Michael BATISTE
BATISTE, Michael
STRENGTHS: A frontline player with a solid body and excellent athleticism. He’s improved a lot over the years, thanks to Zelimir Obradovic, who helped him get rid of his flaws and become more consistent. He likes to play near the basket to use his low post moves. He has leaping ability and a good technique in 1-on-1 situations. He runs the court very well, he jumps with determination from kick outs for fierce throw downs. WEAKNESSES: A 4 with the body of a 5. He has the height of a forward and the game of a center. He lacks a reliable shot from three, his range of action is limited to 5 meters. Even though he improved, he’s not reliable in the moments that really matter, he tends to make mistakes. His defense is questionable, especially if he’s dragged outside the paint. The understanding of the game is below average. Tends to get in foul trouble. CAREER: He came out of Arizona State with physical problems (knee), which frightened more than one at the beginning of his career. He was forced to start away from the main leagues, in Belgium. He had a season with ups and downs at Biella. He surprisingly entered the Memphis team, but he did well, gaining confidence and popularity. In Panathinaikos, Greece, since 2003-04 he won the national title every single season and the Euroleague twice in 2007 and 2009. EVALUATION: He settled in perfectly in Athens, Greece, with Panathinaikos, where he can play his style of basketball without having excessive responsibility. He got better over the years and surprised a lot of people, establishing himself as an excellent player in Europe. He neither has the character nor the continuity to become a star, but he remains an important piece of a winning jigsaw.
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