In Wednesday's win, the guard showed glimpses of the performances he made regularly for the club last season.
Gian Clavell showed a glimpse of what could come for Prometey
For Prometey Slobozhanske, Wednesday's victory over the winless Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana was not easy. It was entertaining and fun to watch, but far from easy as the team pulled out a 105-100 triumph in a shootout.
And event though Coach Ronen Ginzburg said he was only satisfied with the victory, there are couple of positives from the game that lifted Prometey's record to 7-6 and solidified its position in the playoff race while keeping the team one win behind the spot that carries home-court advantage in the eighthfinals.
One positive, surely is the fact that Prometey avoided a loss against a team with nothing to lose. Cedevita not only is winless, and now mathematically eliminated from the playoff race, but also had only seven players in its rotation. But its record is somewhat misleading, and those players, led by Justin Cobbs and Jaka Blazic, who combined for 49 points, can hurt any opponent.
Prometey also managed to bounce back after a heartbreaking 89-88 loss at London Lions last week. But this team keeps refusing to use excuses and now, with five wins in its last seven games, has all but secured a playoff spot.
Another big plus from last night's game for Prometey was the performance of Gian Clavell. He tied for the team high with 17 points, shooting 3-of-7 from long range, and also had 6 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Prometey was +13 with him on the floor. It could be just a glimpse of what's to come.
Last year, Clavell was one of Prometey's driving forces. He played an average of 29 minutes per game and was worth 15.2 points and 2.5 assists as Prometey went all the way to the EuroCup Semifinals in its premier season in the EuroCup.
Clavell started the season injured and missed the first nine rounds. However, once he did return, he needed time to get into a rhythm. He scored 10 points in his season debut against Veolia towers Hamburg, but then was scoreless in just 3 minutes on the floor against Besiktas and went for 3 points in 19 minutes against the London Lions.
"It took him time, but I am happy he played good", said Prometey head coach Ronen Ginzburg.
This performance might be just what the doctor ordered for Prometey. With DJ Kennedy now registered and also nearing his return from an injury, and Clavell hinting he is on the way to play like his former self, do not be surprised if Prometey re-captures last season's magic in the weeks to come.