Let’s take a look at some undervalued players to consider this week
EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Must-have players in Round 2
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With each game that passes, there is more data to digest in the quest to build the perfect EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team. Here are five players you should consider to maximize their value entering Round 2.
Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius – 11.9 credits
The 27-year-old point guard seems to be in the perfect spot to shine. Anthony Cowan has been Wolves’ top scorer this season with the bonus of effective shooting, getting to the line and compiling assists. He went for 20 points and 4 assists for a PIR of 23 in Round 1 against Bahcesehir College Istanbul and followed that up with 20 points and 6 assists against EuroCup side 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys over the weekend in the Lithuanian League. He made 6-of-13 threes (46.2%) and 14-of-16 free throws (87.5%) in those games. In what should be an uptempo game against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Cowan has great value.
Justinian Jessup, ratiopharm Ulm – 9.4 credits
Justinian Jessup did it all for Ulm against Trefl Sopot in Round 1. He netted 6 three-pointers, led the team with 20 points, collected 6 rebounds and made the game-winning shot. He also played a game-high 39:55 minutes, so it is clear that coach Ty Harrelson is counting on his sweet-shooting small forward. Moreover, Jessup is leading Ulm in scoring (17.5 ppg.) and PIR (20) in the German League, too. Against a tough Joventut Badalona squad this week, Ulm will look to Jessup again.
Mfiondu Kabengele, Umana Reyer Venice – 12.6 credits
There are several strong options at center and Mfiondu Kabengele is not among the cheaper ones, but his rebounding prowess gives him such a high floor that it can’t be overlooked. The Canadian big man contributed 13 points and 9 boards for a PIR of 17 on opening night against Aris Midea Thessaloniki. He then erupted for 17 points and 21 rebounds – posting a PIR of 40 – in the Italian League over the weekend. With those numbers under his belt, Kabengele becomes a very intriguing option.
Zavier Simpson, U-BT Cluj-Napoca – 13.2 credits
If there were any questions about how Zavier Simpson would adjust to European basketball, he put them to bed in Round 1 with a monster line – 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists – against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Simpson has an impressive resume and displayed his vast array of skills from the start. Any time you have a triple-double threat, he is going to be a valuable player since he will be able to contribute in many ways. Simpson is not a cheap player, but if he becomes a EuroCup star, you may want to grab him before he gets too pricey.
Ben Saraf, ratiopharm Ulm – 7.4 credits
It is unusual to list two players on the same team, but the truth is we could easily have had three from Ulm. Noa Essengue, 17, was the most valuable player in fantasy last week with 28.6 fantasy points (18 points and 6 rebounds) for just 5.4 credits. His price has jumped this week, as has Ben Saraf’s. The Israeli point guard had 17 points and 10 assists for a PIR of 17 in Round 1. The two teenagers are bound to have their ups and downs, but for their current values and playing on Turn 1, they are both wise additions.