European basketball is currently experiencing a surge of new talent as athletes from around the world, especially from the United States, bring their expertise to the courts. Two noteworthy mentions are Myles Stephens and Marcus Carr, who have recently signed with Dolomiti Energia Trentino and Aris Thessaloniki respectively. This article delves into the journey of these two young athletes and the impact they are expected to make on their new teams.
Myles Stephens: A New Challenge in Trentino
Myles Stephens was born and raised in USA. But now begins another chapter in his European basketball career.
Myles Stephens: In-depth Profile
| Personal Information | Player data |
| Birth Date | January 1, 1997 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
Career Information
| Place | Date |
| High School | The Pennington School, New Jersey; St. Andrew’s School, Delaware |
| College | Princeton (2015–2019) |
| NBA Draft | 2019: Undrafted |
| Playing Career | 2019–present |
| Career History | Oldenburger TB (2019–2020); Vilpas Vikings (2020–2021); Kangoeroes Mechelen (2021–2022); Crailsheim Merlins (2022–present) |
Myles Stephens is a promising American player who has spent his career playing for various European teams, paving a remarkable path of growth from the prestigious Princeton University to the dynamic European championships.
After graduating from Princeton in 2019, Stephens started his professional career in Germany with Oldenburg’s B team. He then moved to Finland to play for Vilpas Vikings, helping them win the Finnish championship in 2020-21. Stephens subsequently joined Kangoeroes Mechelen in Belgium and finally landed in Crailsheim, Germany.
Stephens at Trentino
Trentino’s coach, Paolo Galbiati“We were immediately impressed by the energy, versatility and the amount of little things Myles puts on the court in every single possession. He is a player who has made a steady path of growth, starting from a top-notch university to study, passing through formative championships. Now we expect him to take a further step forward in his career by tackling the difficult Italian league and the Eurocup. In the interview we had, he immediately gave me super positive feelings, because of the enthusiasm and energy with which he showed how much he wanted to be part of our organization.”
With this enthusiastic endorsement, it’s clear that Stephens is ready to face the challenge of the Italian league and make a significant impact.
Marcus Carr: A Rising Star in Aris Thessaloniki
Aris Thessaloniki has added the young and talented Marcus Carr to its roster. Born in 1997, the Canadian guard will be embarking on his first professional season after a distinguished college basketball career at the University of Texas. He was instrumental in leading the Texas team to the Elite Eight phase of the NCAA tournament and winning the conference title in the spring.
Marcus Carr’s performance throughout his college years is particularly impressive, with an average of 19.4 points in the 2020-21 campaign after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh.
Marcus also had a brief stint in the NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns. Although his stats were relatively modest (3.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game), the experience was undoubtedly invaluable. His decision to venture into professional basketball in Europe will test his skills and resilience, a challenge he seems ready to take head-on.
Impact on Trentino and Aris Thessaloniki
The addition of Myles Stephens and Marcus Carr to their respective teams is likely to make a substantial difference to their performance in the upcoming season. Trentino, with its established players and a strong tactical approach, will undoubtedly benefit from the dynamism and versatility that Stephens brings to the team.
Similarly, Aris Thessaloniki, with its mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, is bound to be energized by Carr’s youthful vigor and proven skills. His experience in leading Texas to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament indicates a level of leadership and game management that Aris will find valuable.
Comparative Analysis of Stephens and Carr
While both players come from similar backgrounds in terms of their exposure to high-level basketball during their college years, they bring different strengths to their respective teams.
Myles Stephens, with his solid experience in European basketball, is an adaptable player who can contribute both defensively and offensively. His time spent with various teams across Europe will also bring a unique perspective and strategic depth to Trentino.
Marcus Carr, on the other hand, is a highly skilled offensive player who can also contribute significantly on the defensive end. His recent exposure to the NBA Summer League and success in the NCAA tournament show a player on the rise, ready to make his mark in European basketball.
Looking Ahead
As Myles Stephens and Marcus Carr prepare for the upcoming season with Trentino and Aris Thessaloniki respectively, they are both expected to make significant contributions. Their signing represents not just new additions to their respective teams, but a new era in European basketball, where young talent from around the world is eagerly stepping up to the plate.
The signings of Myles Stephens and Marcus Carr reflect the ongoing globalization of basketball, with talent moving across continents and leagues. As these two players embark on this next chapter of their careers, fans of Trentino and Aris Thessaloniki alike can look forward to exciting times ahead. It is clear that both Stephens and Carr have the potential to not only enhance their teams’ performance but also elevate the level of competition in the league.
