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Every international tournament from any sport features diamonds in the rough that shine unexplainably on the biggest stage.
These break out stars often come from the most unlikely situations. Past studs such as Joel Freeland, Marcelo Huertas and Alexey Shved shown in the previous Olympics.
Although known to the basketball world, their performances were rather stunning. With lowly nations such as Venezuela and Nigeria competing in the games, there will be a platform for these unlikely stars to break out and cement themselves in basketball folklore.
Point guard – Michael Gbinjie Nigeria
The 6’7 recruit out of Syracuse, Gbinjie was more a point forward than anything. His length and defensive skills allowed him to guard multiple positions.
Gbinjie is one of two players resenting Nigeria on a NBA roster and as such will be forced into a major offensive role. Shots and ball-handling responsibilities will be at a premium for Gbinjie.
The combination of both will allow him to hopefully flourish. Nigeria has had a reputation of trying to play and up and down style and this will allow Gbinjie to play a lot of transition basketball, undoubtedly one of his strengths at the moment.
Age may be a factor that could work against him but as seen in his college days, he is not one to shine away from the pressure of a worldwide audience.
Shooting guard – Mario Hezonja Croatia
The hype circulating ‘Super Mario’ was immense leading into last year’s draft. Selected number five by the Orlando Magic, Hezonja was expected to feature heavily off the bench as a swingman.
His elite shooting, athleticism and size was seemingly meant to translate to the NBA games.
However under the watchful eye of former coach Scott Skyles, Hezonja rarely featured. As such heading into these games he will look to prove the pessimists wrong.
His game will contemplate the Serbian team perfectly and his highly recited confidence will definitely provide the kick starter for multiple scoring barrages.
In a youthful squad, Hezonja will have some freedom to play his own style; a feature that allowed him to dominate in the younger years. As such do not be surprised if you see Hezonja’s name brought up multiple times in Rio and in the future.
Small forward – Ryan Broekhoff Australia
Broekhoff’s surprise inclusion into the 2014 World Cup team brought forth a gem in Australian basketball. With the length and stature to play both forward spots in conjunction to shooting guard, Broekhoff has been a necessity in all squads.
His three point shooting has improved out of sight of the past few years and his above average rebounded and defence has sighted interest from multiple NBA teams.
At a ripe age of 25, Broekhoff will feature as a 3andD starter for the Boomers. Often defending the best perimeter player for both Australia and his Euroleague side Lokomotiv-Kuban, Broekhoff will be able to show off his tout defence and elite presence.
His offensive skills will perfectly compliment the skills of guards Dellavadova and Mills and bigs Bogut, Baynes and Bairstow, allowing Broekhoff to shine in this system.
Power forward – Nikola Jokic Serbia
The 41st pick of the 2014 draft shocked most Denver and NBA fans last season. The hybrid power forward/centre proved to be extremely versatile on both ends of the court.
His ability to post up and shoot from three made him a deadly frontcourt partner for Kenneth Faried and Jusuf Nurkic.
On defence he demonstrated a combination of quick hands and feet to average a steal game; an admirable stat for a 6’11 big man.
At a ripe age of 20, Jokic is seemingly a lock to start at either the four or five. His adaptability to play both positions will allow Serbia to be creative in their line-ups and will be able to unlock all of Serbia’s strengths and weaknesses on both ends of the court.
Centre – Zhou Qi China
Touted as a high upside pick heading into the draft, Qi feel astoundingly to 43. A question over his age and weight was central to this however it’s no doubting that the 7’2 goliath has the tools to be a new age big man.
He’s far from the prototypical seven footer we’ve seen in the past. His small frame mixed with a silk shooting touch could make him ungradable in space.
His shot is inconsistent at this point in his career but he has shown potential in China’s warmup games to heat up from down town. Heading into the Olympics he will be exposed mightily on defence especially up against big centres.
In conjunction Qi will have opportunities to dominate offensively, particularly because China lacks multiple scoring talents.
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