3 Hidden Gems in European Basketball You’re Missing (One’s from Iceland)

The Quiet Titan from Reykjavik

I’ll admit it: I laughed when my inbox pinged with a highlight reel from an Icelandic league game. “Leo Curtis?” I muttered, eyes half-closed. “Another 7-foot-1 monk in a wool sweater?” But then he dribbled upcourt — not just passively lumbering, but leading. That moment? Game over for my skepticism.

Why He’s Not on Your Radar

Most scouts fixate on speed and athleticism. But Curtis redefines ‘dominance’ with precision. At 7’1”, he uses his frame like a human anchor — not to block shots first, but to control tempo. His post moves are textbook-level fluid: step-backs that feel like they’re written in Greek philosophy textbooks. And yes, he can handle the ball all the way upcourt — something you rarely see at his size.

The Unseen Stats Behind the Silence

Let me drop some numbers before you call me biased (which I’m not — unless you count being obsessed with RAPTOR metrics as bias):

• EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus): +4.2 in domestic play — top 5 among centers globally outside the NBA.
• Assist Rate: 18% while averaging 10 points per game. That’s not just passing; it’s choreography.
• Defensive Win Shares: Surpassed many rotation players in the EuroLeague last season.

He doesn’t need hype because his impact is already baked into wins.

Think Like a Scout: What Does This Mean?

Imagine if your football manager had one player who could both set screens and start counterattacks like a midfielder… but also block two shots per game? That’s Leo Curtis in basketball form. He operates like a football manager running tactics mid-match — calm, calculating, and always three steps ahead.

And let’s be real: after watching endless highlight reels of rim-rocking dunkers who can’t find their teammates, it feels almost revolutionary to see someone who thinks during possession.

Why You Should Care Now (Not Later)

The EuroBasket pipeline isn’t just about stars anymore. Teams are starting to value intelligence over explosion — especially those building long-term projects beyond draft night fireworks. Curtis isn’t just good; he’s efficient. In an era where every second counts and minutes matter more than ever, having a center who can organize without sacrificing defense is worth its weight in gold.

If you’re into tactical depth or player development analytics (yes, we talk about this at bars), stop scrolling through All-NBA lists and start studying him instead.