Head to head: Can Janković withstand a battle against Iron Maik?

It's a duel between one of the best centers in Europe and the guy who is more a power forward, but who is strong enough to fight with every player in the league. The paint will be their battleground. It's Maik Zirbes vs. Nikola Janković.

Two years ago Maik Zirbes was a backup center in Brose Baskets, today he is a player of which the whole Europe talks about! What happened in the meantime? Well, everything started by his decision to join Crvena zvezda Telekom!

Back then, the red and whites signed Zirbes to create a fierce center's tandem together with Boban Marjanović. And, the German international have made a fantastic job! He was using every chance on court, while his contribution to the "triple crown" in 2014/15 season was simply huge. Of course, that brought him bunch of offers last summer, but Zirbes still had contract with Crvena zvezda Telekom... It was time for him to make an important decision... He made the best one.

"I am staying" said Iron Maik!

Zirbes simply "exploded" in his second season in Belgrade. The German international has become one of the best centers in Europe and one of the most dominant players in the ABA League 2015/16 season. His numbers are really impressive, while he has also deserved a place in the Ideal Lineup of the Regular Season.

Still, Iron Maik has not said his final word yet. Zirbes is working hard every day and is preparing for the big Finals...

His direct opponent in the championship battle will be Nikola Janković. The youngster from Mega Leks has spent most of his career at the position of power forward, but he can cover the position of center equally good.

Janković has been considered as one of the top Serbian prospects, but he decided to leave the country at a quite early age. When he turned 18, Janković moved to Belgium where he spent the last three seasons, wearing shirts of Spirou Charleroi and Pepinster. It was definitely a huge experience for a such a young player, but last summer he felt that it was time for him to return to his home country.

Janković accepted the offer from Mega Leks and he did not make a mistake!

The big guy has been raising his for throughout the season and has become one of the vital parts of the team. Finally, he was one of the best players of Mega Leks in that historic semifinal series against Budućnost VOLI in which his team won a precious ticket for the big ABA League Finals.

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