What makes Neoklis Avdalas such an intriguing prospect?

Neoklis Avdalas has long been regarded as a potential NBA Draft prospect, despite not posting eye-catching numbers.

What makes the Neoklis Avdalas such an intriguing player for NBA scouts, and the several high-major colleges, that have pursued him?

Avdalas has been recognized as one of the most promising talents not only in Greece but across Europe, even before his standout performance at the Basketball Without Borders camp, where he earned the nickname "Greek Luka."

Although his showing at the FIBA U18 Tournament was inconsistent, his status as a top prospect remains unchanged. His elite basketball IQ, passing instincts, and ability to control the tempo of the game are qualities that draw comparisons to Luka Dončić, setting him apart from his peers.

Avdalas has taken a rather unconventional path to his professional career, beginning with his early years in Panathinaikos' youth teams. He moved to Athens from Kalamata with his family in 2019, where he and his older brother, born in 2004, joined Panathinaikos. Avdalas remained with the club until the 2022-2023 season. In 2023-2024, he was loaned to Karditsa, foregoing his final year of U18 eligibility to join their senior team. During that season, he earned a solid 13 minutes of playing time per game in Greece’s top-tier basketball league, the Greek Basket League. At just 18, the 2024-2025 season will mark his second playing at the senior level, this time with Peristeri, where he is expected to receive more playing time and increased responsibilities.

Standing tall at 6'8”, Avdalas combines size and versatility with a strong frame, broad shoulders, and continuously improving athleticism. These attributes allow him to compete effectively against professional players. As he enters his second professional season with Peristeri in the 2024-2025 campaign, he is expected to take on a larger role with increased playing time and responsibilities.

His ability to play multiple positions—point guard, shooting guard, and small forward—adds to his versatility on offense, further enhancing his appeal as a prospect.

What truly sets Avdalas apart is his ability to serve as a secondary ball handler at his size. He possesses exceptional court vision and excels in pick-and-roll situations, both as a creator and an executor. His quick reads of defensive coverages, paired with solid decision-making in these scenarios, give him a significant advantage.

Avdalas effectively exploits drop coverages with his mid-range, off-the-dribble shooting, while his agility and change of pace allow him to beat defenders in switch defenses and attack the rim with success.

However, his three-point shooting remains an area in need of improvement. His shooting form can be stiff, often lacking elevation as he shoots flat-footed. After recognizing this weakness following the FIBA U18 Tournament, he reportedly began refining his shooting mechanics—an important step in his long-term development.

Perhaps the most critical area for improvement is his shot decision-making. While Avdalas excels at creating separation in isolation situations, he sometimes hesitates to take the shot immediately after creating space, giving defenders time to recover.

This hesitation often results in more difficult shot attempts. Becoming quicker and more decisive with his shot selection will be essential as he adapts to the faster pace of professional basketball.

Playing for Peristeri in both the Greek Basketball League and the Basketball Champions League will provide him with the ideal environment to sharpen these skills, as these leagues demand quick, instinctive decision-making.