Career: Slovan Ljubljana (Slovenia-Division 1A, 1997-2001), Krka (Slovenia-Division 1A, 2001-02), Panathinaikos (Greece-ESAKE, 2002-06).

Slovenia's floor general. Jaka Lakovic is living proof that one does not have to be tall to be dominant. He is simply one of the best point guards in Europe. At just 1,86 m, Lakovic was not exactly your typical physical specimen from the former Yugoslav school. After having played out of the limelight his first three senior seasons at Slovan, he took the Euroleague by storm in 2001-2002 with Krka Novo Mesto. Formidable performances earned him a contract with Panathinaikos, where he has been excelling for the past three years.

Along with Sani Becirovic and Beno Udrih, he forms a fantastic playmaking trio for Slovenia. With his two colleagues slowed by injuries, the Slovenian team will need Jaka to be at his best in Japan to avoid being just tourists in the land of the rising sun.