In Reply to: FIBA U17 Quarter-Finals Lithuania v Serbia Full Game posted by Dr.Bruin on July 03, 2026 at 10:41:02
The final score is very misleading. It was close most of the way, until Serbia completely dominated the 4th Quarter.
Lithuania was the most talented team that Serbia has faced so far, but it still wasn't a well-played game by either team. A lot of the offense was one-on-one, and much of the defense was reaching for steals.
There were 47 fouls called, and that wasn't because the officials were calling too many. They could have called more. Neither team was playing sound defense.
All that is to indicate that it is still hard to really evaluate Kusturica from this type of game. He had 30 points and 7 rebounds. He shot 57% / 28% / 50%. He is still most effective on offense when driving to the basket.
The more I watch, the more I think he needs a LOT of work on fundamentals in every phase of the game. He need to learn about playing team defense, blocking out for rebounds, and how to play a more organized offense.
He needs to improve his shooting motion. He needs to develop more skill finishing around the basket. He needs to get better at sealing his defender to set up for the lob pass.
He is talented, but he has so much to learn. I think his adjustment to college ball will take a lot of time.
I know a lot of smarter people than me think he has a big-time future. If he does, I think it will take time and a lot of work.