The 50 most interesting players in European hoops: Nos. 30-21

29. Tryggvi Hlinason, C, Valencia

Hlinason is an enigma — a farmboy from Iceland who picked up a basketball for the first time three years ago and now has a Euroleague contract. Hlinason has been impressive in international tournaments so far this summer, and his skill set is one that should eventually translate well to a high Euroleague level. It also has a fringe shot at working in the NBA. Hlinason isn’t the most athletic player, but he does have near-elite passing as a center and he’s been a very strong rebounder so far. His future may be as a Marc Gasol-like high elbow hub, especially if he adds more to his perimeter shot.

How he fits into Valencia’s plans this season will be fascinating. He’s likely here for the long haul as a development piece, but the team carried and played multiple fives last season, and Hlinason may be able to earn some real minutes for them as a change of pace from the smaller, more perimeter-oriented Bojan Dubljevic. He might spend a majority of the season in junior leagues and ACB blowouts as well. But the idea that he might sneak his way into Euroleague games is enticing, given his unique profile. Keep an eye on him in advance of the 2018 NBA Draft.