Top 16, Group G player analysis: PEPE SANCHEZ, AXA FC BARCELONA

Very few players have such an impact on a game without necessarily shooting the ball as AXA F.C. Barcelona guard Pepe Sanchez. The reigning Olympic champion from Argentina is known world-wide for a passing style second-to-none that ranks him among the best eight assist men entering the Top 16 despite playing less than 20 minutes per game off Barcelona's bench. Basketball people know, however, that as the games become more meaningful, Sanchez becomes more dangerous. "We are looking forward to the Top 16, which is the crucial part of the competition right now," Sanchez said. "The competition level is the same strength as every year, with a good number of teams that can reach the Final Four." READ MORE

Top 16, Group G player slideshow: ERAZEM LORBEK, LOTTOMATICA ROMA

With the solid work ethic that got him this far, Lottomatica Roma center Erazem Lorbek is reminding fans why he was named the Euroleague's Rising Star award winner in 2005. Lorbek, still only 23, is having his best season to date as the primary interior option for Roma. An all-around big man who can play inside or out, Lorbek is averaging career bests of 14.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Being reunited with head coach Jasmin Repesa, who started him in the 2004 Euroleague title game as was a teenager for Fortutido Bologna, has brought out the best in Lorbek, as his SLIDESHOW makes clear.

Top 16, Group G player wallpaper: MARCUS HAISLIP, UNICAJA

If you had to name Euroleague players who could break open a game in the most different ways, Unicaja forward Marcus Haislip might top the list. Whether he's running the floor, dunking, shooting from deep, rebounding or blocking shots, Haislip can do it all. He showed as much while leading Unicaja to a 10-win regular season by averaging a team-high 14.3 points. And now that the Top 16 is here, and defenses are expected to tighten, Haislip's creative abilities might be worth even more. For now, Unicaja fans can enjoy Marcus Haislip's wallpaper as their team keeps trying to return to the Final Four.

Top 16, Group G player video: MARCUS GOREE, CSKA MOSCOW

If you wonder how CSKA Moscow was able to withstand major injuries to still finish first in the Euroleague regular season, look no further than Marcus Goree, the team's only frontcourt addition las summer. Goree stepped straight into a high-achieving lineup and matched its consistency, blocking more shots and pulling more offensive boards than any CSKA player while also contributing 8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25 minutes per game in the regular season. His defensive presence was also a major factor in CSKA allowing fewer points than any other team so far. Check out Goree's VIDEO highlights and see why his team is a Top 16 favorite, too.