Analysis: Transition scorers

Transition opportunities rank among the most efficient scoring chances in the ABA League though they make up only 12% of all possessions. Some teams make a much greater effort than others to push the ball. Mega Bemax leads the ABA League with 18% of their possessions coming in transition resulting in a league-leading 17.8 points per game, but Crvena zvezda mts, Petrol Olimpija, and Krka all score under 10 points per game in transition preferring to focus their efforts on scoring with their half-court offense. Efficiency also varies wildly team-to-team with Budućnost VOLI leading the league scoring over 1.5 points per transition possession, but two teams are scoring under 1.0 points per transition possession this season. With teams spread over a wide range of frequency and efficiency marks, some teams have gained an upper hand with their ability to play with pace offensively.

Digging Deeper

Multi-positional Zadar guard Luka Božić ranks among the most unique offensive players in recent ABA League history and his ability to score in transition is the reason why. Among the ABA leaders in transition, cut, and put back scoring, Božić scores hustle points at an impressive rate, but is also very effective pushing the pace himself in the open court. An aggressive scorer who has the size and body control to finish when he can get all the way to the rim, Božić makes things happen on the break most often than any player in the ABA League.

Mega Bemax is the most aggressive team in the ABA League scoring in transition, and Adam Mokoka leads a group of five players scoring over 2 points in transition per game for the club. Mokoka has been most effective pushing the ball himself where his athletic gifts shine getting to the rim. He has drawn fouls very consistently in the open floor, and can put points on the board in bunches when he is making free throws.

Nemanja Vranješ of Mornar Bar, in contrast, is most effective running the wings, where he does a great job picking and choosing between getting all the way to the rim or shooting floaters over defenders. Vranješ may not play above the rim often, but he is an aggressive, strong guard with good speed who never tries to get too fancy.

Cedevita ranks 2nd in the ABA League in transition points per game and points per possession, making the number of players they put on the list above less than surprising. With multiple ball handlers like Jacob Pullen and Justin Cobbs pushing the tempo and finishers like Elgin Cook on the wing, Cedevita has no shortage of players who can use their speed in the open court. Cobbs, in particular, has thrived in the open court, as his knack for getting steals and quick feet have led to some very easy baskets for his team.

Transition play is not a key part of every teams gameplan, but team’s that can create easy scoring chances when possible can take a lot of pressure off of their half-court offense.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology