While Barcelona are no stranger to the accomplishment that is having the best defense in Europe, one certain name on the roster had been quite unfamiliar to that territory, up until he joined Pascual’s ranks in the summer of 2012. A lanky gem that had remained unwrought for the most of his career, Ante Tomic was always a liability on defense. When he left Real Madrid in the summer, many thought Laso’s side wouldn’t miss him as well as that he would be a definite downgrade on defense over Boni N’Dong and Fran Vazquez. Almost a year later now, those who doubted Tomic’s abilities, including me, are proven wrong and have witnessed the redemption story of one of the finest big men in European basketball, if not in the world.
To say that Tomic has been a key contributor for Barcelona this season would surely be underselling it. Croatian center has been “the” difference maker, the guy upon whom was Pascual’s heightened. Barcelona allowed their opposition a crushing 88.6 points per 100 possessions while Tomic was on the floor —would rank as the best in the league— meanwhile teams managed to score 100.1 points when Tomic is not around.
- See more at: https://euro-step.net/countdown-to-london-10-ante-tomic/#sthash.nfAQjDu3.dpuf
Still looks kinda soft in the game highlight reels to me.