2023 Recap and Notable Performances
Our 3rd annual college showcase in Stockholm boasted one of the top talent pools thus far, with players attending from both the U18 and U16 Swedish squads, as well as national teamers from a few other countries as well. The event saw exciting dunk and three-point competitions, followed by highly competitive condensed 5v5 games. After both days of competition in front of college coaches (via internet stream), we highlighted a few standout performances on both the womens’ and men’s sides:
Linnea Blomberg (2024) – 6’1″ F (Tureberg Basket)
Very much under-the-radar before now, Linnea has emerged as a likely college prospect. The long forward showed an ability to score inside, as well as create plays off the dribble and shoot the three. We were also impressed with her passing ability, something that will surely garner some praise from college coaches in search of versatile forwards. She also finished 2nd in our three-point competition, showing a smooth, natural release that promises to fit pick-and-pop situations and floor spacing at the next level.
Tairat Samuel (2024) – 5’7″ PG (Fryshuset Basket)
Easily one of the highest-motor, most competitive players at the showcase this year was Tairat Samuel. She can score it from three levels, and is especially fun in transition, but it was the potential she showed as a floor general that we think shows perhaps the most promise at the next level. She is also a highly-active defender, capable of applying pressure for 94 feet. She’ll be on a lot of people’s radar by this time next year.
Emmy Ersdala (2025) – 6’1″ G (Norrkoping Basket)
Enter the hidden gem of the event. Emmy Ersdala is still not super well-known outside of her club, but that won’t last for long. 6’1″ and a legitimate guard, Emmy showed flashes of what will surely catch some eyes when the time comes–She shoots it well from three already, but we were most impressed with her versatility, including scoring in a variety of ways off the dribble. She’s also a willing (and very capable) facilitator, and it would not be surprising to see her flourish in that type of role as well. Long, skilled, versatile, and just now starting to emerge. What’s not to like?
Men’s Standout Performances:
Adam Massarsch (2024) – 6’6″ G (Sodertalje BBK)
For coaches that like big guards, Adam could prove super interesting. He led the men’s day in scoring, and did it in a number of ways. His stroke from three is one of the smoothest in his class, but what will surprise coaches the most is his sneaky athleticism. He competed well in the dunk contest and then showed off a number of athletic finishes throughout the day during the games. His game is skilled but straightforward; no wasted dribbles, and can either hit you from deep or attack the basket and finish above the rim. Will collect some solid interest by this time next season.
Kirat Singh (2023) – 6’4″ G (BG Lulea)
Don’t be fooled just because you don’t see that last name often. The unsigned senior did his thing at the showcase and had an extremely confident showing. Kirat is another guard that has the tools to contribute at the next level, and was coming off an impressive regular season where he led his BG Lulea squad in scoring. He showed deep range, the ability to finish in a variety of ways, and a physicality and focus on the defensive side that coaches will love. Will certainly compete for a scholarship this summer.
Anton Fontin (2025) – 6’8″ F (BG Lulea)
Another standout performance of the men’s day belonged to Anton Fontin. He was noticeably one of the most physical, strongest guys in the batch, but he’s no one-dimensional bruiser. The 6’8″, 225-pound forward showcased a nice touch from the outside, hard-nosed defense, and was one of the most competitive players on the floor in each game. However perhaps most impressive was his ability to pass the ball; his vision and ability to find shooters/cutters is very high level in general, but for his size, it’s safe to say it’s elite. Coaches who want a mix of size, physicality and skill would be wise to take a look.
