Ömer AŞıK
#14

This defensive superstar is 212cm tall, has a wingspan of 224 cm and has feet so quick even guards envy him.

Add to that the natural timing instincts he possesses and you have the ultimate “paint guard”.

Aşık changes the game so much with his defense that it is almost hard to describe.

The moment he sets foot on the court, the opponent’s game is repulsed to the three-point line, as nobody can get inside, even if they do they have to make awkward decisions.

His offense is very raw and his free-throw shooting is abysmal but his defensive presence makes up for it all.

He was destined to be a superstar but in 2008 he tore his ACL and didn’t play for six months.

Considering he took up basketball at a relatively late age (16), the interval took its toll.

Still he is such a talent that he skyrocketed onto the scene in Turkey.

Also at EuroBasket 2009 he was dubbed lord of the paint.

But injury woes constantly follow him.

In December as he was creating havoc in Turkey and Euroleague, he broke his collar-bone and didn't play for two months.

After his recovery, Fenerbahçe tried to make him sign a new contract and held him out of the team until he signed.

Aşık didn't give in and sat out the rest of the season.

Nobody knows what kind of a form he is in but he is the primary defender down low for Turkey.