Luka Doncic - the kid who has made defying belief a habit

ISTANBUL (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - "The best international prospect ever!"

"The next Larry Bird!"

With those major statements swirling around, no player has had more pressure at FIBA EuroBasket 2017 than Luka Doncic. There was much intrigue over how the 18-year-old would fare on the big international stage, especially from NBA scouts and US media intently watching on.

There was consensus that the highly talented Doncic would likely be a top 5 pick for next year's NBA Draft but it was unknown how he would handle the sizeable expectations.

After playing a big part in Slovenia's unbeaten campaign, Doncic has delivered in spades to confirm the hype. With his stock rising after every knockout performance, some analysts now have him projected as the No.1 Draft pick.

Impressively, Doncic has gotten better after each outing in a clear sign that he is relishing the big stage. After finding his feet at the start, Doncic has been dominant in Slovenia's victories in the knockout stage against Montenegro and Latvia.

Most notably, in a game featuring the irresistible Kristaps Porzingis, Doncic was arguably the most impactful player on the court with 27 points, 9 rebounds and clutch shooting to guide Slovenia to a thrilling victory, keeping their dream of a first-ever FIBA EuroBasket medal alive.

For such a young player, Doncic's maturity and composure under pressure is striking. Highlighting the trust heaped on him, Doncic leads the team in minutes played - even ahead of captain Goran Dragic. His stat-line is impressive, averaging 15.7 points, a team-high 7.7 rebounds and 19.3 in efficiency - fractionally behind Dragic - even though he hasn't played in his preferred position of point guard for the most part.

When Dragic has rested or those rare times he's off his game, Doncic has taken the keys and showcased his unparalleled passing skills. Blessed with a natural feel for the game, he controls the court and is already almost the complete package.

As the tournament has progressed, he has started to more profoundly influence his team and, in some ways, there is a passing of the baton unfolding before our eyes with Dragic in his international swansong.

In the future, Doncic will undoubtedly be the engine of the team but, right now, he's happy using his versatility to impact the game in all areas and learn tricks of the trade from Dragic. "I like to play like a point guard but I'm here to play for my team and whatever the coach wants," he tells fiba.basketball. "Goran is a superstar, he's one of the best point guards in the NBA. He's a big influence on me."

Doncic is the perfect modern prototype with his versatility allowing him to play a multitude of positions. At 6ft 7in (2.01m) and already built like a bull, he can also play in the forward positions and has been a force on the glass through a fierce desire to fight for the boards. Critics have nitpicked his athleticism and defensive capabilities but Doncic has shown he's able to hold his own guarding opponents.

Perhaps he doesn't possess eye-dropping athleticism but he's deceptively quick and positions himself well. He has proven he can also be a rim protector when needed, while on offense he's used his strength in the paint, most notably when he bodied Porzingis down low to score a bucket.

Despite his already impressive all-round skillset, Doncic believes he is a work in progress. "I think I can improve everything," he says. "Mostly I need to improve my explosiveness, defense and shooting. I need to improve day-by-day."

With the lights shining brightly on him, a mature Doncic has looked totally unruffled on the court playing with the poise of a veteran. Only when he shyly answers questions from journalists that you remember he is still merely a teenager.

Doncic says he is humbled to be compared to basketball royalty like Larry Bird. "I hear a lot of comparisons. It is a pleasure to be compared to legends but I need to work on my own game," he says. "I need to work so hard to be like Larry Bird. I just take it game-by-game and my aim is to just help my team."

Unfazed by the pressure, Doncic will be taking it all in his stride and is ensuring he enjoys the ride. "I hope we can win the whole thing," he admits. "We need to play tough defense. If we play tough defense then we can win.

"I love playing for my home country. It's a great feeling."

FIBA