The NBA 2K League European Invitational has come to a close, and a champion has been crowned.
With 20 of the best European prospects competing for spots in the NBA 2K League draft pool for season 3, every player competing was highly talented, and teams were split very evenly to ensure the fairest competition possible. Led by PG MGoCrzy, Team YKTV featured WelshJordy, Badjian, Pocholo-Fiesta, and Dovalinho. Jordy moved to C for this team, despite playing in his usual sharpshooting role for almost all of the previous day, and I was definitely curious to see how this would work out. Badjian was also playing as a sharp for the first time in his 2K career, and I was excited to see what he could do at the position. As you saw from the title of this article, things definitely worked out.
Team YKTV had a rough start to the day, getting blown out by Rise Above in their first game (although it was not streamed). In the finals of the loser’s bracket, YKTV beat Europe Kings, led by PG Mastour and featuring the Spanish trio of Rafa, Lele, and GC. After a one-game break, YKTV faced off against Rise Above again, this time with a different outcome. With a 53-48 scoreline, YKTV moved into the Grand Final. Here, they faced standout Spanish PG Eduardo and his team Park Boys. As well as Edu, who was an incredibly impressive and consistent performer over the entire event, the Park Boys roster contained former NBA 2K League player JLB who is determined to fight his way back into the league.
Scott Cole on Twitter
Some strong gameplay so far from these Euro @NBA2KLeague hopefuls. Been most impressed with JLB & Eduardo so far, but a long way to go. Should be a good show tomorrow.
Due to the double-elimination format of the tournament, the two teams were forced to play a second game when YKTV came out on top 58-44. In Game 2, tournament MVP MGoCrzy took over, scoring 28 points with 10 assists, securing his team the trophy. It was a great day for the German, who won the MVP award after leading his team to victory after struggling in scrimmages the day before. The team worked extremely well together overall, and everyone contributed to make their 4 wins in a row possible. From Jordy’s 21-point, 10-rebound performance in the revenge win against Rise Above, to Badjian’s 26-point performance in Game 1 of the final, it was definitely a team effort rather than a 1-man-show.
NBA 2K League on Twitter
@Badjian_ goes OFF for 26 PTS in Game 1 of the Finals and Team YKTV forces another match in the NBA 2K League European Invitational! 👀 Watch LIVE! #2KLEurope Twitch: https://t.co/6dc8AW2dsp YouTube: https://t.co/g1duM9cmjG https://t.co/4sxF1LuCq5
Speaking of team effort, there’s no way I can’t mention the lockdown defense of Pocholo-Fiesta, who did an excellent job of slowing down Eduardo in the finals and proved his worth to the team. Although not necessarily the star of the show, Dovalinho was a consistent performer who came through when his team needed him, and definitely made an impact in the day’s matches.
NBA 2K League on Twitter
Winning 4⃣ games in a row to take the NBA 2K League European Invitational crown? YOU KNOW THE VIBE! 😎 GGWP to: @MGoCrzy, @DarioGuirao, @Badjian_, @Dovalinhoo & @WelshJordy7 of Team YKTV! 🔥 #2KLEurope https://t.co/UC9V9L72Ne
With Marcel earning automatic entry into the Season 3 draft pool, and the other four team members getting an excellent chance to show off their skills along with the rest of the tournament’s participants, I’m feeling very hopeful that we’ll see more European players in the draft pool this year. Along with the already retained Harry ‘Hazzaa’ Hurst, I’m confident more EU players can get drafted this season!
NBA 2K League on Twitter
The MVP of the inaugural NBA 2K League European Invitational is @MGoCrzy of Germany! 🇩🇪 He put up 28 PTS / 10 AST in the final and has been awarded a draft pool spot for the Season 3 Draft! 🏆 #2KLEurope
