This kid is an absolute gem, a marvel to wonder at and a possible superstar even on the NBA level once he gets there. He never ceases to amaze eyewitnesses with the new array of skills he brings to the table, and he possesses extreme body control, heady decision-making and great improvisation skills once making his move. He possesses NBA-caliber jab steps, head fakes and is always in an alert and active mode that defenders simply cannot sleep on him. He learns the tendencies of the defense and never seems to have a cold game, even taking his game to top competition, Panathanikos (Greece) and scoring over them over the course of the game--and that is what makes him truly special. At this level of competition, Marcecos never seems to get cold, and he adjusts extremely well--he is even taking the newborn hype he has received in stride--and he is utterly unpredictable. He knows how to dictate the tempo of the game, and he can go from slow to fast in an instant and always put the defense in his heels. He has an aura of domination on the court, something that few star players even have in the NBA, and especially at such a young age.

 

Marceco's ballhandling skills are extremely advanced for his age, and he can handle the ball upcourt and through defenders as if it's attached to him like a string. Marceco is more comfortable driving right but can suddenly stop-and-pop and make unpredictable moves that put the defense on his heels. He also has some point guard skills as well, being able to pass on the fly and off the dribble and drawing defenses to give open shots to his teammates. In the EuroLeague level, Marceco possesses spin moves and the lateral quickness to get to the basket, avoiding defenses or initiating contact when necessary.

 

Marceco's jumpshot is solid at this level, but he is starting to show more consistency. He possesses great concentration in his jumpshot and keeps the same stroke and good mechanics each time, so there is hope for him in this aspect of his game. However, a strong suit of Marceco is that he is extremely clutch and he has a tendency to make some backbreaking jumpshots or hit clutch shots when his team needs it the most. Marceco is fearless and steadfast, always willing to accept responsibility and react at an instant.

 

Marceco possesses long arms (6'10" wingspan) which are always capable of being a nuisance on defense when he feels like it. He gets many steals at his level of competition and likes to initiate fastbreaks off of it, where at his level is usually a guaranteed two points because of his unpredictability and creativity.

 

Marceco is extremely young and simply a pleasure to watch, a mature player who maximizes his strengths and improves upon his weaknesses day by day. He seems to have a good work ethic and is definitely a HUGE prospect to watch out for.

 

Marceco's weaknesses reside mostly in his frame and jumpshot. Marceco is already quite tall for his age and possesses extreme triple threat skills to top that, but he is only 163 lbs. at this stage, severely underweight for his position. Marceco does a good job masquerading this, as he avoids getting off-balance and being pushed around with his niftiness, but in the NBA level he will definitely have to add more weight, and that should improve his slashing/defensive capabilities.

 

Marceco is quite athletic, but he is a bit vertically challenged even though he has the quickness, first step and lateral quickness to offset that. Thus, Marceco is not much of a rebounder, never really pursuing rebounds and letting his big men do the work. He also doesn't dunk very often unless he's wide open, although his craftiness in his layups offsets that.

 

Marceco has several PG skills, mostly in drive-and-dish and herky-jerky variety, and although he can pass in slow motion or running half-court sets, those passes don't tend to be the assist types, instead they tend to be getting everyone touches. He is much better creating off the dribble than in static positions, always loving to be active.

 

Questions linger about Marceco's success off-the-ball. He doesn't meander around, but one gets so used to seeing him handle the ball to create plays that his success decreases without the ball in his hands. However, he can quickly adapt into this.

 

Marceco's jumpshot is mediocre at best currently. He has some range, but none too consistent or reliable. He has a bit of a slow release in his static jumpshots although off the dribble it is quicker. He may overconcentrate on his jumpshot and miss at times, but other times his jumper is simply streaky and ineffective (probably due to lack of arm strength). However, it has been improving over the past couple of games.

 

Overall, Marceco is a brilliant prospect, although he's a prospect for 2009 at the earliest, with the sort of precociousness and skill set that one would marvel at in such a young player. He's most likely a lottery pick any year he comes out.

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Stay tuned for more EuroLeague updates coming next week!