San Antonio Spurs’ presence at EuroBasket 2017

The San Antonio Spurs have been well represented in the 2017 FIBA Eurobasket Tournament. With three players and a coach participating in this year’s events, San Antonio’s international appeal has been prominent.

It’s no secret the San Antonio Spurs have a special affiliation with Euro-talent. Whether it be international signings or draftees, the Spurs have always had a great ability to scout European players. 

The San Antonio frontcourt has been prominent in the 2017 FIBA Eurobasket tournament. Big men Pau Gasol, Davis Bertans and Joffrey Lauvergne are participating for Spain, Latvia and France respectively.

Spurs players participating in Eurobasket: Pau Gasol, Joffrey Lauvergne, Davis Bertans

Draftees: Hanga, Milutinov (maybe), Dangubic (maybe)

— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) July 31, 2017

In addition to the players, coach Ettore Messina has assumed the role of Head Coach for the Italian National Team. Alongside former Spur Marco Belinelli, Messina has led the team to win three of their five games in the tournament.

Notable Performances

While Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis has dominated the spotlight for Latvia, Davis Bertans has contributed heavily. Through four games, the forward has averaged 15.7 points, four rebounds and one assist per contest. His three-point range has been on full display, as he’s connected 9-of-15 threes thus far.

In a 97-92 victory against Great Britain, Bertans connected a tournament-high seven 3-pointers in one game. He finished with 22 points and secured the huge victory for Latvia.

At 37-years-old, Spaniard Pau Gasol continues to dominate the Eurobasket circuit. In three games, the power forward has averaged 15.7 points, nine rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Through four games, Spain has dominated their competition. They’ve won all four of their games by an average point differential of 31.5 points per game.

Gasol’s strongest outing came in a 93-56 blowout of Czech Republic. He totaled 26 points on 9-10 shooting. He also contributed eight rebounds and two assists in only 20 minutes of play.

? @PauGasol makes 26 PTS (9/10) in 20 minutes in @BaloncestoFEB rout of @CzechBasketball 93-56 #EuroBasket2017

? https://t.co/uoXcLsJFEc pic.twitter.com/MBex7Iclo2

— FIBA (@FIBA) September 2, 2017

The last Spur to compete is Joffrey Lauvergne. Through five games, three of which were victories, Lauvergne has averaged 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists. His best game came against Greece, where he scored 21 points on 71.4 percent shooting. He also grabbed 11 rebounds.

Eurobasket legend Tony Parker has been sorely missed for France, whose leading passer has averaged just 4.4 assists per game. Parker, who is nursing a leg injury sustained in the 2017 Playoffs, was unable to compete in this year’s tournament due to rehabilitation.

Next: Spurs: The 8 most important players of 2017

Each of the three players’ teams is expected to qualify for the first round of the tournament. In addition, Messina’s Italy team is expected to qualify for the final tournament.