 In the EuroLeague, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 11 games; he posted a season-high 27 points against Maccabi Tel Aviv in his final game.He made an instant impact on basketball courts around the continent, and he was subsequently named the EuroLeague 2007-08 season's Rising Star award winner.His contract with Olimpia Milano had an escape clause for playing professionally in the United States, effectively eliminating major encumbrances that would have prevented him from joining the NBA.