You can make some speculations with these infos but it remains speculations.

[objective]

on the euroleague site, if you click the watch button a pop-up appears where you can watch video, and you can filter by team. If you filter by Tau a couple of Splitter vids are at the top.

There's links on there for the code to copy and paste to link but it wasn't working in my preview posts.

euroleague site (http://www.euroleague.net/)

[traitoravery]

Do you think Splitter will be playing in the D League next year or will he make an immediate impact?

[ChumpDumper]

Do you think Splitter will be playing in the D League next year or will he make an immediate impact?I don't know about impact, but he probably won't be sent to Austin unless he really sucks.

[Josepatches]

I'm from Spain and I can see Tiago every week and I saw him in the past.
He could be like Elson but I don't believe he could be a star or at least the same Splitter that I know.He is far far way to be like Luis Scola.Scola was MVP in the spanish league like Navarro,Pau Gasol,Bodiroga,Sabonis...He was one of the most important player of Europe in the last 5 years.Splitter is only a good player to the ACB league (like Elson did in the past) but nothing great to the NBA.
He is 7'0 and sometimes I believe that´s the only important for the scouters of the NBA teams.If you want a center for the spanish league take Marc Gasol,he is amazing but Lakers picked him last year.

Here is how important they were/are in the ACB league:

Luis Scola>Marc Gasol>Oberto>Elson or Splitter.

But some of the bench players of the NBA teams never could play in Spain where the teams can only have 2 players born out of Europe.It's amazing how we can have players like Oberto or Elson like starters in a team that won the NBA.Elson was a bench player in Spain and he is as important in the Spurs as he was in Barcelona or Valencia.So Splitter could be great for us but right now he is only a good player in the ACB league,far away of the stars of the league.

He can dunk,he is good at defend but he has a poor shoot from medium range,he only scores near the basket and IMO he scores less than a boy of 7'0 could do in Europe if he wants to play in the NBA.Also he plays with a great PG who gives him a lot of great balls to dunk or easy shots.

[ChumpDumper]

We don't need a star.

[Josepatches]

If we don't need a star and we need other Elson or Oberto then Splitter will be a great option.

[ChumpDumper]

I'll take a 7 foot Oberto any day of the week.

[Josepatches]

But right now Splitter is not as good as Oberto was here

[timvp]

I'll take a 7 foot Oberto any day of the week.:tu

If Splitter can one day average seven points, six boards and a block, he would have been a great draft pick.

[ChumpDumper]

But right now Splitter is not as good as Oberto was here
Nor is he as old.

[Josepatches]

Oberto was young when he plays in Spain and he was better like Splitter is now

[ChumpDumper]

Oberto was young when he plays in Spain and he was better like Splitter is nowOk, Splitter will suck in the NBA. Fantastic.

[timvp]

Oberto was young when he plays in Spain and he was better like Splitter is nowWhen Oberto was Splitter's age, he was playing in some tiny league in Argentina. Oberto didn't start playing in Spain until he was 24. Even at 24, Oberto's stats were much worse than Splitter's stats are now.

[Josepatches]

:tu

If Splitter can one day average seven points, six boards and a block, he would have been a great draft pick.


More than 7 or 8 centers of the spanish league could average that numbers if they played minutes in the NBA.Splitter could make that numbers right now but Bonner,Horry or Elson could do too

[ChumpDumper]

Oberto didn't start playing in Spain until he was 24. When Oberto was Splitter's age, he was playing in some tiny league in Argentina.I was just about to say did he not leave Argentina until 1998?

[timvp]

I was just about to say did he not leave Argentina until 1998?He went to Spain in 1999 and averaged 9 points and less than four rebounds.

[Josepatches]

Ok, Splitter will suck in the NBA. Fantastic.

No.He will be like Oberto or Elson.

[ChumpDumper]

He went to Spain in 1999 and averaged 9 points and less than four rebounds.I think he played in Greece the season before that and averaged 6.7 points and 5.5 boards.

[timvp]

More than 7 or 8 centers of the spanish league could average that numbers if they played minutes in the NBA.Who are these 7 or 8 centers? Please don't tell me a player like Daniel Santiago could do that on the NBA level.

[ChumpDumper]

No.He will be like Oberto or Elson.And I said that would be great.

Then you said Oberto was a better player in Spain at the same age Splitter is now, only Oberto never played in Spain at that age.

[timvp]

He will be like ObertoFantastic news.

Thanks :tu

[Josepatches]

When Oberto was Splitter's age, he was playing in some tiny league in Argentina. Oberto didn't start playing in Spain until he was 24. Even at 24, Oberto's stats were much worse than Splitter's stats are now.


and what are the stats?? Carlos Boozer and Al Jefferson are better than TD?
Oberto played in a great team when he started in Spain while Splitter is playing in a team that want to be great again.
Of course you can think what you want.I only say what I see every week and Splitter will be in the NBA in the future but the main reason will be his height.

[ChumpDumper]

and what are the stats?? Carlos Boozer and Al Jefferson are better than TD?
Oberto played in a great team when he started in Spain while Splitter is playing in a team that want to be great again.
Of course you can think what you want.I only say what I see every week and Splitter will be in the NBA in the future but the main reason will be his height.But he could be as good as the current starting center of the NBA champion who put up mediocre stats on a great team two years later than Splitter put up better stats on a team that was great last season.

Awesome.

[Josepatches]

Who are these 7 or 8 centers? Please don't tell me a player like Daniel Santiago could do that on the NBA level.

I tell you 7 or 8 centers.Some of them better than Splitter
Felipe reyes.
Marc Gasol
Lazaros Papadopoulos
Curtis Borchardt
Chris Moss
Hernandez Sonseca
Jordi Trias
Fran Vazquez

I don't like Daniel Santiago a lot but I'm sure that he could make the same numbers of Elson or Oberto.

[ChumpDumper]

You had me at Borchardt.

[timvp]

I tell you 7 or 8 centers.Some of them better than Splitter
Felipe reyes.
Marc Gasol
Lazaros Papadopoulos
Curtis Borchardt
Chris Moss
Hernandez Sonseca
Jordi Trias
Fran Vazquez

I don't like Daniel Santiago a lot but I'm sure that he could make the same numbers of Elson or Oberto.Borchardt still plays basketball? Interesting.

You've obviously watched more Spanish basketball this year than I have so I'll have to go with your opinions. If all those players could average 7, 6 and 1 in the NBA, you should contact some NBA teams. You may have single-handedly solved the center shortage.

[Josepatches]

But he could be as good as the current starting center of the NBA champion who put up mediocre stats on a great team two years later than Splitter put up better stats on a team that was great last season.

Awesome.


I don't understand what you say about two years later...When Oberto began to play in Spain Tau Ceramica was a great team with 2 or 3 good centers.The stats of Splitter are good but Tau Ceramica is very short in the frontcourt so he has a more important role in the team this season.

But I don't know why you want to discuss that.I only said what I see here and what most people believe here.If you don't like it's your problem.
Until today Oberto was more important in the spanish league than Splitter and I can't put Splitter in the top5 centers of the ACB.
Stats are stats but stats aren´t all

[ChumpDumper]

I don't understand what you say about two years later.I don't understand what you say about Oberto playing in Spain at the same age Splitter is now.

But I don't know why you want to discuss that.I only said what I see here and what most people believe here.If you don't like it's your problem.I have absolutely no problem with your saying Splitter could be as good as Oberto in the NBA, only taller.

[Josepatches]

Borchardt still plays basketball? Interesting.

You've obviously watched more Spanish basketball this year than I have so I'll have to go with your opinions. If all those players could average 7, 6 and 1 in the NBA, you should contact some NBA teams. You may have single-handedly solved the center shortage.

It's not easy.Juan Carlos Navarro try to play in the NBA last 3 years but he can´t because his team never allow him to go.They can break their contrats.
The diferences between NBA and Europe aren't as great as in the past.Last year you can see 2 MVP from Europe in the NBA.3 or 4 players of most of the teams of the Euroleague could play in the NBA and opposite 4 or 5 players of bench of the NBA teams could have problems to play great minutes in the Euroleague.
But NBA scouters only see the height of the players.Then you can see two much Milicic from Europe in the NBA

[Josepatches]

I don't understand what you say about Oberto playing in Spain at the same age Splitter is now.
I have absolutely no problem with your saying Splitter could be as good as Oberto in the NBA, only taller.

OK.Only that I was talking about when Oberto was young.24 is enough young to me.But like you can see my english isn't good and you can't find more mistakes in my opinions.Sorry for that
And maybe we could be happy if Splitter is as good as Oberto but we could be more happy if we have Scola instead of Splitter.

[timvp]

we could be more happy if we have Scola instead of Splitter.Ah ha.

So that's what this was about.

[ChumpDumper]

SCOLA THREAD!

[Josepatches]

Ah ha.

So that's what this was about.

No.I am not a Scola's fan.
I only try to give my opinion of Splitter.I believe that could be interesting because I saw a lot of games of him.Even he began to play in the team of my small city (200.000 pob) in the small leagues of Spain (we didn't had high school or college leagues).

[ChumpDumper]

Wait. Who's that Euroleague big man who actually wins championships?

I want that guy.

[Josepatches]

I don't know.IMO Right now the best player that plays in Europe is Papaloukas(the boy that destroy the US team in Japan 2006 with the pick & roll).

In the Euroleague champion the star of the frontcourt is Mike Batiste (played in Memphis)
In the ACB champion the star of the frontcourt is Felipe Reyes (MVP of the finals) and Lazaros Papadopoulos (7'0) from the national team of Greek.
Other big men in Europe IMO could be Marc Gasol (Girona) and Chris Andersen (CSKA Moscow)

[T Park]

Curtis Borchardt :lmao


Good god.

Splitter with the flu and the whooping cough is a better player than Borchardt.

Borchardt is a stiff and a half.

[ChumpDumper]

Just FYI, Curtis Borchart averaged 3 points and 3.3 rebounds in his only full season in the NBA.

When he was three years older than Splitter is now.

On a team that won 26 games and lost 56.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't know.IMO Right now the best player that plays in Europe is Papaloukas(the boy that destroy the US team in Japan 2006 with the pick & roll).So sign him up.

We can't, you say?

Alright then.

I tried.

[T Park]

Isn't Papadapolous the 400 pound lazy Greek center that the Clippers own the rights to?

Supposedly won't come to america cause hes scared he'll get caught sucking.

[Josepatches]

Yes.He had a lot of offers from NBA team this summer and but CSKA Moscow have a lot of money and he can win more money there.
Ask for him to the general managers of the NBA if you don´t know who is.
About Borchardt.....well In the spanish league he is better than Splitter.It's the only I can say.

[ChumpDumper]

Isn't Papadapolous the 400 pound lazy Greek center that the Clippers own the rights to?

Supposedly won't come to america cause hes scared he'll get caught sucking.No, that's Shortpantsitis or whatever. He was just released from his Greek team. I suppose the next time we'll see him will be on Oprah when they cut a hole in his living room wall so they can cart him out of his house.

[Josepatches]

Isn't Papadapolous the 400 pound lazy Greek center that the Clippers own the rights to?

Supposedly won't come to america cause hes scared he'll get caught sucking.

I don't know about his rights.But I believe that you are talking about Sofocles Schorchot... or something like that.Are you talking about the big big big men that makes 2 or 3dunks against USA in Japan?

[Josepatches]

Some greek names are difficult to write but that one.......

[ChumpDumper]

Yes.He had a lot of offers from NBA team this summer and but CSKA Moscow have a lot of money and he can win more money there.I said I tried.


Ask for him to the general managers of the NBA if you don´t know who is.I know who he is. I just don't care because he's not available.


About Borchardt.....well In the spanish league he is better than Splitter.It's the only I can say.So it's safe to say the ACB isn't the NBA.

[Josepatches]

The same for Splitter.He is only a good player in Spain.So Maybe a shit in the NBA

[ChumpDumper]

The same for Splitter.He is only a good player in Spain.So Maybe a shit in the NBAMaybe, but he'll be available so I care.

[T Park]

I've watched Splitter.

He makes Curtis Borchardt look like Robert Traylor after 5 years of living inside of a KFC.

[Josepatches]

9.00 Am here.I go to sleep if I want to do something in the Sunday afternoon.I saw my information about Splitter was not important for us but i like to give my opinion.really I would like to have a good center in the team and I don't believe Splitter can be that man.Happy new year!!

[ChumpDumper]

Giving your opinion is fine. We already have a good center, so we'll have a year or two to determine whether Splitter is any good in the NBA. I believe he will do better than Curtis Borchardt did.

[T Park]

I don't see what hes basing on that Splitter won't be any good.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't see what hes basing on that Splitter won't be any good.

http://bp0.blogger.com/_iTqGQVMO8-8/Rk-B8860YCI/AAAAAAAAAAc/txhFZRM1Bec/s1600/borchardt%2Bsobre%2Bscola.jpg

[whottt]

Wait...Sophocles Schortsianitis(spelling smack that shit) is a FA?




If you have a chance to get a dude named Greek Baby Shaq...you do it, no questions asked. The reason you do it is because you will not have many chances in life to sign a guy named Greek Baby Shaq.


You heard it here first.


Sign him up.

[ChumpDumper]

Conflicting reports. Don't know if he was released or suspended and consigned to a fat camp in Switzerland.

If the writers' strike continues, we could have another night of "The Biggest Loser" starring him, Robert Traylor, Oliver Miller and James Lang.

[jay014]

6 points 2/4fg 2/2ft in 11min in a 98-74 win over Prokom Trefl Sopot.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

11 minutes? :wtf

[AFBlue]

11 minutes? :wtf

Seems like it was a blowout...

[Bruno]

Splitter played only 11 min in this game because the game was a blowout and because he was in foul trouble.
Splitter had 16 points and 8 rebounds in his last acb game. He is having a nice season.

[Cansal]

Hi!!!!!!!! I'm from Spain and I'm a real fan of TAU so I know quite good Splitter :king :king . The last week I read a lot of stupid things :nope :nope about Tiago from some one who is spanish too. First, I would like to tell you that Splitter is one of the best center player in Europe. If you want to know more just see the statics. Besides, I would like to say that Splitter today is the most important player in the TAU: his defense is incredible, he runs very good the court, he plays for the team and his shoot is improving very well!!!!!!!!!!!! The diference with the last year is that in 2007, Scola was the most important player and he had the total of shoots but today things has changed and Splitter has more responsability. Besides, when he is not in the court the team became down down down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. In adittion to this, I would like to say that if Marc Gasol or Reyes make 15 ptos by game it's becouse the team play for they. However, in the TAU's are many starts and the competence is more. Well, for that reason I thing you will have a good player in the future. It's normal that he will need some time for learn play in the Nba but as fast as he learn it he could do a lot of things for Spurs. Thanks for your time and I would like to tell that today you have another new fan I hope you will win the 2008 ring. Congratulations for your team it's fantastics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap :clap :clap

[remingtonbo2001]

Hi!!!!!!!! I'm from Spain and I'm a real fan of TAU so I know quite good Splitter :king :king . The last week I read a lot of stupid things :nope :nope about Tiago from some one who is spanish too. First, I would like to tell you that Splitter is one of the best center player in Europe. If you want to know more just see the statics. Besides, I would like to say that Splitter today is the most important player in the TAU: his defense is incredible, he runs very good the court, he plays for the team and his shoot is improving very well!!!!!!!!!!!! The diference with the last year is that in 2007, Scola was the most important player and he had the total of shoots but today things has changed and Splitter has more responsability. Besides, when he is not in the court the team became down down down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. In adittion to this, I would like to say that if Marc Gasol or Reyes make 15 ptos by game it's becouse the team play for they. However, in the TAU's are many starts and the competence is more. Well, for that reason I thing you will have a good player in the future. It's normal that he will need some time for learn play in the Nba but as fast as he learn it he could do a lot of things for Spurs. Thanks for your time and I would like to tell that today you have another new fan I hope you will win the 2008 ring. Congratulations for your team it's fantastics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap :clap :clap

A more refined and sophisticated version of Kill Bill Pana!

Good take and welcome to the board.

[T Park]

Great take.

Awesome to see more Splitter fans.

No question I think the Spurs drafted a gem with this guy.

[BeerIsGood!]

With a b2b title or not, this will be a big anticipation for 2008-09. As evidenced by the first 32 or so games of this season the Spurs need some frontcourt rebounding and defensive help.

[wildbill2u]

We will look back on the Splitter drafting as a steal.

[Harry Callahan]

Let's get us a young PG in the next draft to prop that up.

[Mr. Body]

We will look back on the Splitter drafting as a steal.

I think it already is. Teams will be kicking themselves for not drafting him, all for having to wait a year to get him. How long does it take to get a big man project to play meaningful minutes? How long has it been taking Saer-Sene or Johan Petro or any other guy? Splitter may play meaningful minutes already next year.

[AFBlue]

One Spur did play tonight....

Tiago had 19pts (8-12FG, 3-5FT), 6rebs, 2blks, and 3 stls/charges drawn in just over 30 minutes.

Granted it was in a losing effort, but Tiago rebounded this week from a blowout last week that saw him get in foul trouble early and ride the pine for all but 11 minutes.

Through 11 Euroleague games he's averaging 13PPG on 63% from the field and better than 6RPG. To add a little more perspective, he has scored in double digits for all but two of the 11 games.

That's the kind of consistency the Spurs will need from their starting Center for the next few years. No flash, just consistent efficient production.

I don't think he'll put up similar numbers when he gets to the NBA next year, but I like what I see VERY MUCH.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:tu

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Spurs better bring him over for next season

[Hemotivo]

Spurs better bring him over for next season

[AFBlue]

Spurs better bring him over for next season

I don't think there's anything prohibitive in his contract to suggest that he won't be a member of the Spurs next year.

I think the bigger question is how much they trust him to contribute in his first year...

I think he has a chance to insert himself into the rotation and get 15-20MPG by mid-season next year, but the Spurs could elect to bring him along slowly and sign a veteran FA to a one-year min deal.

It'll be interesting to see, but I think several things play into how much time he'll get....

1. Will Spurs re-sign Elson?
2. Will Horry retire?
3. Will Spurs give Mahinmi opportunity for minutes?
4. Will Splitter adjust quickly?

....and there's probably a few questions I forgot.

Bottom Line: It's almost certain he'll be here next year, but the real question is what production can we expect of him when he does come over.

[remingtonbo2001]

Phat Tony, has Splitters physicallity improved over this season compare to previous years? Is his endurance up to par? Just curious.

[BacktoBasics]

Even at his peak 2-3 years down the road he isn't going be any better than 11 and 5. I think thats solid but some of you guys here see this guy as some kind of All-Star. Ian will be a filler at best, since he's on the cheap I see him sticking around.

[AFBlue]

Phat Tony, has Splitters physicallity improved over this season compare to previous years? Is his endurance up to par? Just curious.

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to watch him and have really been relying on the stats to tell me how he's doing.

Having said that, I did see him in the FIBA Americas tourney this past summer and he looked good. While he'll never be a Dwight Howard/Greg Oden Center, I think he has bulked up enough to hold his own in the NBA. I don't see it being a problem.

I guess I'm really not the person to ask. Can anyone else comment on his physicality and endurance?

[Darkwaters]

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to watch him and have really been relying on the stats to tell me how he's doing.

Having said that, I did see him in the FIBA Americas tourney this past summer and he looked good. While he'll never be a Dwight Howard/Greg Oden Center, I think he has bulked up enough to hold his own in the NBA. I don't see it being a problem.

I guess I'm really not the person to ask. Can anyone else comment on his physicality and endurance?


I watched that tourney myself. Splitter's play is generally fairly unspectacular, but that does not lessen its effectiveness. I like him a lot, but hes not a guy that you'll crave to watch simply for his showmanship. Still, he could be a very solid piece for years to come.

[AFBlue]

Even at his peak 2-3 years down the road he isn't going be any better than 11 and 5. I think thats solid but some of you guys here see this guy as some kind of All-Star. Ian will be a filler at best, since he's on the cheap I see him sticking around.

He's averaging over 6 rebounds in just 22 MPG and the correlation between Euroleague v. NBA stats actually trends upward in that category.

I would expect him to average 6-8 RPG in 20-25 MPG for the Spurs. You may be right about his scoring, but I think you're selling his rebounding short.

[wildbill2u]

From the clips I've watched--and there is a very good long one of about 9 continuous minutes of a playoff game on YouTube where Scola was on the bench with fouls and he carried his team--he reminds me of Duncan's style on rebounding and defense.

He's not a big leaper, but relies on his height and long arms. The upside of this is that he doesn't get faked out much on defense. The downside is that he won't be spectacular off the boards against more athletic players unless he gets good position.

But I think he is a smart player, like Oberto, and may surprise us with clever positioning blockouts. For a guy that big, he's remarkably mobile and has been played on the high perimeter a lot, showing good hands on the pick and roll to the basket. Much more agile than Yao.

He won't be the second coming of Hakeem or Kareem, but then again, who is.

[yavozerb]

I too have only seen this guy a couple of games but what impressed me most is his passing ability. This guy passes as well as oberto and is probably as athletic as Elson (not sure if you guys saw the block on Amare). I see him definatly getting 15-20 minutes of pt next year and contributing. I would be happy with averages of 8 pts 6 rbs a game in his first year...I do not see horry or elson returning next year and do not expect much from mahinmi next year.

[Mr. Body]

But I think he is a smart player, like Oberto, and may surprise us with clever positioning blockouts.

By all accounts he's a smart player on the court, which amounts for more than basic athleticism in many cases. Positioning is extremely important, as is knowing where offensive and defensive players should be, and when gaps result - when to smooth the gaps over on defense, or exploit them on offense.

Add to that his natural athleticism - he's fast and has good quickness, if he isn't the strongest or the best leaper - and the appeal of being a hard worker who seems to like the game...

He's certainly not Hakeem or Kareem, but he will, IMO, be the best Spurs center since Robinson. He may not be quite as smart as Oberto, but he's smart, and doesn't have the physical limitations. Great pick-up. Not an all-star, but someone to battle with. :clap

[Cansal]

Hi everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! On wendnesday Tau lost against Siena :dramaquee :wakeup.....it was an awfull game but..........someone watched the game????????? what an incredible Splitter´s game. :toast :toast He always kept the calm and made an spectacular basket: defense, rebounds, blocks...... the people are very proud of our Big man!!!!!!!! he was with Rakocevic the only reference of the team. I think, much to my regret, this year is going to be very difficult to win titles :bang. We haven´t got a team you know??? Besides, if the next year Splitter goes to the Nba, is going to bee an irreparable loss becouse the others players who play in his position are very bad. They don´t run, don´t defense.......just stay in the court hopping that the ball arrived........pathetic :cry :cry so this year I´m going to enjoy with Splitter game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cansal]

I forget to say that Nike allow to dising maybe the next Splitter´s training shoes......besides the winner could meets him. Amazing isn´t it????????? I going to desing my training shoes right now :spin :spin :spin WHAT ABOUT YOU??????????? GREETINGSSSSSSSSS :clap :clap

[biba]

HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Gabe Muoneke

January 14, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
http://hoopshype.com/blogs/muoneke/index.php/2008/01/14/dont-eat-meat/

"Please accept my humblest apologies for all who give a damn. I’ve been on the euro-basket-tryintuh-makuh-livin-schedule. And it’s nothing nice.

Tau is cool. We’re 5-1 since I came and feels good to be on such a good team.

Tiago Splitter is much better, bigger and stronger than I thought. Lucky San Antonio."

[Bruno]

Nice find. And I also think, Spurs have been really lucky to draft Splitter. Without his buyout thing, he would have been a lottery pick.

[timvp]

HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Gabe Muoneke

January 14, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
http://hoopshype.com/blogs/muoneke/index.php/2008/01/14/dont-eat-meat/

"Please accept my humblest apologies for all who give a damn. I’ve been on the euro-basket-tryintuh-makuh-livin-schedule. And it’s nothing nice.

Tau is cool. We’re 5-1 since I came and feels good to be on such a good team.

Tiago Splitter is much better, bigger and stronger than I thought. Lucky San Antonio."Nice :tu

Muoneke was averaging close to 27 points in the D-League before signing with Tau -- so that's a pretty good endorsement.


Nice find. And I also think, Spurs have been really lucky to draft Splitter. Without his buyout thing, he would have been a lottery pick.I don't know about lottery but without a buyout he probably would have gone between the Nets at 17 or the Bobcats at 22. Still a very nice value pick at 28.


Splitter's stats this season look good but my only concern is that Tau isn't winning as much as the Scola led Tau teams won in the past two season. In fact, Tau already has more losses than either of their last two regular seasons. Splitter's per minute stats are nice but winning would be equally as impressive -- especially considering Splitter actually has a pretty good caste of teammates.

[Mr. Body]

He could be one of those 'why did he drop so low' players in a few years, once the 2007 Draft is reassessed. Joakim Noah went #9 and I'd already take Tiago Splitter over him.

[AFBlue]

Game 12 in Euroleague:

15 pts (5-6 FG, 5-8 FT)
3 rebs
2 asts
1 stl/charge taken


Same 'ol reliable Splitter.

[whottt]

Splitter's stats this season look good but my only concern is that Tau isn't winning as much as the Scola led Tau teams won in the past two season. In fact, Tau already has more losses than either of their last two regular seasons. Splitter's per minute stats are nice but winning would be equally as impressive -- especially considering Splitter actually has a pretty good caste of teammates.


Yeah but...it stands to reason that the team wouldn't be as good after losing Scola...I don't care if Splitter is a much better player than Scola...they still probably wouldn't be as good with only Splitter as they were with Scola and Splitter.

[Cansal]

Another defeat!!!!!!!!!! but Splitter again bright, the best of the team :king :king

22:37 23 9/11 81% 5/8 62% 3 1+2 1 1 4 9 27

[AFBlue]

Another defeat!!!!!!!!!! but Splitter again bright, the best of the team :king :king

22:37 23 9/11 81% 5/8 62% 3 1+2 1 1 4 9 27

I don't see that anywhere in Euroleague...is Tau playing in other games?

[Bruno]

I don't see that anywhere in Euroleague...is Tau playing in other games?

It was a Spanish league game.

Splitter usually plays 2 games per week :
- One Euroleague game on Wednesday or Thursday.
- One Spanish league game on Saturday or Sunday.

[AFBlue]

It was a Spanish league game.

Splitter usually plays 2 games per week :
- One Euroleague game on Wednesday or Thursday.
- One Spanish league game on Saturday or Sunday.

Nice....thanks for the info!

[T Park]

27 and 9?

Wow.

If he can put numbers up like this in the euroleague playoffs, then this kid is special.

[ChumpDumper]

27 and 9?

Wow.
More like 23 and 3 if you're talking about points and rebounds. I don't know why someone would just throw up a Euro line without categories.

[T Park]

Yeah I see it now,3=1+2.

3 rebounds not that great, thats dissapointing, but the 23 points, is terrific.

I'd like to know if hes developed that jumper at all this year, cause his form seems decent. IMO, sign him asap and get him in the gym with Chip and work on it. Having a youngster like him with a good low post game, but an outside shot would be absolutely IDEAL!! Also, hes got size to defend the big centers, but also nimble enough to guard, dare I say, a Dirk? Or is he not that agile, I've only gotten to see snippets of play online, and in the WCs last summer.

[mystargtr34]

I wouldnt say Dirk... Tiago is a legit 7'0" 260 where as Dirk... probly closer to 6'10" 230... either way, great game.

3 rebounds is unacceptable but, correct me if im wrong Bruno, the Euro game is played at a slow methodical pace and alot of 3's and therefor long rebounds. Im sure you guys have been over that before in regards to Splitter... but still, i would like to see those rebounding numbers improve. But 23 points and 22 minutes, cant complain. Im legitimately excited boiut this guy./

[Bruno]

3 rebounds is unacceptable but, correct me if im wrong Bruno, the Euro game is played at a slow methodical pace and alot of 3's and therefor long rebounds../

I don't think there are a that big difference between NBA and Europe about rebounding. Players grab slightly more rebounds in NBA than in Europe but it's not a big deal.

Anyway, I rather judge Splitter rebounding on the whole season than on a game.
Splitter has played 806 minutes this year in 32 games this year and has grab 188 rebounds. It makes 9.3 rebounds per 40 min, it's not great but it's solid. Maybe it's just a statistical fluke but Splitter is rebounding significantly better in Euroleague than in Spanish league.

[objective]

I wouldnt say Dirk... Tiago is a legit 7'0" 260 where as Dirk... probly closer to 6'10" 230... either way, great game.

Dirk is bigger.

I think Dirk's german personal guru/coach has said Dirk is 7-1 and 1/2 or something close to it.

But like Garnett, he chooses to keep his height listed shorter.

[TDMVPDPOY]

we not expecting much from splitters output on the spurs

as long he avgs what rasho or nazr was getting when they were with the spurs

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I don't think there are a that big difference between NBA and Europe about rebounding. Players grab slightly more rebounds in NBA than in Europe but it's not a big deal.

Anyway, I rather judge Splitter rebounding on the whole season than on a game.
Splitter has played 806 minutes this year in 32 games this year and has grab 188 rebounds. It makes 9.3 rebounds per 40 min, it's not great but it's solid. Maybe it's just a statistical fluke but Splitter is rebounding significantly better in Euroleague than in Spanish league.

No many less rebound available also assist counted different so are much lower. Also field goal percentage usual higher and points average lower.

[thousandth]

I don't think there are a that big difference between NBA and Europe about rebounding. Players grab slightly more rebounds in NBA than in Europe but it's not a big deal.

Anyway, I rather judge Splitter rebounding on the whole season than on a game.
Splitter has played 806 minutes this year in 32 games this year and has grab 188 rebounds. It makes 9.3 rebounds per 40 min, it's not great but it's solid. Maybe it's just a statistical fluke but Splitter is rebounding significantly better in Euroleague than in Spanish league.

It's a joke? take Oberto and Tiago for that
Tiago5,8 rpg 14 ppg ACB season 2007-2008
http://www.acb.com/jugador.php?id=B5P
Oberto 7,27 rpg (10th in ACB) 14,1 ppg FG 65,41% (1st ACB) in last season (2004-2005)
http://www.acb.com/stsacumjug.php?cod_jugador=A4H
http://www.acb.com/stsindiv.php?cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=49&cod_fase=LR

and now?


C'mon, bro. The NBA is a different world.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Oberto was young when he plays in Spain and he was better like Splitter is now


This true but what strange honest Oberto was not even such good player in Europe to be starting center in NBA. I agree with you say that many NBA players will not even make Spain league or I think top 4 team of Greek league. But NBA fan refuse believe this.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

When Oberto was Splitter's age, he was playing in some tiny league in Argentina. Oberto didn't start playing in Spain until he was 24. Even at 24, Oberto's stats were much worse than Splitter's stats are now.

Amerikan fan do not understand Euroleague stats this obvious you keep think stats mean similar as NBA but they don't. You Amerikan fan get very bad attitude when people try explain this to you. But listen to Europe fans stats do not mean similar thing.

In Euroleague player can get many stat like 30 point and player can be very poor. But player can get 10 points and be MVP and best play of Europe. This something NBA fan just refuse understand no matter how much it tell them they just roll eyes. You need really understand game of Euroleague much more before you keeps judging by stats. Then some supposed Euroleague fans make it worse by argue the stats have same meaning here but you have to know they either lie or make shiets up.

Teams play much different game games style much different the stat not really mean same things as NBA fan think.

[thousandth]

This true but what strange honest Oberto was not even such good player in Europe to be starting center in NBA. I agree with you say that many NBA players will not even make Spain league or I think top 4 team of Greek league. But NBA fan refuse believe this.


You lie through your teeth. Oberto was a great player in Europe and his stats>>>>>>> than Tiago now.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

and what are the stats?? Carlos Boozer and Al Jefferson are better than TD?
Oberto played in a great team when he started in Spain while Splitter is playing in a team that want to be great again.
Of course you can think what you want.I only say what I see every week and Splitter will be in the NBA in the future but the main reason will be his height.

They not understand Euroleague stats I try many times educate them and they get very poor attitude. And some fan here who say they watch Euroleague make it worse by say stats means same thing in league as NBA. They not understand the NBA fan that NBA stat of player mean much more because game bases on good play of individual best player but Euroleague bases on team unless some team play NBA style like Efes or Olympiacos but very few team do. They want know stat mean same thing then look at Olympiacos team.

But it have no similar meaning as NBA stats does for team like TAU, Panathinaikos, CSKA team like these but they just not get this in Amerika.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Borchardt still plays basketball? Interesting.

You've obviously watched more Spanish basketball this year than I have so I'll have to go with your opinions. If all those players could average 7, 6 and 1 in the NBA, you should contact some NBA teams. You may have single-handedly solved the center shortage.

Gasol and Papadopulos could do this very easy. Have no Amerikan even watch the national teams play?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Isn't Papadapolous the 400 pound lazy Greek center that the Clippers own the rights to?

Supposedly won't come to america cause hes scared he'll get caught sucking.

No Papadoupulos very very skill center. In NBA he will be consider similar to Chris kaman I say. You think of two different player.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Yes.He had a lot of offers from NBA team this summer and but CSKA Moscow have a lot of money and he can win more money there.
Ask for him to the general managers of the NBA if you don´t know who is.
About Borchardt.....well In the spanish league he is better than Splitter.It's the only I can say.

Hey say he will never join NBA he was to sign with the team Celtics but he change his mind. He does this and say he never go NBA because of what happen to Spanoulis. Amerikan fan say this mean he scare he will 'suck" but he say if Spanoulis get treat this way then he never go NBA because in national team Spanoulis top player in practice. Papaloukas get full mle offer from the team the Lakers, Celtics, Hawks and the Heats of Miami.

The NBA fan refuse believe what player like Papaloukas can do or what Diamantidies can do in the defense Bruce Bowen is very poor defender compares to him but the Amerikan fan laugh at this. It oka we used before in Europe know NBA is much better but now we know Euroleague is much nearer NBA and just because Amerikan fans not know it who care. They just deny it but US team if lose again in Olympic then Amerikan fan attitude about NBA and Euroleague will be just big joke in Europe.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Hi!!!!!!!! I'm from Spain and I'm a real fan of TAU so I know quite good Splitter :king :king . The last week I read a lot of stupid things :nope :nope about Tiago from some one who is spanish too. First, I would like to tell you that Splitter is one of the best center player in Europe. If you want to know more just see the statics. Besides, I would like to say that Splitter today is the most important player in the TAU: his defense is incredible, he runs very good the court, he plays for the team and his shoot is improving very well!!!!!!!!!!!! The diference with the last year is that in 2007, Scola was the most important player and he had the total of shoots but today things has changed and Splitter has more responsability. Besides, when he is not in the court the team became down down down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. In adittion to this, I would like to say that if Marc Gasol or Reyes make 15 ptos by game it's becouse the team play for they. However, in the TAU's are many starts and the competence is more. Well, for that reason I thing you will have a good player in the future. It's normal that he will need some time for learn play in the Nba but as fast as he learn it he could do a lot of things for Spurs. Thanks for your time and I would like to tell that today you have another new fan I hope you will win the 2008 ring. Congratulations for your team it's fantastics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap :clap :clap

He is not compare at all to Scola but he is very much to young to compare but he can not be consider one of best C of Europe this is false.

[Bruno]

It's a joke? take Oberto and Tiago for that
Tiago5,8 rpg 14 ppg ACB season 2007-2008
http://www.acb.com/jugador.php?id=B5P
Oberto 7,27 rpg (10th in ACB) 14,1 ppg FG 65,41% (1st ACB) in last season (2004-2005)
http://www.acb.com/stsacumjug.php?cod_jugador=A4H
http://www.acb.com/stsindiv.php?cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=49&cod_fase=LR

and now?


C'mon, bro. The NBA is a different world.

Never heard of something called playing time ?
Try to look at something like rebounds per minute.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

You lie through your teeth. Oberto was a great player in Europe and his stats>>>>>>> than Tiago now.

No he was not great player in Europe. NBA fan have crazy idea all foreign player in NBA must be bestest player from Euroleague sorry NOT true for Oberto.

[thousandth]

Never heard of something called playing time ?
Try to look at something like rebounds per minute.

Are you kidding me? Per minute... Somebody who gives up easily?

[thousandth]

No he was not great player in Europe. NBA fan have crazy idea all foreign player in NBA must be bestest player from Euroleague sorry NOT true for Oberto.


Tiago 5,8 rpg 14 ppg ACB season 2007-2008
http://www.acb.com/jugador.php?id=B5P
Oberto 7,27 rpg (10th in ACB) 14,1 ppg FG 65,41% (1st ACB) in last season (2004-2005)
http://www.acb.com/stsacumjug.php?cod_jugador=A4H
http://www.acb.com/stsindiv.php?cod...=49&cod_fase=LR

again :rolleyes

http://www.acb.com/redaccion.php?id=24579 and so many like this.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Are you kidding me? Per minute... Somebody who gives up easily?

I easier to get the rebound in NBA. Look at the shoot percentage of NBA and compare to Europe. if you not able get this no hope for you.

Many people say Scola bad rebounder because he can get 6-7 rebound in Europe but in NBA he can get 8-10 in same play time simple because many more shots be miss in NBA. This basic because in Euroleague most team hold ball all clock pass many time then go for easy basket. In NBA player take many more difficult shot and take many more of the possess of the ball in game.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

again :rolleyes

http://www.acb.com/redaccion.php?id=24579 and so many like this.

You have problem not know what "GREAT" player mean in Europe. if Oberto is great player in Europe then Barry is "great" player in NBA.

[thousandth]

You have problem not know what "GREAT" player mean in Europe. if Oberto is great player in Europe then Barry is "great" player in NBA.

Barry not leads any team for a Final like Oberto with Pamesa in 2002. He was GREAT, oh and in the WCFinals 2002, too. 28points 11 rebounds.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Barry not leads any team for a Final like Oberto with Pamesa in 2002. He was GREAT, oh and in the WCFinals 2002, too. 28points 11 rebounds.

He not great player in Europe. Maybe you have Spanish league confuse with Euroleague. Any way even Spanish league can be debates. Truth be in Europe compare to player like Scola Oberto is not even in same topic.

Again Amerikan fan so confuse about Euroleague, Spain league, Greece league. Oberto is player that can go to NBA and get good returns because of NBA style more closer to him. You need understand some player like Manu and Oberto and Spanoulis fits more NBA style than Europe style some player like Jasekivicius and Scola and player like Macijasukas fit more the Europe style.

Some player not matter because how they play like I say player like Gasol and Dirk. NBA fan actual believe player like manu could be better in Europe because NBA is "superior" but nope game much more suits for NBA.

You Spur fan should know because Parker is player suit complete for NBA, he can not be much in Europe style game but in NBA can be great. But noooo NBA fan think he average 40 point in "garbage" Europe but no in Europe player like parker will not be very good. But in NBA player like Jasekivicius can not be very good but can be great in Europe.

[thousandth]

He not great player in Europe. Maybe you have Spanish league confuse with Euroleague. Any way even Spanish league can be debates. Truth be in Europe compare to player like Scola Oberto is not even in same topic.

Again Amerikan fan so confuse about Euroleague, Spain league, Greece league. Oberto is player that can go to NBA and get good returns because of NBA style more closer to him. You need understand some player like Manu and Oberto and Spanoulis fits more NBA style than Europe style some player like Jasekivicius and Scola and player like Macijasukas fit more the Europe style.

Some player not matter because how they play like I say player like Gasol and Dirk. NBA fan actual believe player like manu could be better in Europe because NBA is "superior" but nope game much more suits for NBA.

You Spur fan should know because Parker is player suit complete for NBA, he can not be much in Europe style game but in NBA can be great. But noooo NBA fan think he average 40 point in "garbage" Europe but no in Europe player like parker will not be very good. But in NBA player like Jasekivicius can not be very good but can be great in Europe.

I'm not confused, bro.

[mountainballer]

jesus, don't worry about Tiago's rebounding. he does quite well.
don't try to translate European numbers to NBA numbers, it's usually wrong.
remember, when many predicted, how much Scola will struggle, because he "only got 6-7 RPG. people prdicted, that in the NBA, where he will face bigger and stronger and more athletic interior players, he will be destroyed on the boards. what happened?
he get's 10.3 RPG per 40 minutes. that's not bad at all.

btw. in the Spanish league his offensive rebounding is quite ok at 2.3 RPG. he just doesn't hit the defensive board as hard as in the Euroleague. don't ask me if this is a advice by the coach (in the ACB the forwards of Tau do much more defensive rebounding work), or if Tiago just doesn't try hard enough.
however, I'm sure he will be able to play in the 8+ RPG (better the 12 RPG per 40 minutes) area in the NBA. and at 23 there also still is much room left for improvement in the positioning and strenghts department.

[thousandth]

jesus, don't worry about Tiago's rebounding. he does quite well.
don't try to translate European numbers to NBA numbers, it's usually wrong.
remember, when many predicted, how much Scola will struggle, because he "only got 6-7 RPG. people prdicted, that in the NBA, where he will face bigger and stronger and more athletic interior players, he will be destroyed on the boards. what happened?
he get's 10.3 RPG per 40 minutes. that's not bad at all.
btw. in the Spanish league his offensive rebounding is quite ok at 2.3 RPG. he just doesn't hit the defensive board as hard as in the Euroleague. don't ask me if this is a advice by the coach (in the ACB the forwards of Tau do much more defensive rebounding work), or if Tiago just doesn't try hard enough.
however, I'm sure he will be able to play in the 8+ RPG (better the 12 RPG per 40 minutes) area in the NBA. and at 23 there also still is much room left for improvement in the positioning and strenghts department.

not bad at all? Oberto's older than, slow...and he get's 12,8 per 48 minutes oh Ranks #19 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(4.7)

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/fabricio_oberto/career_stats.html

we need stats per minutes? really? stats per minutes suck.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

jesus, don't worry about Tiago's rebounding. he does quite well.
don't try to translate European numbers to NBA numbers, it's usually wrong.
remember, when many predicted, how much Scola will struggle, because he "only got 6-7 RPG. people prdicted, that in the NBA, where he will face bigger and stronger and more athletic interior players, he will be destroyed on the boards. what happened?
he get's 10.3 RPG per 40 minutes. that's not bad at all.

btw. in the Spanish league his offensive rebounding is quite ok at 2.3 RPG. he just doesn't hit the defensive board as hard as in the Euroleague. don't ask me if this is a advice by the coach (in the ACB the forwards of Tau do much more defensive rebounding work), or if Tiago just doesn't try hard enough.
however, I'm sure he will be able to play in the 8+ RPG (better the 12 RPG per 40 minutes) area in the NBA. and at 23 there also still is much room left for improvement in the positioning and strenghts department.

Yes I say this over and over but Amerikan NBA fan act like it lies. Player will get MORE rebound and MANY MORE assist in NBA than will in Euroleague.

Also you need understand Spanish league can have good team and good player but Euroleague can have some crap player and crap team. I have Bruno tell me Greek league not even count like it not even exist only Euroleague count but he so confuse.

Example PAo team can beat several team of Euroleague by 40 point and can beat ZERO team of Greek league by 40 point. Yet Bruno believe he expert on how only Euroleague count. He complete wrong if he not even realize 4-5 teams of Euroleague are all trash.

In Spanish league can be good chance other player and team are good but in Euroleague can always have game against joke opponent. Once Euroleague get to top 16 this change as then you have best teams be in all Europe.

But regular season Euroleague different it like on PAO team stat like a joke these game hardly serious some of them until get to top 16. So when top 16 start then Euroleague stat more serious until that start probable you see Spanish league more serious stat. Don't trust what some fan here say about Euroleague and how they know all about this because from thing they post they very much not know.

[ChumpDumper]

Don't trust what some fan here say about Euroleague and how they know all about this because from thing they post they very much not know.I know that several players who couldn't make it in the NBA do extremely well in Euroleague, as well as the Spanish and Kreek leagues. Why do they suck in the NBA and do so well in Spain and Hellass?

[Bruno]

I have Bruno tell me Greek league not even count like it not even exist only Euroleague count but he so confuse.
Example PAo team can beat several team of Euroleague by 40 point and can beat ZERO team of Greek league by 40 point. Yet Bruno believe he expert on how only Euroleague count. He complete wrong if he not even realize 4-5 teams of Euroleague are all trash.


:lol

Ok, let's see :

Panathinakos :
Euroleague record : 11-1
Euroleague point differential per game : +8.9
Greek league record : 13-0
Greek league point differential per game : +19.5

Olympiacos :
Euroleague record : 7-5
Euroleague point differential per game : +8.8
Greek league record : 12-1
Greek league point differential per game : +15.1

Aris :
Euroleague record : 6-6
Euroleague point differential per game : -1.8
Greek league record : 10-3
Greek league point differential per game : +8.7

All Greek teams are doing way better in the Greek league than in Euroleague for the simple reason that Euroleague >>>>>>>>>>>> Greek league.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

:lol

Ok, let's see :

Panathinakos :
Euroleague record : 11-1
Euroleague point differential per game : +8.9
Greek league record : 13-0
Greek league point differential per game : +19.5

Olympiacos :
Euroleague record : 7-5
Euroleague point differential per game : +8.8
Greek league record : 12-1
Greek league point differential per game : +15.1

Aris :
Euroleague record : 6-6
Euroleague point differential per game : -1.8
Greek league record : 10-3
Greek league point differential per game : +8.7

All Greek teams are doing way better in the Greek league than in Euroleague for the simple reason that Euroleague >>>>>>>>>>>> Greek league.


There not Greek teams PAO can beat by 40 points but there several of the Euroleague teams they can beat by 40 points. You posts make me laugh you not even realize some Euroleague teams will be almost blown out most every game in Spanish league or Greek league. But laughs all you want with these very poor team from France and Italy and Germany and how horrible these team be you just prove more and more all time how you know nothing about Euroleague and just prove more you statement on Spanoulis worthless.

[Bruno]

There not Greek teams PAO can beat by 40 points but there several of the Euroleague teams they can beat by 40 points. You posts make me laugh you not even realize some Euroleague teams will be almost blown out most every game in Spanish league or Greek league. But laughs all you want with these very poor team from France and Italy and Germany and how horrible these team be you just prove more and more all time how you know nothing about Euroleague and just prove more you statement on Spanoulis worthless.

Hell yeah, I will continue to laugh at your posts because they are laughable. You makes no sense at all by saying that the Greek league is better than the Euroleague because Panathinaikos beat one time another team by 40.

Everybody with a little knowledge of European Basketball will tell you that the first stage if Euroleague is better than the Greek league and I've proved that to you in my previous post. You can continue to ignore the reality and live in your fantasy world where Greece players and teams dominates the world.

Anyway, I shouldn't be surprised, Homer was a Greek after all. :spin

[ss1986v2]

Anyway, I shouldn't be surprised, Homer was a Greek after all. :spin
:worthy:

[Slomo]

http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Photoshop_madness/Homer_of_Greece.jpg

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Hell yeah, I will continue to laugh at your posts because they are laughable. You makes no sense at all by saying that the Greek league is better than the Euroleague because Panathinaikos beat one time another team by 40.

Everybody with a little knowledge of European Basketball will tell you that the first stage if Euroleague is better than the Greek league and I've proved that to you in my previous post. You can continue to ignore the reality and live in your fantasy world where Greece players and teams dominates the world.

Anyway, I shouldn't be surprised, Homer was a Greek after all. :spin

I never said Greek league was better than Euroleague you fan think you so clever with twist words and accuse people of say thing they never say. You think I as foolish and easy to be confuse as you are? No not so.

I said only what is FACT. In Spanish league or Greek league there will always be a team or some player as opponent that can play game. In Euroleague BEFORE top 16 level there are some JOKE horrible terrible team that will be horrible joke team in Spanish league or Euroleague. When get to top 16 Euroleague all teams are very good.

But you think team like Brose, Armani, Roanne, Le Mans and these type team are good team you must be retard. These team are complete joke. TAU or PAo as say for competition of Splitter and Spanoulis they NEVER NEVER NEVER will face such terrible opponent in Greek or Spanish league.

You are nothing but complete liar.

[jay014]

You are nothing but complete liar.
what about you? you still haven't left.www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2105908&postcount=414 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2105908&postcount=414)

[whottt]

<<<< is a Bruno fan


Other than Lance Armstrong drug tests...he rules all. :toast

[Bruno]

I never said Greek league was better than Euroleague you fan think you so clever with twist words and accuse people of say thing they never say. You think I as foolish and easy to be confuse as you are? No not so.

I will cut/past what has been said, so you won't be able to say that I "twist words" and "accuse people of say thing they never say".

You go after me because I've said
"What Spanoulis does in Greek league is quite meaningless because 80% of his games aren't against a good team."

Your answer to that was "I have Bruno tell me Greek league not even count like it not even exist only Euroleague count but he so confuse."

I've never said that Greek league doesn't count. I've said that what Spanoulis does in Euroleague is way more meaningful to what he does in Greek league because the level of most Greek teams is weak.

You also said "Example PAo team can beat several team of Euroleague by 40 point and can beat ZERO team of Greek league by 40 point. Yet Bruno believe he expert on how only Euroleague count. He complete wrong if he not even realize 4-5 teams of Euroleague are all trash."

First, what you said is wrong. Panthinaikos beat Kolossos Rodou by 41 this year in Greek league. And it was in a low scoring game. 106-65 is more a blowout than 123-83.
Second, the fact that there are few bad teams in the Euroleague first stage doesn't change the fact that what I've said is right. What you say is as stupid as saying "the NBA sucks because of Timberwolves".
Third, the worst Euroleague team is easily better than the worst Greek league team.



I said only what is FACT. In Spanish league or Greek league there will always be a team or some player as opponent that can play game.


No, it's not a fact.
Don't even put Greek league and Spanish league in the same sentence.
Spanish league >>>>>>>>>>>>> Greek league.
The worst Spanish team is light years better than the worst Greek team.

We all know why the Greek league aside Aris, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos is so weak, it's because of the quota rule and the lack of money.
In Greek league, you can only have 2 Americans players per team. Teams needs a lot of European/Greek players but there aren't a lot of European/Greek quality players, so they are expensive (damn capitalism). Most Greek teams don't have enough money (unlike Spanish teams) to get quality players and end up with bad players. You end up with nonsense like Olympiacos having a player only eligble to play the Euroleague and Aris buying passports for his players.

And if you aren't sold by what I said :

If you takes aside games played between themselves :
Panathinakos is 11-0 in Greek league with a win average margin of 22.3 points.
Olympiakos is 11-0 in Greek league with a win average margin of 17.5 points.
Aris is 10-1 in Greek league with a win average margin of of 11.4 points.

[Bruno]

And :lmao @ Slomo

[mystargtr34]

Dirk is bigger.

I think Dirk's german personal guru/coach has said Dirk is 7-1 and 1/2 or something close to it.

But like Garnett, he chooses to keep his height listed shorter.

No hes 6'10 without shoes. Hes about 2 full inches shorter than Pau Gasol... ill try get you the pick and the website of actual heights.

[SouthernFried]

I haven't read all these posts, but I just looked at some of Splitters videos.

To me, he looks a little like Dirk, if Dirk had an inside game, and no outside game. Looks to be a mobile 6'10". Also looks like a college player.

I'm not sure if he has an NBA body, but, for a big guy, he's very mobile and quick. Relying more on Quick moves to the basket, rather than your standard back-to-the-basket post up moves. He looks very active, in your typical Euro-type player mode.

The only thing that matters...is he's better than Elson.

[mountainballer]

To me, he looks a little like Dirk, if Dirk had an inside game, and no outside game. Looks to be a mobile 6'10". Also looks like a college player.


are you guessing Dirk, or how Tiago measures?

if Tiago, this are the numbers taken at the 2004 predraft camp: (Tiago was 19)
Height w/o Shoes: 6' 10.25"
Height w/shoes: 6' 11.75"
Weight:233 (last year he was listed at 245)
Wingspan: 7' 2"
Standing Reach: 9' 1.5"

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I will cut/past what has been said, so you won't be able to say that I "twist words" and "accuse people of say thing they never say".

You go after me because I've said
"What Spanoulis does in Greek league is quite meaningless because 80% of his games aren't against a good team."

Your answer to that was "I have Bruno tell me Greek league not even count like it not even exist only Euroleague count but he so confuse."

I've never said that Greek league doesn't count. I've said that what Spanoulis does in Euroleague is way more meaningful to what he does in Greek league because the level of most Greek teams is weak.

You also said "Example PAo team can beat several team of Euroleague by 40 point and can beat ZERO team of Greek league by 40 point. Yet Bruno believe he expert on how only Euroleague count. He complete wrong if he not even realize 4-5 teams of Euroleague are all trash."

First, what you said is wrong. Panthinaikos beat Kolossos Rodou by 41 this year in Greek league. And it was in a low scoring game. 106-65 is more a blowout than 123-83.
Second, the fact that there are few bad teams in the Euroleague first stage doesn't change the fact that what I've said is right. What you say is as stupid as saying "the NBA sucks because of Timberwolves".
Third, the worst Euroleague team is easily better than the worst Greek league team.



No, it's not a fact.
Don't even put Greek league and Spanish league in the same sentence.
Spanish league >>>>>>>>>>>>> Greek league.
The worst Spanish team is light years better than the worst Greek team.

We all know why the Greek league aside Aris, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos is so weak, it's because of the quota rule and the lack of money.
In Greek league, you can only have 2 Americans players per team. Teams needs a lot of European/Greek players but there aren't a lot of European/Greek quality players, so they are expensive (damn capitalism). Most Greek teams don't have enough money (unlike Spanish teams) to get quality players and end up with bad players. You end up with nonsense like Olympiacos having a player only eligble to play the Euroleague and Aris buying passports for his players.

And if you aren't sold by what I said :

If you takes aside games played between themselves :
Panathinakos is 11-0 in Greek league with a win average margin of 22.3 points.
Olympiakos is 11-0 in Greek league with a win average margin of 17.5 points.
Aris is 10-1 in Greek league with a win average margin of of 11.4 points.


Like say you are very foolish if you think you twist word prove anything. You look like joke.

[Extra Stout]

Like say you are very foolish if you think you twist word prove anything. You look like joke.
Bruno no look like joke. Pana look like joke. Pana embarrass all of Hellas and make Hellenes look stupid. Spurs fans respect other European fans from France, Germany, UK, Slovenia, Italy, Spain. Spurs fans even respect Turkish fans. Spurs fans not respect Hellas because of you. You by your foolish words bring shame to Hellas.

[SouthernFried]

are you guessing Dirk, or how Tiago measures?

if Tiago, this are the numbers taken at the 2004 predraft camp: (Tiago was 19)
Height w/o Shoes: 6' 10.25"
Height w/shoes: 6' 11.75"
Weight:233 (last year he was listed at 245)
Wingspan: 7' 2"
Standing Reach: 9' 1.5"


I was saying he looks like Dirk. Athletic, tall, thin body style. If Dirk had no outside shot, this is how I'd see him playing inside. Not using strength or bulling over people, but sorta finnessing and using his agility around the basket.

Uh...thanks for the body measurements tho.

[colargol]

Tiago's stats in liga

here (http://www.acb.com/stsindiv.php?cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=52&cod_fase=LR)

[hsxvvd]

ESPN is showing Tau Cerimica tonight against CSKA, first time I can get a good look at him.

[hsxvvd]

So far so good.

He has some nice post moves and runs the pick and roll perfectly.

He might get in Duncan's way, but nice 2nd unit player. He doesn't really seem to have any range, and he is awful at the line.

His defence seems pretty solid, he doesn't mind banging away underneath (as much as Euroleague bang ;) He also snatched a few offensive boards, which is something we could do with lately.

[GrandeDavid]

James Splitter is going to be a decent player for the Spurs. As a resident of Brazil and follower of Brazilian basketball players who are good, I am excited about him coming to San Antonio next season. Plus it'll help further fortify the Spurs wagon down here in paradise. ;)

[Spurs Brazil]

James Splitter is going to be a decent player for the Spurs. As a resident of Brazil and follower of Brazilian basketball players who are good, I am excited about him coming to San Antonio next season. Plus it'll help further fortify the Spurs wagon down here in paradise. ;)
That's true Grande

[Cansal]

HI EVERYONE, TODAY TAU PLAYED WITH FUENLABRA, WE WON VERY EASY AND SPLITTER MADE AN INCREDIBLE GAME AGAIN :spin :spin . IN JUST 18 MINUTES HE MADE 16PTOS, 7 REBOUNDS, 3 ASSISTANTS........AND 24 OF VALUE :king :king :king . THE BEST OF THE TEAM......... IT WAS INCREDIBLE, I LIKE HIS GAME VERY MUCH, HE IS GREAT, NOWADAYS HE MAKES WHAT HE WANTS IN THE COURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND PEOPLE HERE IN VITORIA LOVE HIM A LOT BECAUSE HE WORKS FOR THE TEAM A LOT IN EACH GAME, HE IMPROVE THE REST OF THE TEAM AND BESIDES HE IS THE REFERENCE OF THE TEAM. FOR MY OPINION, THIS YEAR HE SHOULD BE THE CAPTIAN :downspin: :downspin: :downspin: . IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE GAME JUST GO TO: WWW.ACB.COM

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Cool, thanks.

[Cansal]

YESTERDAY TAU WON AN INCREDIBLE GAME WITH AN INCREDIBLEEEEEEEEE SPLITTER AGAINNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!! :king :king IN 27 MIN HE MADE 23PTOS AND 22 OF VALUE. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE STATICS GO TO WWW.ACB.COM AND IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE GAME GO TO WWW.EUROLEAGUE.COM :toast :toast

[ChumpDumper]

It's actually http://www.euroleague.net.

[Cansal]

Tau Ceramica struggled early, but dominated Zalgiris Kaunas over the last three quarters for an 84-66 win on Wednesday night at the Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria, Spain. Minutes after he final whistle, Tau learned that Montepaschi Siena had won at Olympiacos, meaning head coach Neven Spahija’s troops finish the regular season in third place in Group A with a 9-5 record. Tau will be a second seed in the Top 16 Draw if Unicaja of Group B loses its last game or if Barcelona of Group C loses or wins by fewer than 32 points. Meanwhile Zalgiris drops to 8-6 and finishes the season in fourth place. It will be seeded third in the draw. Zalgiris was the stronger team early on, using a well-developed team attack with big minutes from Jonas Maciulis and Paulius Jankunas helping the Lithuanian champs to an 11-24 advantage. But Zoran Planinic’s buzzer-beating triple off the glass brought the hosts with 8 after 10 minutes and when Tiago Splitter and Igor Rakocevic got going in the second half, Tau regained the lead and sailed to a 44-39 halftime advantage. Zalgiris continued to fight at tied the game early in the third quarter, but was eventually overmatched by Tau, which muscled its way on both ends of the floor to an 18-point win. Splitter finished with a game-high 23 points and Rakocevic had 20 for the winners. Maciulis led Zalgiris with 17 points and Jankunas added 12.

Both teams got off to a cold start as Splitter was the only one able to score a free throw after first minute. Tau fed its center inside on nearly every offense, but the outcome wasn’t as good as expected. Zalgiris took advantage of it to build a 3-7 lead, behind a triple by DeJuan Collins and two baskets in a row by Maciulis. Jankunas made things even worst for the hosts as he nailed another three for a 7-point edge after four minutes. Although the hosts managed to find Rakocevic and Sergi Vidal to add points from the wings, it wasn’t enough to prevent Zalgiris from getting a double-digit lead midway through the first period, based on a smart defense and a patient offense. Even though Tau head coach Neven Spahija called for an urgent timeout, his players didn’t seem ready to react. Looking only for Splitter at offense, Tau struggled to find balance. On the other side, Zalgiris didn’t need to excel to keep a safe margin. A lucky three pointer by Jankunas was followed by a layup by Michael Bradley to give Zalgiris an 11-24 advantage entering the last minute. Splitter, with a pair of free throws, and Zoran Planinic, with a banked three-point shot at the buzzer, helped Tau to stay alive and trail 16-24 at the end of the first period.

Despite of an early layup by Splitter as the second period started, Zalgiris didn’t panic and kept looking for open shots and easy baskets. That’s how they found Bradley inside and Popovic outside to score 5 points in a few seconds, enough to keep Tau far from thinking of a quick comeback. But Tau seemed to react as Rakocevic hit a three-pointer and drew a personal foul from Popovic, which was followed by a put-back and a fast-break layup by Mirza Teletovic that woke the fans up and made it a 2-point game midway through the period. Head coach Rimantas Grigas stopped the game with a timeout, but the hosts remained hot. Rakocevic tied the game with a short jumper, as Will McDonald and Teletovic added consecutive points to cap a 13-0 run for a 37-33 Tau lead. Neither Grigas’s orders nor balanced offense served the guests, who seemed totally bewildered at that point. Planinic extended the lead as Tau’s centers started to dominate the boards. The offensive drought came to the end for Zalgiris thanks to a three-pointer by Marcus Brown, who finished a five-minutes period without Zalgiris points, but at that point Tau felt dominant already. A buzzer-beating baseline dunk by Jankunas allowed Zalgiris to reach halftime down only 44-39.

Zalgiris remained scoreless for the first two minutes after intermission, as Splitter kept leading Tau and raised difference to 48-39. But this time, the guests reacted fine. Maciulis hit a three, which was followed by a layup by Jankunas and 4 free throws from Brown and Collins that capped a 0-9 run that reset the game after 24 minutes. In an immediate answer, Rakocevic and Splitter combined for 7 points in a row that changed the picture again pretty quickly, as Tau found the intensity on defense it lacked for so many minutes. Splitter, unstoppable on offense, came up big on defense as well, making a couple of monster blocks on Popovic and Eurelijis Zukauskas that ignited the spirit of Tau fans. A three-pointer by Pablo Prigioni gave Tau its first double-digit margin at 62-52 with two minutes to go. A few seconds later another bomb by Rakocevic hurt the guests even more. Grigas’s timeout entering in the last minute proved quite useful, as Popovic and Maciulis reduced the gap to keep Zalgiris alive, 65-57, at the end of the third quarter.

Nerves took over on both sides at the beginning of the last period, as both teams struggled to find the basket due to increasing defensive efforts of each team. Rakocevic was the first one to break the trend, as he added a free throw that was followed by a triple by Jasaitis for a 69-57 Tau edge. Meanwhile, Zalgiris couldn’t hit even open shots and allowed Tau rebounders to dominate inside their basket. As such, Zalgiris remained scoreless for five minutes, too much time for any team that aspires to win in Vitoria. Collins and Maciulis came to the rescue, however, to make it a 9-point game, 69-60, with half of a quarter to be played, but Tau didn’t panic and kept trying the things that had granted the edge so far. Two free throws by Jasaitis and a basket-plus-free throw by McDonald were enough to raise differences to unreachable limits. Prigioni, with a huge three, capped an 8-0 run that definitely killed all guests’ hopes of getting any outcome with three minutes to go. With an eye kept on Athens, the hosts managed to keep a safe margin despite full-court pressure attempt by Zalgiris players. A free throw festival in the last minute closed the game with a solid Tau win.


:clap :clap :clap

[hsxvvd]

Splitter, unstoppable on offense, came up big on defense as well, making a couple of monster blocks on Popovic and Eurelijis Zukauskas that ignited the spirit of Tau fans.

:toast

[RADECK]

If Spurs let Tiago like Scola, this would be horrible. Tiago played very good game last night. Well he's playing good all season and i'm looking forward to see him in Spurs uniform.

[ChumpDumper]

The Spurs let Scola go because of Splitter.

[CaptainLate]

The Spurs let Scola go because of Splitter.

Not really. Spurs are ready to sign Splitter for next year. :elephant

The Scola situation :bang was a whole different deal having to do with a huge amount of buyout money.

[wildbill2u]

Not really. Spurs are ready to sign Splitter for next year. :elephant ...
I don't know much about the Euro league season. I get the impression from their website that they are already in the playoffs for the top 16 teams.

Is it possible that Splitter could be out of his season and available to be brought in to the NBA before our playoffs. What is the last date we can sign a player?

(Wishful thinking) :stirpot:

[remingtonbo2001]

How great would that be?

But when would he get time to rest? Im sure he plays for the national team.
Let him get some rest. We've already seen what happens when our players come in overworked.

[ChumpDumper]

Not really. Spurs are ready to sign Splitter for next year. :elephant Right. With his and Ian's coming in next season, it made little sense to sign Scola to a multiyear contract.


The Scola situation :bang was a whole different deal having to do with a huge amount of buyout money.There was no huge buyout this summer.

[Bruno]

His teammate Gabe Muoneke gives him again some huge props :

http://hoopshype.com/blogs/muoneke/index.php/2008/01/31/you-only-live-once/


I just can’t get over Tiago Splitter man! The kid is just very efficient. When you see him move, you think you can take him… And you just can’t. He is so damn confident and nothing deters him. And he does it all with the same face. No smiles, anger or elation… Just stone face. You just have no idea what he’s feeling. That, my friends, is a rare talent.

[T Park]

Sounds like a description of Duncan.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

if he is this good, expect to see him shipped to the Suns or Mavs perhaps

[ChumpDumper]

if he is this good, expect to see him shipped to the Suns or Mavs perhapsNo need to.

[O.J. Mayonnaise]

The Suns don't keep talented, young players. They sell them to Portland.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Splitter, unstoppable on offense, came up big on defense as well, making a couple of monster blocks on Popovic

BFD. I bet I could block Pop.

[T Park]

Isn't Popovic consider one of the "better" or "best" centers in europe?

[T Park]

if he is this good, expect to see him shipped to the Suns or Mavs perhaps


Butch up woman.

[Bruno]

Isn't Popovic consider one of the "better" or "best" centers in europe?

Popovic is a combo guard. Great shooter.

I guess that you have mixed Popovic with Pekovic, who fit your description.

[anjlbitz]

His teammate Gabe Muoneke gives him again some huge props :

http://hoopshype.com/blogs/muoneke/index.php/2008/01/31/you-only-live-once/


I just can’t get over Tiago Splitter man! The kid is just very efficient. When you see him move, you think you can take him… And you just can’t. He is so damn confident and nothing deters him. And he does it all with the same face. No smiles, anger or elation… Just stone face. You just have no idea what he’s feeling. That, my friends, is a rare talent.


I watched him carefully during the FIBA Americas tournament, and I would have to agree with this statement. He's very much like TD in efficiency, practically no wasted movements.

He seems like a scrappy player with high bball IQ very much like Oberto, plus he seems strong enough that he can defend NBA big men (the bruisers lol) well and also quick enough to match up with the quicker bigmen.

He played very well versus the Argentina NT. Brasil had the chance to beat Argentina until Barbosa started acting like KB24 circa 2006 1st round Game 7 vs. Phx.

But he has this uber retarded hook shot that Chip could probably fix. (hopefully).

[objective]

FWIW

Tau lost in the finals of the Copa Del Ray (Rudy Fernandez named MVP).

Splitter in Finals = 12 and 5

In the semis, Splitter received praise from Draft Express on his 'terrific interior defense' and he had 13 and 5

in the quarters, he only had 3 & 3

[hsxvvd]

Splitter looks like he'll be great for the second unit, but I don't see him working alongside Duncan, unless Duncan yeilds the post to splitter and reverts to a mid-range game, which seems insane to me.

[Hemotivo]

Tau lost in the finals of the Copa Del Ray
another one :wakeup

[AFBlue]

Splitter looks like he'll be great for the second unit, but I don't see him working alongside Duncan, unless Duncan yeilds the post to splitter and reverts to a mid-range game, which seems insane to me.

Splitter's first, second, and third priority will be to play defense and rebound. If he does that, they'll find a place for him in the rotation.

Somewhere further back will be for him to work with Chip to develop a reliable 12-15ft shot.

The rest of it will work itself out....

[mountainballer]

Splitter's first, second, and third priority will be to play defense and rebound. If he does that, they'll find a place for him in the rotation.

Somewhere further back will be for him to work with Chip to develop a reliable 12-15ft shot.

The rest of it will work itself out....

Tiago does have some range on his shot. not great and of course with room for improvement, but it's not that he's the 2nd comming of Adonal Foyle in this department.
his mechanics are ok for a big man.

[Bruno]

FWIW

Tau lost in the finals of the Copa Del Ray (Rudy Fernandez named MVP).

Splitter in Finals = 12 and 5

In the semis, Splitter received praise from Draft Express on his 'terrific interior defense' and he had 13 and 5

in the quarters, he only had 3 & 3

Splitter is having a very solid season. Nothing jaw dropping but he should be able to be a solid NBA big man. I would be really pissed if Spurs trade him at the deadline.

Rudy Fernandez is having a monster season. He really looks like the second coming of Manu.

[naico]

17 points for Splitter in win yesterday

[xcoriate]

Splitter is having a very solid season. Nothing jaw dropping but he should be able to be a solid NBA big man. I would be really pissed if Spurs trade him at the deadline.

Rudy Fernandez is having a monster season. He really looks like the second coming of Manu.


And he's going to be in the league from a much younger age too.

We only got to have Manu from 26 or whatever it was :(

Good to hear the reports on Splitter... I'm excited to see him next season. More so than even Scola prior to the trade.

[Extra Stout]

if he is this good, expect to see him shipped to the Suns or Mavs perhaps
Diaper rash again?

[Extra Stout]

Looking forward to Jimbo in the rotation next year.

[Cansal]

HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!! YESTERDAT TAU WON LIETUVOS RITAS 81-84 WITH AND ENORMOUS SPLITTER AGAIN AND AGAIN :king :king . HE MADE 17 PTOS, 2 ASSISTANTS, 5 REBOUNDS. HE INCREASED THE LEVEL OF THE GAME AND WAS THE REVOLUTION. BESIDES, HE STARTED AGAIN IN THE ROTATION (NOBODY NOWS WHY BECOUSE HE IS JUST GREAT) BUT FINALLY HE WAS JUST THE BEST OF TAU. WELL, YESTERDAY IT WAS THE MOST DIFICULT GAME IN THIS TOP 16 AND WE WON SO..........I HOPE OUR TEAM CONTINUE IN THIS LEVEL UNTIL DE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEE YOU :downspin: :downspin:

[T Park]

Hey guys bumping this cause I see Tau Ceramica is playing today and just wondering if anyone will be able to translate the box score over here to us please.

Not too much longer Tiago might be over here watching the Spurs in person in the luxury box and "working out" in other places..

[AFBlue]

HE INCREASED THE LEVEL OF THE GAME AND WAS THE REVOLUTION

Tiago "The Revolution" Splitter!

[Bruno]

Hey guys bumping this cause I see Tau Ceramica is playing today and just wondering if anyone will be able to translate the box score over here to us please.


http://www.acb.com/stspartidojug.php?cod_jugador=B5P&cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=52

Glossary :
Min. : Minutes
PT : Points
T2 : 2P FG
T3 : 3P FG (the 3pt line in Europe is closer than in NBA)
T1 : FT
REB T (D+O) : total rebounds (defensive + offensive)
A : Assists (an euro assist is harder to get than a NBA assist)
BR : Steals
BP :Turnovers
C : Deflection. It's when you push the ball out of bond on the defensive end. You can call that almost steals.
Tap F : Blocks
Tap C : Blocks against
M : Dunks
FP F : PF
FP A : PF drawn
V : Statistical evaluation

With that yous should be able to read Spanish league boxscores. Splitter today's game was number 21 : 13 points, 4 rebounds in 24 minutes.

[Cansal]

HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!! ON SATURDAY TAU WON AGAIN AND SPLITTER MADE A VERY GOOD GAME AGAINST MARK GASOL. :king FOR MY POINT OF VIEW, TIAGO WAS BETTER THAN GASOL BECOUSE IN JUST 21 MINUTES MADE A VERY GOOD GAME: ASSISTANS, REBOUNDS, BLOCKS..........BESIDES, FOR MARK IT IS EASIER TO MAKES 15 PTOS BECOUSE THE TEAM PLAYS FOR HIM AND HE USUALLY PLAYS 30 O 35 MINUTOS EVERY SEASON. HOWEVER, TIAGO JUST PLAYED 21 MINUTES ON SATURDAY AND HE STOPED GASOL EVERY TIME AND BESIDES THE TEAM DON'T PLAY FOR HIM. THAT IS THE REASON WHY AND THINK SPLITTER DEVELOPED IS BETTER THAN GASOL. :clap :clap WELL, THIS WEEK WE PLAY EUROLEAGUE........I HOPE WE WILL WIN AND TIAGO MAKE AN INCREDIBLE GAME. :spin :spin

[Hemotivo]

Spltter >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> mark g

[ChumpDumper]

I don't know if it's been brought up before but the ACB has started putting up YouTube-ish video highlights of their games online.

Here is Splitter's most recent game against Iurbentia Bilbao where he scored 18 on 8/9 shooting.

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/469

I'm impressed with his relative quickness for his size and build.

[urunobili]

I don't know if it's been brought up before but the ACB has started putting up YouTube-ish video highlights of their games online.

Here is Splitter's most recent game against Iurbentia Bilbao where he scored 18 on 8/9 shooting.

http://acbtv.acb.com/video/469

I'm impressed with his relative quickness for his size and build.
seen him live like 4 times... he indeed is one of the fastest Big men in the world

[T Park]

He moves like a power forward.

God I wish they could bring him over for the playoffs...

[ChumpDumper]

:lol I'm sure someone smarter than I must have posted the videos before but in case someone missed the link, here is Tau's ACB highlight collection:

http://acbtv.acb.com/channel/26

[T Park]

seen him live like 4 times... he indeed is one of the fastest Big men in the world


Seriously?

I didn't realize he had a "quickness"

[remingtonbo2001]

Tiago >>> Luis

[Holt's Cat]

Elson's fast.

[Holt's Cat]

Tiago >>> Luis


Hope so.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Tiago will NEVER be as good as Scola, but who cares?



we have them both

























oh wait

[ChumpDumper]

You are without a doubt the biggest bitch on this board.

[WalterBenitez]

If Tiago became as good as Luis, he would probably be traded

[Mister Sinister]

You are without a doubt the biggest bitch on this board.
He's the dumbest one, too.

[ChumpDumper]

If Tiago became as good as Luis, he would probably be tradedNot immediately. He's cheaper.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

If Tiago became as good as Luis, he would probably be traded



to the Suns, he would a perfect for that system and Amare could still be at PF




RC must already be in talks

[ducks]

yeah him and kerr are good friends
especially considering pop told kerr to go get his hats

[timvp]

It'll be interesting to see what the Spurs do with Splitter next season (assuming, of course, that the Spurs don't use him to salary dump a contract). He looks to be a pretty good prospect but he has some flaws he has to work on in his game. He takes it up pretty soft in traffic and his footwork is pretty awkward. His form on his jumper is inconsistent.

Those are things that could be worked on with the Toros but Splitter has already been player at a higher than D-League level for a long time now. I'm guessing they'll keep him on the active roster and use him like they are using Bonner this season.

[ChumpDumper]

assuming, of course, that the Spurs don't use him to salary dump a contractThere is no need.
He looks to be a pretty good prospect but he has some flaws he has to work on in his game. He takes it up pretty soft in traffic and his footwork is pretty awkward. His form on his jumper is inconsistent.Don't overscout :tongue

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

It'll be interesting to see what the Spurs do with Splitter next season (assuming, of course, that the Spurs don't use him to salary dump a contract). He looks to be a pretty good prospect but he has some flaws he has to work on in his game. He takes it up pretty soft in traffic and his footwork is pretty awkward. His form on his jumper is inconsistent.

Those are things that could be worked on with the Toros but Splitter has already been player at a higher than D-League level for a long time now. I'm guessing they'll keep him on the active roster and use him like they are using Bonner this season.



those critiques sound like what we have been hearing about Scola the past few years, that he can't rebound or defend, and his O won't translate in the NBA

[timvp]

There is no need.With potentially six or maybe even seven bigs who'd want game action, a couple of them will need to be moved.


Don't overscout :tongueGood point. :nerd

I better edit my post before the Spurs trade Mahinmi and Bonner for a second round pick . . .

[ChumpDumper]

With potentially six or maybe even seven bigs who'd want game action, a couple of them will need to be moved.Or just let go.

[Harry Callahan]

I don't get this dumping players idea for next year. Horry is done after this year. One or both of the back up PGs will be gone. Ian, Splitter, and a #1 draft choice could come in (I think) and not disrupt too much.

Also, isn't Finley's deal up? I assume they'll try to keep thomas.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Do Spurs like Splitter?

[remingtonbo2001]

I'm guessing they'll keep him on the active roster and use him like they are using Bonner this season.

And I'd say odds are we would've done similar with Scola.

Tiago has fantastic hands. Great athletic ability. His basketball IQ is above average. His footwork does need work. So, who better to teach him than the Big Fundemental himself.

Personally, I'd rather take a 23yr Tiago, than a 28yr Scola.
I don't think Scola would have adapted as quickly as he did in Houston. That's just not Pop's style.

I will admit, Tiago is a bit more of a gamble, but I like the potential he possesses. He does a fantastic job of running the pick n' roll, he just needs to be able to solidfy his jumper. Shouldn't be too much of an issue with Chip around. Even Vaughn's shot is becoming more consistant. Oberto is starting to knock down the slideline jumper. And we're all aware of the miracles he worked with TP.

I think Spliter has the possibility to become a significant contributor as Manu and Tony have. There are numerous things which would have to foster such developement. Regardless, the possibility is there. I don't think it was with Scola. I don't think Scola is going to improve much from where he is now. He might become more accustomed to league, but other than that I don't foresee any signficant advancment of his abilities.