Euro Help Beginning to Take Shape?

by Tom Lewis on Sep 15, 2007 7:02 AM EDT in Indiana Pacers News

Bruno's latest Caught in the Web offers an update on Sarunas Jasikevicius, Erazem Lorbek, and Stanko Barac from the European championships. Despite Runi once again lighting up the European stage, don't expect a second act with the Pacers. As for the development of Lorbek and Barac, there continue to be signs both are moving closer to NBA time in the future.

Lorbek, a 2005 second-round pick, has been a key player for Slovenia, which won its first five games before falling to Lithuania 80-61 Wednesday night. The 6-9 forward has averaged 19.2 minutes, 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds. He's expected to remain in Spain with Unijaca Malaga for one more professional season.

A second-round pick in 2007 acquired from the Heat, the 7-1 Barac rode the bench early but has come on strong of late, totaling 37 minutes, 15 points and nine rebounds in the last two games against Greece and Russia. The 7-1 forward recently signed a three-year contract with Tau Ceramica in Spain.

I confess I've given up on Lorbek which isn't really fair since big men develop at different rates and he's nowhere near over the hill. As for Barac, I'm looking forward to following his progress over the next couple of years. The Pacers are due for a Euro big to exceed expectations and deliver some quality production. Patience, my friends, patience.

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