European players have increasingly established their dominance in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA over recent years, with stars like Luka Doncic leading the charge. This shift stems from a different development approach in Europe, where players focus intensely on fundamentals and team skills. Boban Marjanovic, a former teammate of Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, recently shared insights explaining why European players have surged to the top in the NBA.
Why European Training Produces Exceptional NBA Talent
Marjanovic highlighted that European basketball training places a strong emphasis on the details during practice sessions.
“We [have] more like detail when it comes to practice,”
he explained, noting that European players rigorously work on passing, footwork, and teamwork. Players learn how to perfect every movement, from the initial step to the way they share the ball, focusing heavily on these fundamentals before engaging in full games.
He added,
“That’s why people like, ‘Wow, what a pass,’”
emphasizing that passing is not just an instinct but a skill honed through dedicated practice. According to Marjanovic, about 90% of basketball training in Europe involves exercises centered around passing and strategic thinking on the court.
Moreover, European training routines are highly structured.
“This is our practice before we even start to play basketball,”
Marjanovic said.
“We have one practice of shooting, one of passing, one of dribbling, one just to play together, one just to be together.”
This segmented and focused approach contrasts with the more game-oriented or less frequent practice sessions often seen in the United States.
Differences Between American and European Youth Basketball Development
Former NBA player Matt Barnes, now involved in coaching, also pointed out that American youth practices tend to occur only once or twice weekly, which affects skill acquisition. He suggested that while American kids may be highly skilled, they often lack basketball IQ, which European training nurtures extensively.
Barnes observed that U.S. youth basketball frequently prioritizes winning trophies and scoring points, whereas European programs emphasize learning to operate effectively in open space and without the ball. This training context fosters players’ ability to anticipate and create opportunities, skills essential in today’s NBA game.
Mark Cuban, the former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shared similar observations about the U.S. youth basketball system. Cuban pointed out that his own children, active in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit, participate in numerous games but have fewer focused practice sessions. He also remarked on a tendency in the U.S. to pigeonhole players into specific positions early, although he believes this is gradually changing.
The Impact of Luka Doncic and the Rising European Influence
Mark Cuban once managed one of the best European talents in the NBA, Luka Doncic, who was a EuroLeague MVP at just 19 years old. Despite high praise for his skills, there were doubts about whether Doncic’s style would fit the NBA game, resulting in his selection as the third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. In hindsight, this hesitation proved to be a major oversight.
Doncic’s success has helped change the perception of European players across the league. With stars like Victor Wembanyama and Zaccharie Risacher securing the No. 1 picks in the 2023 and 2024 drafts respectively, both hailing from France, European talent is increasingly sought after.
Wembanyama is expected to join a revered group of European stars already dominating the NBA, including Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokic, who has earned three MVP awards (2021, 2022, 2024), and Antetokounmpo, who won MVP twice (2019, 2020), exemplify the new wave of European excellence. Doncic himself is a strong MVP candidate for the upcoming season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Recognition and Challenges Facing European Players
Former Mavericks assistant coach Marko Milic commented on the hesitancy of some Americans to accept the dominance of players like Doncic and Jokic. While skepticism may linger in certain circles, the media has largely acknowledged their impact. Jokic’s multiple MVP awards testify to the respect European players have earned for their outstanding performances.
The media’s evolving perspective mirrors the broader acceptance of European players’ skills and contributions. The era when European players were underestimated has given way to recognition borne from undeniable on-court success.