Alen Hadzibegovic has become a key contributor for the London Lions this season, averaging 10.85 points per game on an impressive 63.2% effective field goal percentage. His height and defensive instincts enable him to dominate the boards with 7.01 rebounds per game and protect the rim with 1.23 blocks per game, while consistently altering opponents’ shot attempts in the paint.
Hadzibegovic’s value extends beyond raw statistics—it’s measurable in his influence on the Lions’ success. Among the team’s regular rotation players, he boasts the highest plus-minus per minute, reflecting his significant impact on the court:
| Player Name | Minutes Played | Plus Minus Per Min |
|---|---|---|
| Alen Hadzibegovic | 267.35 | +0.430 |
| Jordan Taylor | 211.22 | +0.194 |
| Aaryn Rai | 363.05 | +0.179 |
| Jaiden Delaire | 359.72 | +0.142 |
| Michael Brisker | 416.02 | +0.135 |
| Ade Adebayo | 391.68 | +0.087 |
| Sean Flood | 215.92 | -0.042 |
| Ciaran Sandy | 275.20 | -0.047 |
| Ovie Soko | 207.42 | -0.101 |
| Matthew Goodwin | 192.32 | -0.328 |
This combination of efficiency, rebounding, and defensive presence makes Hadzibegovic a cornerstone of the Lions’ success.
The “Hack-a-Hadz” Problem
Despite his many strengths, a glaring weakness undermines Hadzibegovic’s effectiveness in key moments—his free throw shooting. He attempts 4.77 free throws per game but makes only 41.9%, a rate far below the league standard.
This inefficiency transforms Hadzibegovic from a game-changing asset into a liability in close contests. Opposing teams exploit this weakness by deliberately fouling him to disrupt the Lions’ offensive rhythm. As a frequent target for intentional fouling, Hadzibegovic faces significant pressure, which forces his team to adapt their strategy during critical moments.
For context, here are the league’s top players in free throw attempts per game:
| Player Name | FTA Per Game | FT% |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Holden | 7.00 | 73.2% |
| Jaiden Delaire | 5.93 | 75.9% |
| Rodney Chatman III | 5.69 | 86.5% |
| Zach Jackson | 5.27 | 82.3% |
| Keddy Johnson | 5.00 | 94.0% |
| Alen Hadzibegovic | 4.77 | 41.9% |
| Ovie Soko | 4.40 | 72.7% |
| Trevond Barnes | 4.13 | 87.1% |
Hadzibegovic’s percentage is the lowest among high-volume free throw shooters in the league, highlighting a critical vulnerability. This forces the Lions to weigh his invaluable rebounding and defensive presence against the risk of targeted fouling late in games. While his physicality and instincts are crucial in high-pressure moments, his free throw struggles often disrupt the team’s offensive flow and shift momentum in favour of opponents.
A Key Piece with Room to Grow
Alen Hadzibegovic has established himself as one of the London Lions’ most impactful players. His efficient scoring, rebounding dominance, and defensive instincts form the foundation of his game. Yet, his free throw shooting remains a glaring flaw that limits his overall value.
Improving his performance at the line is more than a matter of statistics—it’s the key to unlocking his full potential. With progress in this area, Hadzibegovic could solidify his role as a cornerstone for the Lions and establish himself as one of the league’s most dependable two-way players.
