Analysis: Player Efficiency Leaderboards

The table above ranks the top-6 players currently competing in the ABA League that are 22 years old or younger by their scoring averages. The league’s history with young players is rich for a variety of reasons. The regional competition has generated dozens of NBA Draft picks, developed numerous Euroleague stars, and continues to foster some of the most talented players of any given generation. The ABA League Top Prospect honor has been a good indicator of future success since the inaugural award was given out in the 2013-14 season. Every one of Dario Šarić, Nikola Jokić, Ante Žižić, Jonah Bolden and Džanan Musa have continued to blossom and build on their award-winning ABA League seasons. Last year’s recipient, Goga Bitadze, was drafted 18th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and is averaging 3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game for the Indiana Pacers as a 20-year-old rookie.

A Closer Look

Through Round 17, 20-year-old big man Marko Simonović has been not just the productive young player in the ABA League, but also one of the more efficient players in the league overall. 23 players have used over 12 possessions per game in the ABA League this year and Simonovic is one of only 8 of those players to average over 1.00 points per possession—the gold standard for efficient offense in most professional leagues. The talented Montenegrin big man is leading the league in both put back and roll man scoring while shooting 62% in finishing situations overall. After scoring 4.2 points per game last season with Petrol Olimpija, Simonović is having a breakout season with Mega Bemax.

21-year-old teammates Stefan Đorđević and Aleksa Radanov have been a big reason why FMP remains in the playoff picture. Both players are not only averaging over 10 points per game, but they are averaging over 1.00 points per possession. Đorđević has been very effective in the post and leads the league in cut scoring while Radanov was the competition’s most efficient player throughout the early part of the season. He has continued to score well in transition and attacking closeouts as the year has worn on.

Nikola Mišković has found his range for Mega Bemax in recent weeks, a point of interest as they look to stay competitive in the second tier of teams in the standings. The 21-year-old flashed quit a bit of versatility when his shot was falling last season.

Dalibor Ilić is the youngest player on this list not turning 20 until March. Stepping into a larger role Igokea than he played a year ago after averaging 10.9 points and 11 rebounds per game at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Championship for Serbia, Ilić has shot 68% inside the arc overall and had several big scoring nights. Already a contributor at this level, he has quite a bit of potential to grow into as his development as a shooter could take his versatility to a different level.

The ABA League also features several of the most highly regarded teenagers in Europe, though they will have to wait their turn to contribute at the same level of the players listed above. As has often been the case, the future looks bright in the Adriatic region.
Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology