Earlier than the tip-off of the U18 FIBA European Championships Division B in Portugal we sat down and had a chat with one of many prospects anticipated to make the largest impression within the occasion – Aleksandar Gavalyugov (c/o 2024).
The 6-foot-1 shifty Bulgarian lead guard has been a well known prospect inside the European basketball world for fairly some time. Regardless of his flashes of nice scoring and passing instincts in lots of occasions over the previous a number of years, his spectacular manufacturing during the last season was the point of interest that helped him set up and show himself as a legit ground common in opposition to the highest competitors in Europe. Gavalyugov completed because the the highest scorer of the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship (21.1 ppg and 5.1 apg), guiding  Bulgaria to fourth place. Throughout the previous season he had an awesome displaying taking part in for the  Choose crew on the Adidas Subsequent Technology Match in Zadar (13.8 ppg and 5 apg) which secured him a spot on the crew occasion for the finals in Kaunas.
Because of his excellent efficiency this season, the 2024 Bulgarian recruit earned an invite for tryouts from NBA International Academy a couple of weeks in the past. After a profitable displaying there, he signed with the academy, turning into the primary Bulgarian to play there. He’ll deliver dynamic 3-level scoring to any collegiate program in a mix with nice talents to facilitate on the ground due to his strong understanding of the sport. If paired with a strong curler on the subsequent stage, he might be a superb pick-and-roll  facilitator.
The American model of the sport appears to be a pure match to him due to his nice capacity to alter speeds/instructions, make fast reads and superior creativity off the dribble. Getting stronger physique sensible and determining tips on how to be simpler on protection appears to be his principal areas for enchancment.
The Bulgarian recruit shared with us his ideas on his expectations on the upcoming FIBA summer time occasion in Portugal, his long-term targets, gamers he likes finding out, areas for enchancment and extra. Take a look at the interview:
Hello Aleks! Hope you and your loved ones are doing properly. Are you able to inform us extra about how did you begin taking part in basketball? Who contributed essentially the most so that you can make your first steps within the recreation? Did you play every other sports activities?
Good day! Every part goes properly, thanks! I used to be actually born with the basketball in my palms. My dad was the one that taught me on the basics. He’s my first coach and he spent a whole lot of hours with me within the health club. Sure, I practiced tennis after I was 10.
Final summer time in Bulgaria, you had been one of many prime performers on the U16 FIBA European Championship Division B. There you showcased your spectacular scoring and passing instincts, ending as the highest scorer of the occasion. What was your mentality coming into the occasion and what was causing you to have such a profitable displaying?
My mentality going by means of this event was solely to win all of it. I don’t care concerning the particular person awards I received. It means nothing to me once we didn’t win it or a minimum of made it to Division A. However that’s a lesson for the long run and I’m certain in the future I’ll win a title with the nationwide crew of Bulgaria!
Can you’re taking us by means of your expertise, representing the Adidas Subsequent Technology Choose crew in two completely different phases (Zadar, Croatia and Kaunas, Lithuania) this season? Which had been the precious belongings you would take out of that occasion to get you higher on and off the ground going ahead?
I used to be very proud that I used to be chosen for the crew in Zadar. It was a dream come true to play in the very best U18 event in Europe. It was actually good expertise for me as a result of I had an opportunity to play in opposition to the very best prospects and groups in Europe. The dear issues I might take out are to place extra work within the weight room and work extra on my protection.
Because of your excellent efficiency all season lengthy, you earned an invite for tryouts from NBA International Academy a couple of weeks in the past. After a profitable displaying there you signed with the academy. What does it imply so that you can grow to be the primary Bulgarian to characterize such a highly-respected academy?
I’m actually joyful that I signed in such an awesome academy! I’m going there to characterize Bulgarian basketball like I did on ANGT.
Understanding the profitable placement of the NBA International Academy alumni through the years to NCAA colleges and NBA groups and your robust displaying this season, your recruiting course of is predicted to see loads of provides from D1 colleges. What do you suppose you may deliver as much as the desk for a D1 program and what model of basketball you suppose matches you most?
Faculty basketball is completely different than European basketball. I have to go there and be able to play instantly. That’s why I selected NBA Academy. In school basketball I’ll deliver one thing completely different like extra basic recreation, excessive IQ and utilizing my head extra, so I can be capable of beat the athletic People one on one or to have the ability to guard them. I believe the American model of recreation (NCAA and NBA) matches me nice as a result of I’m a man who likes to create for himself and for others and to have freedom on the court docket.
Given you’ve been training with many former school gamers at Balkan Botevgrad over the previous few years what are the teachings a university recruit can study whereas being round such gamers?Â
I’m actually shut with Ahmaad Rorie and Derrick Marks and we discuss fairly often. Additionally they suppose that American model will match me nice. Classes I obtained from them once we performed 1vs1 had been to be very, very robust or in any other case People will eat me alive over there. They’re like my mentors and they’re all the time attempting to assist me get higher and fulfill my dream of reaching the NBA. I performed with the nice Bulgarian PG Stanimir Marinov. From him I discovered rather a lot tips on how to use my head within the recreation and take fast and proper choices on the court docket. Nikos Diplaros who performed in Panathinaikos additionally helped me rather a lot as a result of he’s very inventive on offense and really aggressive on protection.
What are your expectations and targets for the upcoming summer time? Which side/s of your recreation will you be seeking to enhance essentially the most?Â
My primary aim for this summer time is to win the European Championship Division B with the U18 nationwide crew of Bulgaria. After that, I’ll work extra for my physique to get stronger and extra athletic.
What are your long-term targets, the place do you envision your self taking part in in 5 years? Â
Getting drafted and having a task on an NBA crew
Are there any gamers in Europe and within the NBA you want finding out/watching and why?Â
I’m finding out from each PG/SG within the Euroleague and NBA as a result of I’m attempting to study one thing from everybody who performs on the best degree on my place. In Europe I’m watching extra from Shane Larkin and Lorenzo Brown as a result of they’re each nice scorers and passers. Within the NBA I’m watching Steph Curry as a result of I’m attempting to have his off-ball recreation and Trae Younger as a result of he’s undersized and never athletic however nonetheless can put loopy numbers within the league.
Thanks to your time Aleks! We hope you might have a profitable and wholesome upcoming season!