As the international and scholastic seasons start getting underway, there’s been much speculation and reporting on different teams and clubs assembling squads heading into the year. With big-time transfers in both the high school basketball space as well as within international clubs, there’s been much to get excited about regarding the landscape of youth basketball across the globe. This new series will be the ultimate guide to what to expect and look forward to as the ’26-’27 season gets underway around the world.

FC Barcelona was put in one of the most unique situations we’ve ever seen in the international scouting and recruiting landscape, with the early departures of not one but two of their star prospects who were supposed to play one last year with their U18 side. As part of what people have been referring to as the most talented European youth team of all time, Nikola Kusturica and Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje both decided to attend college a year early, heading to UCLA and Duke, respectively. Alongside the departures of expected graduates Sayon and Mohamed Keita, as well as French U16 standout Emmanuel Destom, Barça has had massive shoes to fill heading into next season.

Contextualizing the ’25-’26 season at the U18 level

Despite the ridiculous amount of individual talent on their team, Barça wasn’t nearly as successful as scouts had expected going into the year, with a talented yet inexperienced team of players that nearly all made a jump from U16 to U18 competition. This included the two biggest stars of the European 2009-born generation making their debuts at the U18 and U22 levels and looking comfortable against some of the top teams in Europe. After making and losing nearly all of their tournament finals to Real Madrid, they redeemed themselves by winning the biggest event of the season, winning an Adidas Next Generation championship over Real Madrid and claiming the title for the first time since 2016, ending a ten-year drought.

This title team consisted of:

Sayon Keita, a top-ten prospect in the 2008-born generation (UNC commit)

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, a top-two prospect in the 2009-born generation (Duke commit)

Nikola Kusturica, a top-two prospect in the 2009-born generation (UCLA commit)

Jan Cerdan, a top-three prospect in the 2010-born generation

Mohamed Dabone, the #1 prospect in the 2011-born generation

Alongside a great group of players listed in the depth chart below:

PG: Nil Poza | Oriol Filba | Eric Montaner

SG: Nikola Kusturica | Jakob Siftar

SF: Moh Keita | Diego Ferreras

PF: Joaquim Boumtje | Mohamed Dabone | Jan Cerdan

C: Sayon Keita | Abdu Kone

With 7 players listed at 6’8 or above, this was one of the most stacked U18 teams we’ve seen internationally in recent memory.

Looking towards next season

Barça is set to return eight players from last season to its U18 team, with at least six expected to take on significant roles in next year’s rotation. The club has also announced three notable additions, while another three to five players from last year’s U16 team are projected to make the jump to the U18 level.

Returners:

Mohamed Dabone (6’11 F-C | Burkina Faso | 2011-born)

After officially getting naturalized by Spain, Dabone is expected to start playing spot minutes with Barcelona’s main team next season. At 15 years old, he’s long been known as one of the top prospects in Europe across all ages, standing at a ridiculous 6’11 with springs in his legs and jaw-dropping athleticism. With his ability to create game-changing plays as a rim protector, alongside his upside as a floor spacer, it’s no surprise that fans have drawn comparisons to NBA superstars like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Presumably as one of the top options on this team, Dabone will be asked to take on much more of an offensive burden than last season, likely stepping in as the successor to Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje. While their positional and physical archetypes largely differ from one another, it’ll be interesting to see how Dabone carries a larger load of the offense and if he can translate higher usage into success at the highest level of youth competition overseas. Last season in U22 competition, he averaged 13.3 PPG and 8.5 RPG on 67% from two and 34% from three, making him the second-leading scorer on his team while playing nearly eight years up in age.

Jan Cerdan (6’9 F | Spain | 2010-born)

Jan Cerdan is expected to take a big jump as potentially one of this team’s centerpieces starting next year. Spending most of his time split between Barcelona’s U16 and U18 teams last year, the early departure of JBB will allow Cerdan an early opportunity to play tons of minutes at the U18 and U22 levels this upcoming season.

Cerdan holds a ton of intrigue amongst scouts worldwide as a fluid, high-IQ forward who uses his skill and size to get to the rim with ease. He’s an elite connective passer with a developing 3-point shot who’s showcased his versatility in his campaigns with the Spanish national team over the last two years. He’s an elite processor who could potentially thrive in an extended role next to Mohamed Dabone next season, using his skills as an offensive hub to complement Dabone’s ability as a finisher in transition.

His performance and ability to step up will potentially be the biggest ceiling riser for this squad moving forward.

Jakob Siftar (6’5 SG | Slovenia | 2009-born)

There’s a real world where Jakob Siftar is the X-factor of this Barça team next season, as a 6’5 shooting guard capable of dropping 20 points when needed. While historically not asked to be a high-volume scorer, Jakob showed that he’s capable of taking on a large offensive role this summer playing for Slovenia at the U17 World Cup, averaging 16.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG and 1.9 APG on 45/35/71 splits.

As a capable shooter and defender, he was a consistent part of Barça’s rotation last season. This year, he’ll be largely considered a starter or starting-caliber player, hopefully able to translate his FIBA success into a higher level of competition in Spanish U22 play. Within Barça’s system, he’s shown he can be efficient on adjusted volume, averaging 14.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG and 1.8 APG on 44/28/92 splits in a four-game sample size at the ANGE Finals. If he can continue to build off his previous success, there’s a real chance he looks like one of the top prospects in his age group one year from now.

Diego Ferreras (6’4 G/W | Spain | 2009-born)

As a longtime member of Barcelona’s youth academy, Diego Ferreras has shown himself to be a great role player and utility piece for the U18 team last season, as a part-time starter and consistent member of the rotation. He’s another great connective piece on this Barcelona team, using his length and two-way instincts paired with good passing and playmaking and solid scoring chops to be effective on the wing for this squad. His progression this season could end up being another needle-mover in trying to recreate their success and make up for their losses in the aggregate.

Abdu Kone (6’8 C | Mali | 2009-born)

Kone has been a longtime member of this Barça core, now in his fourth year playing U18 competition as a husky, slightly undersized big man that has all the strength and power to be considered one of the most physically dominant players in Spain.

He’s a physical athlete able to rise up and affect the game on both ends, while his footwork and skill in the paint are often overlooked when evaluating his game. Kone should play a big part in Barça’s rotation next year as either the starting or backup center and a pivotal part of this team’s frontcourt.

Nil Poza (5’6 PG | Spain | 2009-born)

While you can’t really consider Poza a prospect by any means, he’s shown time and time again his value to this team as a severely undersized yet effective PG, able to handle, pass, and help control the flow of the offense when necessary. Within this system, he’s been an elite passer. In ANGE play, he averaged 6.8 APG to only 2 TOs in 8 games played, whilst also providing pressure on the defensive end, getting into lanes and racking up steals.

Oriol Filba (6’2 G | Spain | 2009-born)

Eric Montaner (6’0 G | Spain | 2009-born)

Largely inconsequential, back-of-the-bench rotation pieces that could end up as solid role players when given the opportunity. Filba was a member of Spain’s U16 team in 2024 and has some potential upside as a backup guard on this team. Montaner has a strong build for a PG with broad shoulders and experience within the system. Both provide potential guard relief in the long run.

U16 team call-ups:

Jan Martin (6’1 PG | Spain | 2010-born)

Despite being on the shorter side, Martin has consistently shown flashes of being an intriguing long-term PG prospect at the European level, coming off a silver medal campaign at the U16 EuroBasket, averaging 6.3 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.7 RPG and 2.0 SPG in 19 minutes a game. He’s a creative guard with the ability to get to the basket and make shots from long range. While a streaky shooter, the flashes of shot-making alongside the ability to create shots for himself, as well as others, make him an intriguing name to watch grow in role long-term. While he likely won’t get much burn on the U22 team, it’ll be interesting to see how his role increases once we get to European U18 competition.

Pau Cruz (5’10 G | Spain | 2010-born)

Cruz is an electric, quick, shifty guard who, despite being undersized, plays with energy and grit even when the shots aren’t going in. While he doesn’t currently possess the physical traits to project as a prospect long-term, he does possess a winning mentality that has proven to be coveted by coaches at this level. At the U16 level, he was a part-time starter, averaging 3.0 PPG and 3.7 APG on iffy efficiency. To be a short-term contributor, he’ll likely have to focus more on the easy plays rather than the complicated ones, but the framework to become a long-term contributor is definitely there, with Nil Poza to model after.

Cheikh Bamba (6’8 C | Senegal | 2011-born)

Bamba proved to be a quality big man at the U16 level in Spain last season, averaging 14.0 PPG and 7.2 RPG in five games of the Spanish Cadet Club Nationals. With good size at the center position, he mixes ideal strength, athleticism, and post presence with signs of a long-range jump shot. At 6’8-9, he provides the type of archetype that Barça has been pumping out over the last few years. At the moment, he’s more of an offensively oriented big man, but for what his role has been so far, he’s thrived. He’s a player who I wouldn’t project to have much difficulty translating to higher age groups next season, especially as he continues to play full-time at the U16 level.

Issa Kamaté (6’9 C | 2012-born | Mali)

While Kamaté likely won’t be a featured member of the U18 team, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him suit up for an event or two, especially towards the end of the year. With good size, great athleticism, and really good instincts as a shot blocker, Kamaté will likely be a mainstay on this Barça side for years to come. Making his U16 debut last year, he’ll be a big player in the Spanish U16 league this season, likely getting some big reps in the frontcourt. Time will tell whether he ends up as a pivotal prospect within the program, but early on, he holds similar traits to Sayon Keita, who also transferred from Estudiantes to Barcelona early in his youth career.

New Additions:

Yigit Okur (6’7 F | 2010-born | Turkey)

Okur is probably the most interesting of Barcelona’s three additions, as a smooth forward with significant upside coming from Santa Margarita High School in California. He made his international debut this summer for the Turkish U16 team, showing some intriguing flashes as an in-and-out offensive wing with the ability to stretch the floor. His frame, skillset, and age make him an intriguing player to monitor in this program over the next two years, especially as he continues to grow into his frame.

Despite only averaging 9.4 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 18 MPG at the U16 Euros, he looked like one of the more polished wing shooters in the event, shooting 42% from three on 4 attempts a game. Players of his archetype provide tons of value to teams, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up as a starter on this team in the long run, adding some much-needed shooting to fill the gap left by some of their top shooters departing the program.

Martin Gomez (6’5 W | 2010-born | Chile)

Martin Gomez also holds some intriguing long-term upside to this Barça core over the next few years, coming off a strong year for Unicaja’s U16 team, averaging 19.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.5 APG and 2 SPG in the Cadet Club Championship. Gomez is another multi-level scorer on the wing who was able to get to the paint at will in U16 play, with his combination of speed and physicality at 6’5.

While he excels mostly at getting to and finishing at the rim, the swing skill with him is his three-point shooting, which has looked good on occasion so far in his youth career. With potentially two years to develop with this program, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him be a major player on this roster in his second year, after adjusting to the physicality of the U18 level in Europe.

Saba Pachulia (6’3 G | 2009-born | Georgia)

The son of NBA champion Zaza Pachulia, Saba made his debut with the Georgian U18 team, averaging 3.6 PPG and 2.1 RPG in 14 minutes per game. While he doesn’t have the pedigree of a prospect Barcelona usually recruits, it’s interesting to see Barça pivoting to NBA legacies playing in the US like Saba and Yigit.

Saba has shown his ability to shoot the ball at a high clip and likely takes that role with him when playing within Barcelona’s ranks. He also has some intriguing physical skills to monitor, with a long wingspan and solid athleticism at his height. While he’ll only have one year to develop with the U18 team, this move could be an intriguing project for the U22 team, slowly building some continuity long-term with a good developmental track record.

Season prediction:

All in all, Barcelona is set to have another successful season as a top-two team in Spain’s youth categories and one of the top squads in Europe. While there seems to be a significant talent gap from Real Madrid, especially when it comes to the 2010-born generation, there’s no doubt that this team will be one of the top contenders in youth events once again. Their success will largely depend on how quickly their younger guys can adapt to becoming leading offensive options and take on the roles and production that Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje and Nikola Kusturica had last year. With a few new additions and the development of their current prospects, there’s a lot to look forward to going into next season.

Team Superlatives:

Top Scorers: Mohamed Dabone, Jakob Siftar

Top Playmakers: Nil Poza, Jan Martin

Top Defenders: Mohamed Dabone, Abdu Kone

Most Improved: Jakob Siftar, Jan Cerdan

Top Additions: Yigit Okur, Cheikh Bamba

The Canadian provincials are one of the most interesting recruiting events that often gets left under the radar, squished between AAU championships and FIBA youth competition. The Canadian provincials are a yearly event that groups up all the top prospects in Canada in the U15 and U17 age groups and pits them against each other in a FIBA-like format, spanning multiple days and ending with a playoff round and a crowned champion. This event provides scouts with an interesting first look at the players who can potentially be representing the red and white this summer, serving as an identifying period for the FIBA U16 American and U19 World Cup set to take place next summer.

In this article, I’ll be specifically writing about the U15 provincials, talking about the generation of players set to make their Team Canada debut next summer. As an international scout based in Canada, this is an ideal event to be watching, giving a clear idea of which prospects are in the mix to develop within the national team program, as well as which provinces are producing top talent each year.

Before I get into tournament standouts, let me give some quick context on the current state of Canadian youth basketball.

Canada Basketball has often been dominated by Ontario, producing the most and the best prospects. With great size, skill, and an incredible amount of depth, Ontario usually dominates the field and takes over 80% of the space on the national teams. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Nembhard, RJ Barrett, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jamal Murray, and Andrew Wiggins, Ontario has produced a majority of the top players that have come through the Canadian developmental program, with sights on continuing this trail of dominance.

Quebec is known as the second-highest producer of talent, often characterized by their physicality, toughness, defense, and grittiness. Despite not having the tallest or deepest groups, Quebec hoopers are respected within Canadian basketball as strong competitors, with one or two players from the area usually making it onto the youth squads. With role models like Lu Dort and Bennedict Mathurin, it’s easy to see why defense and intensity are preached within the program.

British Columbia and Alberta are the two new provinces on the rise as of late, making some noise by producing prospects ranked on American recruiting sites and pulling some big wins in recent competition. With Alberta winning U17s last year, led by top-30 recruits ’27 Deng Ngor and ’28 Liam Mitakaro, and BC upsetting Ontario early in U17 play this year, led by ’28 Ilia Maydan and ’28 Jayson Ikani, there is some real upside to keep seeing these provinces rise to the level of the presumed top two.

Manitoba, Nova Scotia, NW Territories, Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and PEI are all competing in this tournament as well, and while less notable, have names to keep an eye on.

While lots of prospects flashed some fun upside, here are the top guys that Canadian basketball fans and scouts should know about heading into the next recruiting cycle.

Brad Pitt

6’4 G/W | 2011-born | Ontario

Pitt has long been a name to watch in the Canadian youth scene, initially drawing attention for his high-level athleticism at a young age, alongside his oddly familiar name. If you recognize the name Brad Pitt, it’s probably because of his older brother Jaion Pitt, a former member of the Canadian youth program, currently getting ready to suit up for his second year at Pacific University. Brad entered and left this event as a top-two prospect in his age group, putting together multiple intriguing performances that reflect much more than what’s on the box score. Tremendously strong for his age, with great tools, defensive grit, and the ability to scale his game up and down given the situation, he looks like an ideal future piece of Canada’s U16 NT.

What impressed me the most about his game was how effective he was as a 3-point shooter, shooting 8-12 from 3 in his first four games, alongside a solid stat line of 11.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 3.6 STK/G. When evaluating youth prospects, especially young guards, the ability to contribute on all facets gives me confidence in the long-term sustainability of his game. Combined with his electric athleticism, long wingspan, and potential long-term growth trajectory, he looks to be one of the most interesting and safe bets to start his career with Canada next summer.

Jael Kabeya

6’7 W | 2011-born | Ontario

Safe to assume Jael Kabeya is currently the top prospect in Canada’s 2011-born generation, mixing his tremendous skill at his position in a 6’6-7 frame, with tons of room to grow. Jael is your prototypical big wing prospect that the modern NBA has been fawning over for the last few years. At his young age, he’s already a capable multi-level scorer with awesome fluidity, impressive flashes of self-creation, and strong two-way instincts. His ability to shoot it smoothly, especially from 3, is uncommon for young wings out of Canada, often relying on size and strength to dominate youth categories.

His best game of the tournament was against New Brunswick, where he put up a massive 32 points alongside 3 boards, 4 assists, and 4 steals on 12-18 FG. Despite winning the game by nearly 100 points, the manner in which he got his buckets impressed me much more than the results. Pull-up jumpers, turnarounds in the mid-range, C&S from the corner, and obviously a few sets outmuscling his matchup in the paint, he looked dominant alongside his peers. Playing for Royal Crown Academy, one of the most prestigious academies in Canada, he should make some noise in the initial class of 2030 rankings, hopefully logging some early minutes with the main team in Grind Session events. All in all, I think there’s a lot to like in his current ability, as well as the long-term projection of his game, which makes him the most interesting prospect in this tournament and a name to closely watch over the next few years.

Belange Luketa

6’4 G/W/F | 2011-born | Quebec

If there’s one prospect that reminds me the most of Lu Dort from the Quebec grassroots, it’s easily Belange Luketa out of CDSL. In his second year playing in this competition at the U15 level, Luketa has taken a larger role as a scorer and leader this time around. He plays with a level of toughness and intensity that goes hand in hand with his budding two-way skillset on the wing. One of the most versatile players in Canada’s youth hoop level, you can put him at any position from the two to the five and be happy with the results. In this event, he averaged 12.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 1.6 SPG on 44% from the field and 39% from 3. An ultimate Swiss Army Knife, he’s the type of prospect that fits in every setting, especially on a future iteration of Canada’s U16 team.

What was most impressive about Luketa was his ability to crash the boards, especially on the offensive end, as well as shoot the three consistently and on high volume, making his long-term outlook very intriguing. His best moments in the tournament included racking in 17 rebounds in 23 minutes against Saskatchewan, to go along with 14 points, as well as his 19-point, 6-rebound game against Ontario, shooting 3-4 from 3-point range.

Myles Johnson

6’3 CG | 2011-born | Ontario

Myles Johnson was the recipient of the tournament’s MVP award, averaging 14.6 PPG alongside 6.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 2.6 SPG on 60% FG in 23 minutes a game, including a 20-point, 10-rebound, 3-assist performance in the Finals against Quebec, going 10-12 from the field. Myles was a walking paint touch in this tournament, getting to the rim at will and finishing in the paint at every opportunity he could. An incredibly smart and mature guard, he doesn’t overcomplicate things and has a good mastery of what it takes to play winning basketball in a context like Team Ontario. With good size at the guard position and great long-term physical tools, it’s safe to see why he’s considered amongst the top prospects of his age in Canada.

Playing alongside Team Ontario teammates Tyson Darko and Pierre Rondo, the son of NBA Champion Rajon Rondo, you can immediately recognize the influence of playing in the United States at such a young age, playing with and against high-level competition. The next step in elevating his game will likely be beyond the arc, which is a natural curve with young guards around the world. All in all, Myles is without a doubt a name we’ll be hearing about in Canada’s U16 identification camps this upcoming year.

Tyson Darko

6’2 PG | 2011-born | Ontario

Tyson Darko was the leading scorer on Ontario’s gold medal team, averaging 16.6 PPG, alongside 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 2.6 SPG, shooting 49/30/60 splits. Tyson is a shifty, electric lead guard that plays with a pace and creativity that scouts love to see with young guards. As the primary offensive engine on this team, he showcased his whole arsenal this tournament, finishing around the rim, taking and making shots from long range, as well as showcasing some intriguing flashes as a passer and playmaker. His chemistry with Myles Johnson was apparent in their minutes together, playing together last scholastic season in Kentucky.

Darko has quite a few similarities to a current Team Ontario and Canada U17 guard, Kenyon St Louis, showcasing some similar finishing and scoring chops that Kenyon displayed at a young age. With some more time, development, and conditioning, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Darko hit a similar status as a scoring engine and starting PG for Team Canada at the U17 level.

Alijah Alexander (6’8 C | 2012-born | Ontario)

Alijah proved to be one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in this tournament, playing a year up and looking like one of, if not the most dominant big men in the event. At 6’8 with long arms and an intriguing blend of fluidity and two-way acumen at his age, he seems to be a name worth tracking in the long run.

Averaging 9.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, and 2.2 BPG in just under 17 minutes per game, his potential long-term output is incredibly intriguing, especially with his ability to shoot the three-ball comfortably. Over the last few years, Canada has shown that they value size above everything in their youth selections, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Alijah make his Canada U16 debut a year early, especially if he keeps growing.

Syn Tyson (6’2 G | 2011-born | Saskatchewan)

Tyson came in second in PPG, first in APG, and first in SPG in the tournament, averaging 21.2 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.0 SPG on 49/23/87 splits. Hosting one of the most ridiculous and dominant statistical profiles in the event, he led Saskatchewan to a 3-2 record, only losing to Quebec and Nova Scotia. Shifty guard with the ability to create for himself and others, he looks like another guard to keep an eye on long-term.

Creative finisher that plays with flair and gets his teammates involved when needed, his highlight tape from this event alone is beyond impressive. Mid-range jumpers, step-back threes, cross-court passes, and fast breaks off steals, he’s shown himself to be a small-province prospect who can potentially be a member of Canada’s youth system starting next year.

Mason Macrae (6’1 G | 2011-born | Nova Scotia)

Mason MacRae has proven once again to be one of the deadliest 3-point shooters in the Canadian youth categories. In this tournament, he averaged 18.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 2.3 SPG on 45/31/61 splits. Leading Nova Scotia to the bronze medal, he’s a high-level shot-maker who looked intriguing on high usage in this event. With shifty ball skills, intriguing on-ball skills, and upside as a playmaker, he could be a prospect to watch as we get to Canada’s U16 training camp, where shooting is often a priority.

His top performance was when he put up 30 points in the bronze medal game, going off for 30 points against Manitoba, making 6 3-pointers, alongside 5 boards, 3 assists, and two steals. Wrapping up a successful debut campaign in EYBL, suiting up for Genesis Basketball in Jr. EYBL play, he’ll be a player worth monitoring long-term.

Jahziah Bennette (6’3 G | 2011-born | Ontario)

You know a team is good when its fourth-leading scorer has a long-term profile as impressive as Bennette does. For Ontario’s gold medal team, he averaged 11.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, and 2.8 STK, shooting 53% from the field and 44% from 3-point range. Proven to be an elite 3-point shooter on high volume in this event, he was one of the most intriguing long-term watches in this event.

Good size and athleticism for his age, alongside seemingly a plus wingspan, paired with his ability to shoot the ball and get buckets, he has all the tools to develop into a successful guard prospect over time. Playing for Canada Elite this summer and having some big moments, his upside is amongst the top Canadian players in his class.

This year’s event was quite interesting, featuring multiple intriguing profiles, international legacies, and a few very close games, headlined by a dominant weekend from the Spaniards, who went 3-0 to win the tournament. Italy placed second with a 2-1 record, France finished third at 1-2, and Greece placed fourth, going winless against the field. The 2011 generation is shaping up to be quite intriguing, with a few physical profiles immediately popping off the screen, as well as several highly skilled prospects leading the class. Here’s a breakdown of the four teams and the players who stood out from their performances and flashes throughout the event.

Spain (3-0)

While looking through the rosters and preparing for this event through intel and previous knowledge, something immediately stood out about this Spanish U15 team: there were probably five or six kids measuring 6’6 and above in their initial training camp, including not one but two seven-footers, Platon Shurmel and Jaume Triguero. Alongside some dynamic guard play, the contrast between how undersized their guards are and how massive their bigs are is quite stark. This Spanish generation features quite a few intriguing prospects who could end up transcending youth competition over the next few years. Here are the names that stood out the most from the event.

Joan Llompart (6’1 SG | FC Barcelona)

Llompart was the leading scorer for this Spanish side, averaging 14.0 PPG through three games while shooting 56% from the field. Showing early signs of becoming a high-level scorer at La Masia over the last year, Llompart was already a name circled as a future top-level prospect out of Spain, landing 12th in my way-too-early 2011-born international rankings. An instinctual scorer who is on pace to grow into a solid-sized combo guard, his scoring instincts stood out throughout the event, including knocking down the game-sealing free throws in the decisive 83-82 win over Italy on Day 2 to help Spain remain undefeated.

Jorge Jimenez (5’9 PG | Real Madrid)

Despite his obvious lack of size and an uncertain long-term growth projection, the maturity, creativity, and control Jorge Jimenez possesses are absurd for his age. Every time he stepped onto the floor, the pace of the game changed through his ability to create for others in tight spaces and knock down shots from long range. He’s a true advantage creator and decision-maker for his age group, with the upside to become one of the most entertaining players to watch on the European youth scene over the coming years.

Platon Shurmel (7’0 C | Pablo Laso Academy)

Platon Shurmel was the best long-term prospect to stand out among this group of players, measuring an absurd 7’0 with some really intriguing motor, mobility, and intensity for a player of his age. While the developmental curve for big men starts early, his relentless motor and ability to run the floor in transition were very impressive for someone still as raw as he is. Excellent at creating second-chance opportunities around the rim and possessing the right mentality to develop into a high-level prospect, Shurmel is a name that should continue to appear on scouting radars over the coming years.

Italy (2-1)

Italy has developed a habit of producing strong generations at the U15 level, with several intriguing prospects making their debuts over the last few years. They opened the tournament by dismantling a French team that projected to be quite interesting before narrowly losing to Spain on the second day, preventing them from finishing 3-0. Led by a well-rounded group, it will be interesting to see how this squad grows and evolves over the long term.

Loris Velez (6’6 F | Orange1 Bassano)

Velez first got on my radar a few years ago, bearing a striking similarity to former Bassano prospect Maickol Perez. Coming from a Dominican-Italian background and already possessing a strong physical and athletic foundation for his age, he projects as a long-term piece for Italy’s youth national teams. Currently used primarily as an above-the-rim finisher, his long-term projection will largely depend on how well he develops the other facets of his offensive game.

Federico Xavier Biondi (6’7 W | Moncalieri)

As a long-term prospect, Biondi stands out among the rest of this Italian team as a springy guard/wing with great size, an intriguing skill set, and the mobility and fluidity needed to make significant leaps in the European youth scene. Averaging 14.7 PPG through three games, he was one of the tournament’s leading scorers and the engine behind the Italian offense. He projects as an intriguing long-term shooter and shot creator with the athleticism and physical tools to separate himself from his peers.

Carlos Ferrero (6’3 G | College Basket)

Ferrero was another of the tournament’s leading scorers, averaging 14.3 PPG in just 18 MPG across three games. Shooting 7-for-15 from three, he was one of the best perimeter shooters at the event, including a 22-point performance in the pivotal matchup against Spain. With good physical tools for his age, a promising wingspan, and likely room to continue growing over the next few years, it wouldn’t be surprising to keep hearing his name in international prospect discussions.

France (1-2)

Despite finishing 1-2, this French team once again boasts some of the best prospect profiles in Europe. With multiple prospects standing above 6’6 and one player featuring a record-breaking 7’6 wingspan—surpassing every other player in his age group—there is no shortage of intriguing physical profiles within this group. Headlined by several legacy prospects as well as a crop of players heading into INSEP, France’s national development program, this is a group that will undoubtedly produce names we’ll be discussing as soon as next season.

Raphael Soliman (6’4 W | INSEP PF)

The Soliman surname is easily recognizable among fans of French basketball and international scouts alike, with Nathan Soliman becoming synonymous with the top prospect in France at the moment, with many considering him a top-pick candidate in the 2028 NBA Draft. While Raphael is in good company heading into the same program his brother recently graduated from, he looked intriguing in this tournament, representing France for the first time. A wing with good size and a knack for getting his shot off, he averaged 12.5 PPG in two games played while shooting 43% from the field. While not the most efficient, the process is there, which is very intriguing when projecting his future as a prospect.

Souleymane N’Diaye (6’7 F | INSEP PF)

While watching these games, N’Diaye’s physical profile immediately stood out. A lengthy forward with intriguing two-way potential and likely the upside to continue growing, N’Diaye was one of the top scorers on this French team. With long arms and legs, good positional size, and good awareness as an athlete, he has the tools to potentially integrate into Pole France’s offense early, as they tend to prioritize big wings with two-way upside. As he continues to clean up his game, it will be pivotal for him to develop an outside game to avoid being pigeonholed into INSEP’s detrimental use of the small-ball center role.

Ousmane Ciss (6’1 G | INSEP PF)

Ousmane was the leading scorer for this French side, averaging 13.3 PPG in his three games played. A shifty guard with fun flashes of shot-making and playmaking, he displays experience and skill beyond his age. With a unique, quick pace not usually common among French guards, you can spot inspiration from both the French and American games alike. Among the players at this event, his offensive upside might have been among the highest in attendance. With solid activity on the defensive end, Ciss should be a name to keep monitoring as he continues to develop with INSEP.

Greece (0-3)

There hasn’t been much to look forward to in the Greek prospect scene over the last few years, with Neoklis Avdalas and Alex Samodurov among the last big-name prospects produced by the country. Despite that, there were some intriguing bright spots from Greece’s performance at this event, led by the tournament’s leading scorer, Charalambos Balodimos, who averaged 21.0 PPG in 25 MPG. A smaller guard with mature physical tools and high-level skill for his age, he stood out among his peers, putting up 32 points against France on Day 2.

Disclaimer: Despite all these comments and scouting reports it’s important to note that this is a way, way, way too early analysis of these teams and prospects. Some things will definitely change, some things might remain the same, this event mainly to get a feel on who to keep an eye on before a pivotal year of development in Europe, identifying some of the guys I think look the part early on.

If you made it to the end, make sure to follow @nbadraftpoint on X and Instagram for year round round content on international prospects!

FIBA season has officially kicked off, with the U18 AmeriCup now complete and several other major events set to begin across six continents. FIBA U16, U18, and U20 competitions will tip off in Europe over the next few months, while the U18 championships in Africa and Asia will follow, helping close out the summer season. However, one event stands above the rest, bringing together some of the top young talent from around the world in one place to compete for the ultimate championship: the U17 World Cup.

Sixteen teams from all around the world will be participating in this event, qualified individually last season through U16 continental tournament placement:

FIBA U16 EuroBasket:

1st place: Serbia

2nd place: Lithuania

3rd place: Slovenia

4th place: Italy

5th place: France

FIBA U16 AmeriCup:

1st place: United States

2nd place: Canada

3rd place: Venezuela

4th place: Puerto Rico

FIBA U16 AsiaCup:

1st place: Australia

2nd place: China

3rd place: New Zealand

4th place: Japan

FIBA U16 AfroBasket:

1st place: Cote D’Ivoire

2nd place: Cameroon

Host team:

Auto bid: Turkiye

The players competing in this tournament are all part of the 2009 and 2010 generations, with several candidates for the 2028 and 2029 NBA Draft set to participate. For more than a decade, the U17 World Cup has served as a platform for international prospects to break into the mainstream basketball conversation. With the 2009 and 2010 generations regarded as some of the strongest international classes in recent memory, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the summer.

NBA scouts, college recruiters, and casual fans alike will be closely following the tournament for an early look at some of the best young prospects in the world. This article serves as your complete guide to the players and teams to watch in this star-studded event. This article will be split between five tiers: Tournament Favourites, Medal Contenders, Dark Horse Contenders, Competitive Teams, and Long Shots.

Tier 1: Tournament Favourites

1.1 United States of America

As always, the United States enters this tournament as the heavy favorite, despite its recent loss to Canada at the U18 AmeriCup. As disappointing as the 2008-born generation has been, the 2009 and 2010 classes combine to form one of the strongest talent pools we have seen at this level in years. With an abundance of elite young talent headlining their training camp, only twelve players will remain once the final round of cuts is complete.

Roster: Beckham Black, CJ Rosser, Cayden Daughtry, Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, AJ Williams, Xavier Young, NaVarro Bowman Jr., Jordan Page, Mason Collins, Erick Dampier Jr., Asa Montgomery, and Jamal Crawford Jr.

This particular Team USA squad stands out because of its exceptional positional size, three-level scoring ability, and overall two-way versatility. Headlined by elite guard prospects Cayden Daughtry and Beckham Black, Duke commit and international star Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, and top wing prospects AJ Williams, Colton Hiller, and Draydne McDaniel, this team should enter the tournament as the clear favorite. The Americans will be looking to avenge their U18 counterparts, who fell to Canada in disappointing fashion last month. This group possesses the shot-making, competitive mentality, and athletic advantage creation that many other teams in the tournament simply cannot match.

Player Spotlight

Cayden Daughtry - 6’0 PG | Calvary Christian

Early reports have pointed toward Cayden Daughtry being one of the featured pieces of this roster, blending Trae Young-esque scoring ability with impressive physical tools for his size. Having had the opportunity to watch Daughtry play in person twice last year, it is easy to see why he could emerge as one of the best prospects in this age group despite being somewhat undersized.

Daughtry has had an outstanding AAU season with the Florida Rebels, leading the 17U circuit in scoring while averaging 25.5 points, 5.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game on 52/35/90 shooting splits through 15 games. Nearly unstoppable in isolation and highly effective as a multi-level scorer, his vertical pop and athleticism separates him from many other small guard prospects. Omitted from last year’s U16 team, he looks to become one of the top scoring options on this squad and a potential starting guard on this stacked team.

Quick Hits

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje will be making his Team USA debut after a tremendous year overseas and multiple high-level accomplishments in Europe, including ANGT Finals MVP honors and an Adidas EuroCamp All-Team selection. The 7’1” forward possesses one of the most unique skill sets in the tournament, capable of creating shots for himself from all three levels. His international experience could prove valuable against some of the event’s toughest opponents, including former teammate Nikola Kusturica and Serbia.

AJ Williams is the top-ranked player in the Class of 2028, and rightfully so. His combination of shot creation, consistency, and scoring versatility on the wing has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in grassroots basketball over the past year. Built in a lab to be a modern two-way forward, Williams has also been heavily rumored as a potential reclassification candidate. A strong tournament could further fuel that speculation.

JJ Crawford and Draydne McDaniel are the two members of this squad from the Class of 2029, currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the rising sophomore class, respectively. While it is uncommon for players this young to make a U17 World Cup roster, both have the talent to make significant contributions. Crawford brings jumbo guard size and natural scoring instincts, while McDaniel offers point-forward versatility and immense long-term upside.

Beckham Black is widely regarded as the top guard in his class and has had a breakout year, aided by a significant growth spurt and the same aggressive two-way mentality that has made his older brother, Anthony Black, such a highly regarded prospect. He projects as one of the leaders of this Team USA squad and could play a major role in its pursuit of another gold medal.

Tier 2: Medal Contenders

2.1 Canada

After winning the U18 AmeriCup last month, Canada enters the U17 World Cup with tremendous momentum. Headlined by what may be one of the most talented generations the country has ever produced, Canada could emerge as a legitimate threat to the United States as it attempts to sweep its North American rival in international youth competition this summer. While this team will be facing a significantly stronger American squad than the one seen at the U18 level, Canada boasts an impressive collection of highly ranked talent ready to showcase itself on the international stage.

Roster: Isaiah Hamilton, Liam Mitakaro, Isaiah Clarke, Tristan Edwards, Kenyon St. Louis, Jeremy Gohier, Noah D’Acre, Jordan Fisher, Kingston Thomas, Praise Badejo, Grady Kapuanya, Kurtis Baumann

With seven players ranked inside On3’s Top 150 for the Class of 2028, including No. 7 Isaiah Hamilton and No. 23 Liam Mitakaro, this roster possesses tremendous size, versatility, and upside. As a result, Canada should be able to put together one of the strongest 12-man groups in the tournament. The group is headlined by Canada’s next blue-chip prospect, Isaiah Hamilton, who will be joined by an exciting guard tandem in Kenyon St. Louis and Liam Mitakaro, both of whom gained significant attention following their performances with the national team last summer. This edition of Team Canada differs from its U16 counterpart because of the number of potential wild cards capable of elevating the roster’s ceiling. The additions of Ilia Maydan, a 6’8” guard from Vancouver, Kingston Thomas, a versatile 6’5” wing who stood out during early scrimmages, and Tristan Edwards, a defensive force who broke out at Huntington Prep last season, could provide the extra boost Canada needs to contend for a gold medal.

Player Spotlight

Isaiah Hamilton - 6’7 Wing | Montverde Academy

Isaiah Hamilton is widely regarded as Canada’s top prospect since RJ Barrett and is a legitimate contender for the No. 1 spot in the Class of 2028. Hamilton may very well be the most explosive athlete in the tournament, routinely using his elite vertical athleticism to finish above the rim both in the half court and in transition. Following a dominant season at Crestwood in the OSBA, Hamilton has decided to take his talents to the EYBL Scholastic circuit by joining Montverde Academy, one of the most prestigious high school programs in North America. The program has produced numerous elite Canadian prospects in recent years, including RJ Barrett, Andrew Nembhard, Ryan Nembhard, Caleb Houstan, and Javian Tyndale.

Hamilton is coming off a remarkable performance at the U16 AmeriCup, where he averaged 21.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while adding 3.8 stocks per contest. Unfortunately, an injury kept him out of the championship game against the United States. He returns this summer as the unquestioned leader of Team Canada and will look to continue his high-volume, efficient scoring on the international stage.

Quick Hits:

Liam Mitakaro is currently ranked as a consensus Top 25 player in the Class of 2028 thanks to his combination of feel for the game, basketball IQ, and steadily improving offensive skill set. Playing behind Miles Sadler at Bella Vista last season limited some of his opportunities, but this could be the year he truly breaks out and climbs even higher in the rankings. If there is one player capable of challenging Hamilton for the title of Canada’s top performer this summer, Mitakaro is the obvious candidate.

Jeremy Gohier is another player on this roster with tremendous upside. At just 16 years old, the Quebec native already stands taller than Victor Wembanyama at an astonishing 7’6”. His development over the past year has been encouraging, particularly in terms of his mobility, fluidity, and offensive growth. Having recently signed with Wembanyama’s agency, the future looks incredibly bright for one of the most unique young prospects in the world.

Kenyon St. Louis is another player who impressed during his first season in the United States after a tremendous showing at the U16 AmeriCup, where he finished as Canada’s second-leading scorer. Competing for WSC in the Grind Session, he has built a reputation as a dynamic scorer, earning invitations to events such as the NBPA Top 100 Camp while also collecting multiple offers from Power Five programs.

Tristan Edwards broke out last year starting his freshman season for Wilson Academy in Georgia last year and finishing it up on the Grind Session for Huntington Prep. Edwards uses his positional versatility, defensive instincts and verticality to cause havoc on both ends of the floor, as a lob target and rim potecting four man who also has the ability to stretch the floor and provide offense when needed.

2.2 Serbia

Serbia won the FIBA U16 European Championship in dominant fashion last summer, defeating Lithuania 99-86 in the final behind star-level performances from the prospect quartet of Nikola Kusturica, Matija Lukic, Petar Bjelica, and Ognjen Simjanovski. Serbia has the luxury of not only possessing some of the best depth in the 2009-born generation across Europe, but also featuring a generational European talent in Nikola Kusturica, the FC Barcelona standout.

Roster: Nikola Kusturica, Matija Lukic, Petar Bjelica, Nikola Djurovic, Ognjen Simjanovski, Lazar Milicic, Luka Miladinovic, Luka Galic, Uros Dramicanin, Vuk Stepanovic, Luka Janjusevic, Marko Vesilinovic

Serbia stands above every other European team in this tournament when it comes to positional size. Their projected starting lineup features four players standing 6’8” or taller, complemented by multiple seven-footers and a collection of wings measuring 6’6” and above. This is arguably one of Serbia’s strongest generations in recent memory, boasting a deep rotation of seven to eight players capable of stepping up and becoming the team’s second-leading scorer on any given night. The luxury of having a prospect of Matija Lukic’s caliber as the second or third offensive option, combined with the star power of Nikola Kusturica, makes Serbia a legitimate threat to both Canada and the United States. With elite size, depth, and high-end talent, Serbia should be considered a strong favorite to leave the tournament with a medal.

Player Spotlight

Nikola Kusturica - 6’9” G/F | FC Barcelona

Kusturica’s upside ranks among the highest of any player in this event, with many scouts already viewing him as a legitimate contender for the top spot in the 2028 NBA Draft class. His talent level is so highly regarded that several NCAA programs have reportedly expressed interest in having him reclassify and join a college program early, allowing him to spend a developmental season at the collegiate level before becoming draft-eligible and declaring after his second year. With programs such as Kentucky, Gonzaga, and UCLA reportedly involved, his recruitment and development will be fascinating to follow over the next year.

When it comes to his on-court production, Kusturica clearly separates himself from many of his peers as a dynamic two-way athlete with exceptional length, elite vertical explosiveness, and the basketball IQ that has become synonymous with Serbian player development. Those physical tools are complemented by advanced guard skills rarely seen from a player of his size. Kusturica earned MVP honors at the FIBA U16 European Championship after averaging 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while adding 3.7 stocks per contest. He followed that breakout summer with an injury-riddled season at FC Barcelona, but whenever he was available, he consistently proved to be one of the club’s most impactful players. Entering the U17 World Cup, Kusturica projects as one of the leading candidates for tournament MVP and will be expected to carry Serbia’s medal aspirations.

Quick Hits

Matija Lukic is the clear second-best prospect in this group, a legitimate 6’8” point guard who has already logged ACB minutes at just 17 years old. Despite being somewhat overlooked compared to some of his peers, Lukic possesses the skill set of a future NBA prospect, combining scoring instincts, playmaking ability, and high-level basketball IQ while still growing into his frame. This tournament presents an excellent opportunity for him to prove he belongs among the best prospects in the world and continue building momentum by helping Serbia make a deep medal run.

Petar Bjelica is another intriguing prospect on this roster after earning All-Star Five honors at the FIBA U16 European Championship last summer. Standing at 6’9”, he is a modern tweener big with excellent passing ability and a versatile offensive skill set. While he was relatively quiet during club competition this season, Bjelica has already shown that he can elevate his game on the international stage and could once again play a major role for Serbia.

Ognjen Simjanovski has served as a spark plug in the backcourt for this group over the last year, logging strong minutes for Crvena Zvezda’s youth teams throughout the season. Possessing a solid frame and good positional size at point guard, Simjanovski brings toughness, shot creation, and stability to Serbia’s guard rotation. He should be one of the first names opponents circle on their scouting reports.

Nikola Djurovic emerged as one of the biggest risers in Serbian youth basketball this season, breaking out with Partizan’s youth program. The seven-footer is particularly intriguing because of his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways despite still being far from a finished product. As a late-blooming prospect, Djurovic gives Serbia another dimension with his size, versatility, and lineup flexibility, allowing them to deploy massive frontcourts throughout the tournament.

Tier 3: Dark Horse Contenders

3.1 France

While it isn’t really fair to put France in this tier, there are some serious concerns on this team’s roster construction and performance after coming in fifth in FIBA U16 play and barely qualifying for this World Cup. Headlined by a player who might be a lottery pick in the 2028 NBA draft when it’s all said and done, the supporting cast around Nathan Soliman historically hasn’t been to standard compared to other french generatons. However, this team seems to be bringing in more offensive firepower compared to last year, with a great guard prospect like Sohan Boungo and the return of star forward Messi Yangala.

Roster: Nathan Soliman, Aaron Towo-Nansi,Messi Yangala, Sohan Bongo, Amadou Fall, Lorenz Sanz, Brandon Muela, Yohan Bassoumba, Cesar Thenawa, Melvyn Vounang, Arthur Gruszka, Dan Boudine, Alassane Traore, Riley Zizi, Sven Ngom

As talented as the top of this roster may be, the underlying issue is easily identified, with their SF potentially being the tallest player on the team, listed at 6’8. The center rotation that they’ve employed in scrimmages has been Cesar Thenawa who’s 6’7 and Melvyn Vounang who’s 6’6. The other bigger bodies on this team are PFs Messi Yangala who’s 6’8 and Yohan Bassoumba who’s 6’7. Despite the talent level of these players, the positional size might be the bane of this team, especially when matched up against teams like Serbia, Canada and the United States.

Player Spotlight:

Nathan Soliman - 6’8 SF | JL Bourg

Soliman has made headlines in French basketball for years, labeled as the next wunderkind following in the footsteps of Victor Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr as a future top pick in the NBA Draft. Standing at 6’8”, he made his professional debut in France’s NM1 at just 14 years old and has steadily improved his role and production ever since. This year, he left the program midseason, graduating a year and a half early to play in France’s second division with Nantes. In 14 games, the 17-year-old averaged 10.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.9 APG on 47/26/60 shooting splits. Next season, he will take another leap, joining JL Bourg in France’s top division, where he will compete in both the LNB Pro A and EuroCup.

Throughout his youth career, Soliman has been a jack-of-all-trades wing with great defensive tools and instincts. While he may not dominate any single area of the game, he consistently finds ways to impact winning. At one point, he led France’s third division in BPM despite not always posting the most eye-catching performances. His defensive presence in passing lanes, combined with his ever-improving offensive game, makes him one of the premier prospects to monitor in this tournament. He will likely once again carry a significant offensive workload alongside a group of facilitators and complementary pieces. The challenge for Soliman will be whether he can elevate his shot creation enough to compete with the top prospects in the field, particularly against bigger and more talented teams such as Serbia and the United States.

Quick Hits

Messi Yangala is the second-ranked prospect on this squad, a powerful 4/5 with excellent athletic tools and an intriguing offensive ceiling if he continues on his current trajectory. He is a versatile bruiser who can dominate the glass and play above the rim when needed. While still a limited shooter, he is capable enough to keep defenses honest. He will likely operate primarily as a small-ball five once again. At 6’8”, it will be interesting to see whether France chooses to showcase his skill set as a power forward or deploy him as the full-time center for this group.

Sohan Boungo has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in France. He entered the season relatively unknown before leading the French U18 league in scoring and eventually earning a full-time role with his club’s U21 team. At 6’1” with a massive wingspan, Boungo is an explosive athlete and an intriguing two-way slasher who thrives both on and off the ball. He is a creative scorer with a diverse offensive arsenal and has shown the ability to handle a high-volume offensive role. This tournament presents an opportunity for him to establish himself among the top guards in the field.

Aaron Towo-Nansi has been one of France’s most talked-about prospects, earning real minutes for Cholet at just 16 years old despite measuring only 5’9” barefoot. This tournament will be an important test of whether he can maintain his high-level offensive production despite his size against stronger competition. He is a versatile playmaker with exceptionally deep shooting range and consistently demonstrates the toughness and confidence needed to compete against bigger opponents. The point guard matchups in particular will go a long way toward shaping his long-term projection, whether that future lies as a professional overseas or at the NCAA level.

Amadou Fall is an intriguing addition to this group. Standing at 6’5”, he possesses one of the smoothest offensive skill sets among the prospects on this roster. While he has yet to put together a particularly prolific youth career, he has the ideal profile to develop into one of the better two-way guards on the team, with the upside to become a high-level scorer at the international youth level. In France’s opening scrimmage against Côte d’Ivoire, Fall was one of the team’s leading scorers, showcasing his versatility both inside and outside the paint. His ability to contribute in a variety of ways offensively makes him another prospect worth monitoring throughout the tournament.

3.2 Australia

This year’s iteration of the Crocs is another dangerous team for the tournament favorites to keep an eye on, boasting a well-rounded roster with excellent size and headlined by one of the top international prospects in the 2028 NBA Draft conversation, Luke Paul. With size across every position and a frontcourt featuring multiple players standing 6’10” or taller, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to watching this group compete against some of the best teams in the world.

Roster: Luke Paul, Riak Akhuar, Yahya Bassaran, Antonio Browne, Lucas Byrne, Tom Dammers, Will Hamilton, Alex Mabbott, Josh McCann, Andrew Watene, Alex Edwards

Having followed this core group for the past two years, beginning at the U15 Oceania Cup before progressing through the U16 Asia Cup, the U17 Oceania Championship, and now the U17 World Cup, it is clear that continuity is one of Australia’s greatest strengths. This team has accumulated a tremendous amount of experience playing together, which could provide an advantage against some of the less familiar and less cohesive squads in the tournament. The rise of Luke Paul as a marquee international prospect, combined with the emergence of several late bloomers, has made this Australian team particularly intriguing. Remarkably, at least eight members of this roster were already part of the country’s U15 squad two years ago, highlighting the continuity and chemistry that could make the Crocs a dangerous opponent for any team in the field.

Player Spotlight:

Luke Paul - 6’6 Guard | Cairns Taipans

Luke Paul is the star prospect of this talented Australian generation, combining many of the traits that have made Australian jumbo guards so highly regarded over the past few years. Standing at 6’6” with room to grow, Paul possesses a level of feel and creativity that is uncommon for players his age and size. His ability to operate as a primary ball handler while making advanced reads has established him as one of the most intriguing international prospects in the 2028 class. This season, Paul made his debut for the Centre of Excellence in NBL1 competition, averaging 8.4 points and 3.6 assists per game on 44/33/63 shooting splits across 14 appearances. While the raw numbers may not immediately jump off the page, he consistently showed flashes of high-level upside and appeared to improve with each game. An explosive athlete with a plus wingspan and impressive mobility, Paul possesses the physical tools NBA organizations covet in modern oversized guards. His combination of size, playmaking ability, and positional versatility could eventually allow him to play both on and off the ball, as well as spend time on the wing.

Over the next two seasons with the Cairns Taipans, it will be fascinating to monitor his development as he gains valuable professional experience, following a pathway similar to former NBL prospects Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball, and AJ Johnson. The biggest areas to watch this summer and throughout next season will be the consistency of his three-point shot and his ability to score efficiently against bigger, stronger, and more athletic defenders. The U17 World Cup should provide an excellent measuring stick for Paul’s development. His group-stage matchups alone promise to be must-watch basketball, including potential battles against Serbian jumbo guard Nikola Kusturica and French standout JP Oka.

Quick Hits

Yahya Bassaran has emerged as one of the biggest breakout prospects in Australia over the past year. After joining the Centre of Excellence, he has showcased intriguing potential as a true seven-footer who can finish efficiently around the rim and protect the basket at a high level. A skilled big man with good touch, mobility, and coordination, Bassaran’s rebounding ability and fluidity in transition make him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects to monitor at this event.

Antonio Browne has been one of my favorite Australian prospects to watch over the past few years. A physically strong guard with good size, he is capable of scoring in bursts while contributing both on and off the ball. His assertiveness as a scorer and ability to create offense could make him a major ceiling-raiser for this Australian team. Currently averaging 7.8 points per game in NBL1 competition while shooting 40 percent from three-point range on modest volume, Browne continues to demonstrate encouraging offensive development.

Will Hamilton is another marquee prospect within this group, bringing an intriguing blend of athleticism, energy, and toughness as a somewhat undersized forward. A powerful athlete who embraces physicality and plays above the rim, Hamilton has made an immediate impact during his first season with the Centre of Excellence in NBL1 competition, averaging just under 10 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His motor and competitiveness should make him an important contributor throughout the tournament.

Lucas Byrne has consistently stood out in Australian youth national team competition as a versatile wing capable of impacting the game in a variety of ways. Whether contributing in the margins or stepping up offensively when called upon, Byrne has proven to be a valuable piece for this core group. At last year’s FIBA U16 Asia Cup, he averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score around the basket while also providing reliable perimeter shooting on lower volume.

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Tier 4: Competitive teams

4.1 Lithuania

The Lithuanians are always an incredibly tough evaluation for me since their style of basketball, both at the club level and national team level is so uniform. 12 fundamentaly sound players on a roster each able to dribble, pass, shoot and defend at a solid to good level at minimum. With an emphasis on team basketball, their style might not be the flashiest but ultimately leads to wins, landing them the silver medal in the U16 Euros, going 5-2 with losses to Serbia and Turkiye.

This team will be a tough out for any contender facing them in the group stage, including the first mathup of the event against Canada. Led by Benas Birzinis, Gabrielius Buivydas and Jokubas Kukta amongst others, they project to be a potential giant killer in this event, with one good shooting nigh making them one of the more dangerous teams in the event.

Roster: Benas Baranauskas, Benas Birzinis, Gabrielius Buivydas, Arnas Erlickis, Augustas Kicas, Jokubas Kukta, Dominik Lavrinovich, Lukas Lukosiunas, Elijas Malinauskas, Simas Rascius, Kristupas Sabeckas, Joris Sinica, Lukas Siskauskas, Vytis Sliogeris, Rojus Stankevicius, Paulius Veliulis

Player Spotlight:

Gabrielius Buivydas - 6’5 G | Rytas Vilnius

Buivydas was one of the standout performers during Lithuania’s run to the FIBA U16 European Championship Final last summer, leading the team in scoring with averages of 16.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He carried that momentum into domestic competition, posting nearly identical numbers in the Lithuanian U18 League with averages of 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest.

Most recently, he was named MVP of the Youth BCL after leading Rytas to a third consecutive championship. Across four games, he averaged 17.0 points and 7.5 assists while shooting 43 percent from three-point range. His consistency as a scorer and ability to function as both a primary and secondary playmaker make him one of Lithuania’s most valuable pieces. Whether asked to take over offensively or thrive within a more complementary role, Buivydas has repeatedly shown the versatility to impact games in a variety of ways. A capable multi-level scorer, he excels at playing at his own pace, manipulating defenses, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities as they arise. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and decision-making will be critical to Lithuania’s success throughout the tournament.

Quick Hits:

Benas Birzinis turned heads in Lithuania’s pre-tournament scrimmage against Türkiye, scoring 27 points in an 84-73 victory. Standing at 6’6”, he combines strong athleticism with excellent lateral quickness, making him an impactful defender on the perimeter. His mobility, explosiveness, and ability to provide weak-side rim protection add another layer of versatility to Lithuania’s rotation.

Jokubas Kukta is another player capable of delivering game-changing performances for this squad. A crafty modern guard who can contribute across multiple facets of the game, Kukta has developed a reputation for rising to the occasion in big moments, including dropping 29 points and calling game against Spain last summer. His ability to catch fire offensively makes him one of Lithuania’s most dangerous weapons.

4.2 Turkiye

While not originally qualifying for this tournament, placing 7th in the U16 EuroBasket, Türkiye gets the chance to improve upon its performance from last year, qualifying as the host nation of the event. Led by the offensive powerhouse duo of Omer Kutluay and Darius Karutasu, their success will ultimately depend on whether the rest of the supporting cast can step up and contribute offensively to relieve pressure off the top two. Türkiye has assembled a strong group of players with good positional size and solid defense, capable of challenging for a victory on any given night against some of the top teams in this tournament.

Roster: Atahan Agacdelen, Sarp Kaya Arda, Ethem Aras Atli, Kaan Belgutay, Besir Briant, Kemal Batu Copur, Omer Alp Elitas, Emir Karabulut, Darius Karutasu, Omer Kutluay, Ruzgar Opcun, Arda Ozturk, Demir Ozturk, Mehmet Akif Ozturk, Kerem Sertakar, Omer Yusuf Sik, Kartal Bora Simsek, Noyan Tolan, Emre Yazici

This team is led by one of the best offensive engines in the tournament in Omer Kutluay, who will most likely put up some historic numbers during this tournament run and stands in a relatively easy group. It would not surprise me if they end up as one of the Cinderella teams in this event. With the home crowd backing them, Türkiye is sure to put together a great performance, provided their quality of play remains up to standard.

Player Spotlight:

Omer Kutluay - 6’4 PG | Real Madrid

Omer Kutluay has the chance to be the leading scorer of this event, as a ridiculous offensive engine who seems to elevate his game whenever he suits up for the national team. A crafty ball handler with great control of the game, as well as a pretty ridiculous offensive arsenal, he has improved quite a bit in his first season logging real minutes for Real Madrid’s U18 and U22 teams, putting together some strong performances against teams and players much older than him.

His feel for the game and offensive instincts make him a lethal passer and playmaker, using his balance and control to create opportunities for his teammates. What holds him back from being a complete prospect is his weaker frame and lack of physicality on both ends of the floor. While that may not be an issue against most teams in this event, time will tell whether he will be able to handle the physicality of some of the top contenders in the tournament. Despite that, Kutluay remains a name to watch for NBA scouts as a prospect who appears poised for a massive summer and an even bigger season next year.

Quick Hits:

Darius Karutasu is an electric scorer who broke onto the scene a few months ago at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, where he averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for the Turkish U17 team. A 6’8” point forward with great on-ball skills and a knack for self-creation, he could end up as one of the top scorers in the event. His consistency from three-point range will likely determine his status as a potential NBA prospect down the line.

Emir Karabulut, the 7’2” big man out of Tofaş, Omer Alp Elitas, the 6’10” big man out of Bishop O’Connell, and Besir Briant, the 6’9” forward out of Karşıyaka, make up an elite front line with intriguing upside, defensive versatility, and potential as easy lob targets for Kutluay. The size they possess in the frontcourt gives them a significant advantage against some of the smaller teams in this event.

4.3 Slovenia

While the Slovenian 2009-born generation is a massive step down from their 2008-born group, one of their best youth generations in recent memory, there is still some intriguing quality within this group that could make them a team to watch in the early stages of the event. After placing third at the U16 Euros last summer with a decisive victory over Italy, they hope to build on that success at the international level, bringing in an interesting core of players who have competed at the highest levels of international club basketball over the last season.

Roster: Maks Anderlic, Miha Gasperlin, Hugo Rene Godec, Rok Ilic, Lun Jarc, Jaka Jovanovic, Danijel Lipovac, Andrej Marinkovic, Bor Ogorevic, Aleks Pejic Rupnik, Nejc Pirnat, Bine Pregl, Matic Rezec, Nejc Roznik, Nejc Slapnik, Maj Strle, Jan Tomsic, Martin Trsan, Jakob Siftar

Player Spotlight:

Lun Jarc - 6’9 F | KK Mega Basket

Jarc has been a big name on the international scouting scene for the last few years, being identified at a very young age, playing in the Spanish MiniCopa and debuting for KK Mega Basket’s U16 and U18 teams at an unusually young age. His size, combined with his fluidity and shot-making ability, made him an ideal candidate to develop into the type of stretch-four prospect NBA teams covet so highly. The issue with Jarc is that, no matter how good he has looked for the Slovenian national team, he has never quite been able to replicate that same level of success in high-level club competition with Mega, at least not on the biggest stages.

At the U16 Euros, he averaged 14.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 38% from three-point range on four attempts per game. This included a massive performance in the bronze-medal game, where he took over and posted 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 9-for-11 from the field. If he can return to that level of consistency and aggression as a scorer, he will quickly earn back his place among the top prospects in European basketball, hopefully carrying that momentum into a strong season and earning some first-team opportunities with Mega.

Quick Hits:

Jakob Siftar has quickly become one of my favorite underrated prospects in the European youth scene as a member of a stacked Barcelona squad, where he has played his role to perfection. A capable shot-maker who is fluid on the ball and a crafty ball handler, he is able to get into the paint and create advantages for big men. He is also a very fun team defender with a solid frame, showing strong switchability and the ability to play with intensity. He could emerge as one of the breakout prospects of this event.

Bine Pregl is another of the more recognizable names among Slovenian prospects, a smaller guard with the ability to score in bunches and do a little bit of everything efficiently. Crafty in the lanes, he should provide a strong impact on both ends of the floor as Slovenia competes with Türkiye for a spot out of Group C. The guard duo of Bine Pregl and Martin Trsan will be one to watch as a big time scoring boost for this Slovenian side.

4.4 China

The Chinese youth national team has consistently shown that, despite entering these events as relative unknowns, they are a force to be reckoned with year after year. This iteration of the Chinese U17 team is not only incredibly young, with most of its prospects born in 2010, but also massive, featuring a frontcourt full of seven-footers alongside multiple wings and forwards standing 6’7 and above. After finishing second at the U16 Asia Cup following a 30-point loss to Australia in the final, China is back looking for revenge as its young core continues to develop, led by star prospect Yizhaojie Zhang.

Roster:

Player Spotlight:

Yizhaojie Zhang - 6’8 Wing | Shanghai Sharks

Following in the footsteps of Boyuan Zhang as the next elite scoring wing prospect out of China, Yizhaojie has shown incredible flashes as a scorer and creator at both the U16 Asia Cup and the U18 Albert Schweitzer Tournament. During U16 play last summer, he averaged 16.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 4.5 APG alongside 2.0 stocks per game as China’s leading scorer. Zhang is a versatile offensive weapon with tremendous upside, using his surprisingly fluid skill set, solid twitch, and good athletic tools to play well beyond his years and make an impact at the U18 level as a 16-year-old. With early matchups against Canada and Lithuania, Zhang should have plenty of opportunities to put himself on the radar as a prospect to watch, likely producing strong numbers despite playing up in competition.

Roster: Yuxiu Chen, Zihong Fan, Siyuan Liu, Xuanyu Liu, Feiyan Lyu, Pengfan Qi, Minghao Shi, Hanzhi Tu, Fangyu Xie, Zimo Yang, Jiaze Yao, Shengbin Yao, Boran Yue, Boxin Zhao, Zhanfeng Zhou, Chunzhi Zhang, Junyan Zhang, Yizhaojie Zhang, Yuchen Zhang, Ziyi Zhang

Quick Hits:

Boxin Zhao and Ziyi Zhang form the twin towers of this Chinese squad, both playing a year up while standing 7’1 and 6’10, respectively. While both remain relatively raw, they combined for over four blocks and 16 rebounds per game as a duo while finishing efficiently around the rim. Both are also solid free-throw shooters, capable of converting opportunities at the charity stripe.

4.5 Italy

Despite qualifying for the World Cup ahead of teams such as Spain, this Italian side is one of the weaker European teams in the event, lacking the size and elite scoring talent needed to consistently compete with the top contenders. While they still possess several talented prospects, their overall upside does not compare to Italy’s highly regarded 2008 and 2010-born generations, which rank among the best in Europe. Drawn into the so-called “Group of Death” alongside France, the United States, and Japan, their chances of making a deep run are slim, but not impossible. With strong performances from Mario Machetti, Lapo Santini, Andrea Chouenkam, and Farid Compaore, this team could recapture some of the magic from last summer and pull off a few major upsets.

Player Spotlight:

Lapo Santini - 6’9 F | Bassano

Lapo Santini is my highest-rated prospect in this group, pushing to establish himself as a top-35 player in his European generation following strong performances with Bassano and the Star Alliance in the Grind Session. At 6’9 with wing skills and elite athleticism, he checks many of the boxes NBA and NCAA scouts look for in a modern forward. With a solid frame and impressive agility for his size, he should immediately contribute in his Italian national team debut. Expected to be one of the featured prospects for Star Alliance this season, Santini appears poised for a significant year on the recruiting trail, with this summer serving as an opportunity to establish himself as a high-level prospect capable of leading a team.

Roster: Alessandro Alba, Federico Bagordo, Guglielmo Baldasseroni, David Jack Bonomi, Andrea Chouenkam, Farid Compaore, Paolo Lojacono, Mario Macchetti, Cristian Malano, Marco Milazzo, Leonardo Nicolodi, Filippo Papale, Nicolo Ronci, Mattia Ruggeri, Lapo Santini, Simone Ventura, Jacopo Vogogna, Lorenzo Zotti

Quick Hits:

Mario Machetti had the game of his life against France in the quarterfinals of the U16 EuroBasket, scoring 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including a game-winner that sent France to the fifth-place game and secured Italy’s qualification for the World Cup. A pesky shot-maker out of Trento with good feel as a playmaker and strong scoring instincts, he can thrive as a secondary or tertiary offensive option.

Farid Compaore is once again playing a year up after showing strong flashes for Milan at the youth level. A 6’6 wing with improving outside shooting, strong defensive instincts, and a developing frame, his potential is among the highest on the roster. His offensive aggression could be the key to a breakout performance, allowing him to stand out against older competition.

Andrea Chouenkam is a 6’9 big man who thrives as a defensive anchor and already possesses the build of a grown man at 17 years old. Built like a brick wall with strong two-way tools and an offensive game that continues to improve, he has the opportunity to emerge as one of the top Italian players in his generation if his offensive development continues. After averaging just 1.6 PPG in 16 MPG at last year’s U16 EuroBasket, he may have the potential to make the biggest leap of anyone on this roster.

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Tier 5: Long Shots

5.1 New Zealand

New Zealand has once again put together a solid squad ready to compete on the highest level, highlighted by it’s continuity since U15 play and the addition of a star player in Jayden Cecil out of Utah Prep. A scrappy, gritty team with capable bodies and intriguing projection long term, this squad has the potential to be a giant killer in group play, getting a win or two and giving themselves favourable seeding in the group stage. A group of tenacious defenders with multiple players who were part of the U17 squad that won against Australia in the Oceania Cup earlier this year, they have tons of intriguing players who could end up shocking fans and scouts alike

Player Spotlight:

Jayden Cecil - 6’4 CG | Utah Prep

Growing up and developing in Southeast Queensland, Australia, Cecil made the decision to move to the United States early in his development to gain exposure and adapt to the American style of play at a young age. This kept him off the radar of Australian national team scouts despite being one of the bigger names in the Australian prospect scene at the moment. He recently made the choice to represent New Zealand as a tribute to his Māori roots, joining the Tall Blacks pipeline after a strong sophomore campaign at Utah Prep. A dynamic scorer ranked in the top 100 of the Class of 2028, he provides the spacing and star power a scrappy, undersized Kiwi team needs to compete. An electric combo guard who can shoot the lights out and thrives in off-ball situations, he has worked on developing as a primary creator for Utah Prep over the last year and has shown flashes throughout.

Roster: Tawhiri Cate, Jayden Cecil, Jackson Couper, Noah Nuncan, Liam Keogh, Will Patten, Daley Pohio, Lawson Pryor, Zach Rampton, Marco Sula, Malakai Tuimalealiifano, Taye Thomson

Quick Hits:

Liam Keogh is probably the most intriguing player on this squad, a wiry 6’6 wing with long arms and good athleticism. One of the top scorers in Australian youth basketball, he chose New Zealand and looks to be a pivotal member of this squad. He possesses intriguing two-way upside, with the ability to rise up defensively and block shots at the rim.

Tawhiri Cate was the leader of New Zealand’s U16 team last summer, averaging 13.8 PPG, 7.8 APG, and 5.8 RPG while shooting 50% from three on low volume. A crafty guard with a massive wingspan who can impact every facet of the game, he’ll be one of the engines of this team in the tournament.

5.2 Cote D’Ivoire

The Ivory Coast swept the U16 AfroBasket in dominant fashion last year, led by a strong group of legitimate prospects who have gained notoriety in the American basketball scene over the last two years. A talented generation that can hold its own among the top competitors in this event, this team has a surprising amount of star power for a nation making its first appearance at the U17 World Cup. At the U16 AfroBasket, they were dominant, leading the tournament in scoring at 80 points per game and outscoring the second-highest scoring team by more than 13 points per contest. Adding reinforcements from Canada and France, they’re ready to make some noise in their first World Cup appearance.

Roster: Ibrahim Fadiga, Barakel Koffi, Joris Kouadio, JP Oka, Antoine Konan, Nathan Djako, Jean Charles Sinransy, Adama Kone, Emmanuel Ouedraogo, Ladji Konate, Tesilan Doumbouya, Ewan Doumbia

Player Spotlight:

Minty JP Oka - 6’8 G/W | Brave Christian

Oka was the MVP of the U16 AfroBasket, leading his team in scoring while finishing as the fourth-leading scorer of the tournament at 16.5 PPG, alongside 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 stocks per game. A 6’8 wing with ridiculous functional athleticism and tons of two-way upside, he spent his freshman year at Brave Christian and will be a name to watch in the Class of 2029. Effective as a slasher, lob catcher, and finisher, he just wrapped up a successful season for LakeShow 16U on the Adidas circuit. With a developing offensive game that includes soft finishes around the rim and a developing mid-range jumper, he can attempt to replicate the journey of someone like Abdou Toure, who broke onto the scene at the last World Cup by setting the single-game scoring record for Guinea. While less developed than Toure was at the same age, Oka possesses similar traits that could help him put together some outstanding performances in this event.

Quick Hits:

Emmanuel Ouedraogo is one of the highest-upside prospects in the world, playing high school basketball at Wilson Academy after a historically efficient outing at the U16 AfroBasket. A 6’11 toolsy big man with incredible upside on the defensive end, he has some of the highest long-term potential in this event despite being one of the younger players in the field. His defensive playmaking, efficiency around the basket, and ability to get to and finish above the rim make him an intriguing name to watch as a genuine ceiling-riser on this squad.

Barakel Koffi is another new addition to this team, a Canadian prospect who recently made the switch to Côte d’Ivoire after a strong freshman season at The Phelps School, delivering several strong performances at the varsity level. A versatile Swiss Army knife who regularly plays up an age group, it will be interesting to see how he looks on the global stage and whether he can make a significant jump onto scouts’ radars while representing the AfroBasket champions.

5.3 Puerto Rico

In their fourth tournament appearance, Puerto Rico looks to be a mainstay in this event, having finished fourth at the U16 AmeriCup and defeating teams such as Brazil and Argentina to secure a spot in the tournament. Led by a squad of prospects who are mostly based in the United States, they look ready to make some noise behind the guard duo of Dwight Gaines and Jeremy Willmore, alongside a solid supporting cast with intriguing skill sets. Despite being somewhat undersized, they have a fun, scrappy squad that could end up turning heads, as they often do.

Roster: Eduyn Albino, John Arroyo, Alexis Fuentes, Dwight Gaines, Ivaniel Lopez, Michael Portilla, Darrell Rodriguez, Jomar Rodriguez, Luis Rosado, Yaddiel Sanchez, Jodereck Torres, Jeremy Willmore

Player Spotlight:

Dwight Gaines - 5’10 CG | Westminster Academy

Despite being a bit undersized, Dwight Gaines is in line for another big event after leading the FIBA U16 AmeriCup in scoring last year and earning a spot on the All-Star Five. Averaging 21.8 PPG at the AmeriCup and 18.8 PPG in AAU play for SoH Elite 17U, he’ll once again likely be in the conversation as one of the tournament’s top scorers. A crafty, twitchy scorer who is tons of fun to watch, we saw at last month’s U18 AmeriCup how much “Heart over Height” can impact a team’s success, with Javon Tyndale capturing tournament MVP honors after a stellar performance. Gaines could be next in line, putting together strong performances and continuing to raise his profile on the global stage.

Quick Hits:

Jeremy Willmore was the MVP of the U15 CentroBasket a few years ago and served as a solid guard alongside Dwight Gaines during last year’s U16 AmeriCup. Another smaller guard with the upside to become a dangerous scoring threat, he’ll be a name to watch as a potential deep sleeper.

5.4 Japan

Placing fourth at last year’s FIBA U16 Asia Cup, Japan has another strong generation filled with intriguing prospects ready to challenge themselves on the global stage. After finishing sixth at the Albert Schweitzer U18 Tournament, this U17 squad includes several players who participated in that event, including Jack Shiratani, the 6’5 wing who has made headlines as one of the top scorers in Japanese youth basketball. With an intriguing group of long-term prospects and a player with legitimate professional upside, Japan looks like a dangerous team waiting for the opportunity to make some noise.

Player Spotlight:

Chusonjakku “Jack” Shiratani - 6’5 Wing | Maryknoll High School (JPN)

Three years ago, Shiratani made history as the youngest player ever to suit up for Japan’s U18 national team, debuting at just 15 years old and logging meaningful minutes on the wing. Since then, he has dominated Japanese high school competition, averaging 36.4 PPG, 20.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, and 2.6 BPG while playing impressive basketball despite the lower level of competition. In his U16 debut last summer, he finished as the team’s second-leading scorer at 16 PPG and led the squad in rebounding with just under 12 RPG. This tournament will provide another opportunity for him to put himself on the radar of global scouts, looking like the most promising Japanese prospect since Rui Hachimura.

Roster: Goodluck Chinedu Ihetsu, Rikuto Isoda, Herojabez Kato, Eishin Konno, Keiji Koshi, Hiroto Kuga, Fumiya Kurimoto, Shunsuke Miyazato, Kuon Sato, Tetta Sakurai, Chuson Jack Shiratani, Jurai Yamamoto

Quick Hits:

Keiji Koshi was the leading scorer for Japan’s U16 team last year, averaging over 17 PPG despite standing just 5’4. The crafty point guard out of Concordia Lutheran delivered several strong performances against quality competition at last year’s event, which could potentially translate well to the global stage.

5.5 Venezuela

The Venezuelans are always a tough team to deal with, consistently finding ways to compete despite not having the size of some of the bigger basketball nations. Led by an intriguing duo with experience playing up, as well as potentially the best talent the country has ever produced, they will be a team to monitor as they look to secure a few quality wins at the World Cup.

Player Spotlight:

Chris Echezuria - 6’2 G | Pablo Laso Academy

Echezuria is probably the most talented player of Venezuelan descent we’ve seen in quite some time, joining this team as the youngest player in the event after being born in 2011. An intelligent guard with elite game sense and basketball IQ, he is very reminiscent of a young Juan Núñez, able to control the pace of the game and create opportunities for himself with the ball in his hands. Making his Team Venezuela debut at this event, he has the potential to develop into one of the top guards playing in Europe and become a tremendous asset for the national team.

Roster: Williams Anillo, Chris Echezuria, Gregori Gavidia, Santiago Gines, Bryan Gomez, Kevin Gutierrez, Jesus Lopez, Aaron Lujano, Samuel Marcano, Antony Medina, Carlos Millan, Fabian Montalban Enzo Nash, Evys Nava, Carlos Perez, Cristian Perez, Ezequiel Perez, Winder Ricaurte, Alejandro Rodriguez, Yolfran Salgado, Enmanuel Sarabia, Deiker Torres, Samuel Uzcategui, Julio Vasquez, Ricardo Villarroel, Santiago Villavicencio

Quick Hits:

Julio Vazquez is another player to look out for on the Venezuelan side, as a contributor on one of the better youth teams in Spain in Gran Canaria. Leading scorer for the squad last year in the U16 AmeriCup and a member of the All-Star 5, the 6’3 shooting guard could be in for a big showing once again.

Williams Anillo and Kevin Gutierrez are two names to watch after playing up at the AmeriCup last month and gaining significant experience as contributors for the Venezuelan youth national team. Both are crafty defenders who can provide offensive upside when needed.

5.6 Cameroon

Cameroon is a team that I’ll admit I’m not the most familiar with, having finished second at last year’s U16 AfroBasket and qualified for the World Cup despite losing to the Ivory Coast in the final. Led by a few explosive scorers and backed by good positional size, they’ll make for an intriguing watch in this event, with players from all around the world suiting up for the rising African powerhouse.

Roster: Bayero Aliyou, Marvin Bidjel, Matthew Chatue, Felix Deumi, Lenny Djoumna, Lenny Epesse, Jason Essoua, Tobbo Eyoum, Joshua Kamga, Mateo K'Koumngock, Edwin Mbakop, Kemi Mendoua, Liam Ngameni, Nolan Ngangmeni, Mouliom Pounouko

Player Spotlight:

Nolan Ngangmeni - 6’2 CG | Charenton

Nolan was the fifth-leading scorer at the U16 AfroBasket, as well as the tournament’s top three-point shooter, averaging 16.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 2.0 APG while shooting 38% from three on seven attempts per game. Developing at Charenton in France, he looks to be a promising prospect within the French ranks while continuing to represent Cameroon. With good scoring instincts and another year of development under his belt, he has a chance to emerge as a breakout prospect in this event, with matchups against teams such as Canada, China, and Lithuania awaiting him in the group stage. Still far from reaching his full potential, he’s a player to monitor not only now but also over the long term as he continues to develop in France.

Quick Hits:

Felix Deumi is currently one of the better local African talents, dominating U18 competition in Cameroon after a solid U16 campaign last season. As the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging just over 11 PPG, the 6’0 guard will be a name to monitor.

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Over the last weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Treviso, Italy, and attend one of the highest-profile international events of the year, the Adidas EuroCamp. This event hosted scouts from all 30 NBA teams, along with GMs, agents, and coaches from around the world, all present with the goal of watching some of the top prospects in the world compete at an incredibly high level against one another to prove themselves to everyone in attendance.

This iteration of the event featured one of the strongest international prospect groups we have seen in a long time, including 2026 NBA Draft prospects, multiple high-major commits, and a special group of young prospects from Europe and the United States. With special appearances from Kenny Atkinson, Mike James, VJ Edgecombe, and Franz Wagner, the camp was nothing short of fantastic. The level of competition was especially impressive throughout the event, particularly among the younger players working to prove themselves in front of the scouts in attendance. Six teams competed in the event: EuroCamp Team 1 and EuroCamp Team 2, both made up of 2026 Draft-eligible prospects, NBL Next Stars, Team World, Team 3SSB, and the ANGE All-Stars, a particularly intriguing roster composed of many of the top international prospects in the 2008-born cohort.

Throughout the three days of competition and the more than 40 hours I spent at the La Ghirada campus, there were multiple high-level prospects who impressed and stood out as intriguing players to monitor long term. Here is a breakdown of how each squad performed, along with the players who stood out on each. This first part will focus on the two teams with the highest caliber of prospects in my opinion, the Next Gen team and 3SSB Select team.

Team Next-Generation

The Next-Gen team was the most hyped squad at the event, with NBA scouts eager to evaluate some of the top prospects in the 2008-born European generation. With an exciting ANGE circuit coming to an end, the biggest gems from the qualifiers were assembled to play together on this star-studded roster. Headlined by Duke commit Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje from Barcelona, Stefan Joksimovic from Baskonia, and Egor Amosov from Real Madrid, this team was the primary focus for many NBA and college scouts evaluating future talent.

Despite finishing 2-1 and claiming third place in the event, multiple players displayed high-level flashes that should catch the attention of decision-makers at every level. As a team, they looked excellent playing alongside one another, winning both of their victories by double digits. Their lone loss came against a young and energetic 3SSB squad that entered the game with a level of intensity the Next-Gen team could not match until it was too late. Explosive plays, taunting, and physicality proved to be their downfall, serving as a direct counter to the more structured and system-oriented European academy style of basketball.

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje

7’0 PF | 2009-born | FC Barcelona U21 (Committed to Duke)

Coming into the event, Boumtje-Boumtje was widely regarded as the top prospect in attendance, carrying significant hype following his recent commitment to Duke, where he will play for Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils a year early at just 17 years old. After a fantastic ANGT Final in which he won MVP and created a legion of fans worldwide, JBB arrived in Treviso and showed flashes of why he is viewed as such a valuable asset in the scouting landscape.

Measuring 6’11 1/4 barefoot with a 7’3 wingspan, JBB impressed in every physical category. He possesses an impressive frame that is still developing, along with a fluid jump shot, clean mechanics, and the ability to relocate effectively off the ball. His fluidity and athleticism as a seven-footer proved to be among the most valuable projectable traits in the current European prospect pool. He can create his own shot, operate effectively in the paint, and remain comfortable from long range.

After shooting 36% from three during the scrimmages and consistently knocking down shots during drills and practices, JBB looked every bit like an elite prospect capable of meeting the lofty expectations Duke fans have for him over the next two years. Despite the positive flashes, there were areas that left something to be desired. His lack of physicality and defensive consistency became apparent during his matchup against 3SSB. He was targeted in certain matchups, pushed around in the paint despite his size, and found himself in foul trouble. While the officiating in that game was not ideal, his youth and discomfort with physical play were tested against an aggressive American style of basketball, as he faced constant pressure and double teams throughout the game. Regardless, JBB entered and left this camp as the top player on my board, showcasing a skill set that is extremely uncommon for someone his size while impressing scouts with his offensive fluidity and long-term

Stefan Joksimovic

6’8 G/W | 2008-born | Saski Baskonia

Joksimovic was another major attraction for scouts around the world after an outstanding season for Baskonia at both the professional and youth levels. At 6’8, the Slovenian wing displayed flashes of his skill and athleticism throughout the scrimmages.

Having watched him a few months ago in Bologna, my impressions of him as a prospect were once again reinforced. His skill set clearly stands out, especially among European players. His biggest strength is his ability to take long strides downhill, thrive in transition, and use his athleticism to finish above the rim. His shot creation ability was also evident, though the results were mixed throughout the weekend. He looked comfortable in the mid-range, creating space and taking advantage of mismatches, but the three-point shot left something to be desired, as he shot just 10% across the three scrimmages. That said, Joksimovic has been a strong three-point shooter in Tercera FEB play, making this performance less concerning. The biggest question surrounding Joksimovic is how he performs when he is no longer the clear top athlete on the floor. He had some difficulties matching up with Kansas commit Javon Bardwell during the game against 3SSB, as Bardwell’s athleticism and aggression occasionally got the better of him despite a solid overall performance from Joksimovic. Outside of that matchup, Stefan generally had his way in one-on-one situations, utilizing his herky-jerky pace, crafty handle, and ability to create for both himself and others. He was effective as both a primary and secondary ball handler throughout the weekend. Projected as a secondary playmaker, he did a good job initiating offense and starting breaks, though he remains most effective as a slasher and finisher. Overall, he had an excellent weekend, winning the MVP of the event and making a strong impression on the scouts and GMs in attendance

Teo Milicic

6’5 PG | 2008-born | Ratiopharm Ulm

Teo was one of my biggest risers over the weekend, impressing not only with his on-court production but also with some of the best intangibles in the entire camp. Measuring just over 6’4 barefoot with a 6’8 wingspan, Milicic’s mentality and competitiveness were remarkable to witness up close. He played with an unwavering intensity throughout the scrimmages and was a key factor in Team Next-Gen cutting a fourth-quarter deficit against 3SSB to just three points. Utilizing his two-way skill set at the guard position, he knocked down several big shots in clutch moments.

A fluid shot-maker with excellent IQ for a point guard, he remained poised during his minutes on the floor, helping organize the offense and set the tone for the star-studded group around him. His impact was not always reflected in the box score. He accumulated hockey assists, made smart off-ball reads, and played strong defense despite being one of the skinniest players in the camp. He embodied the definition of “skinny tough.” He arrived on the first day with a gash across his neck and an intensely competitive look in his eyes, and he never backed down.

Overall, I left Treviso extremely impressed by what I saw from Milicic as both a leader and competitor. The son of coach Igor Milicic and brother of Tennessee big man and UDFA Igor Milicic Jr., the influence of growing up in a basketball family was obvious. His game is built on skills that should translate to higher levels. He should be a priority developmental target for NCAA coaches looking for a guard capable of becoming an all-conference player in the right environment with proper coaching and development.

Quick Hits:

Mate Khatiashvili was an absolute joy to watch live once again, playing with his creative stop-and-go pace, flashy dribble combinations, and affinity for wraparound passes. His creativity as a playmaker was among the best at the camp. Standing 6’3 barefoot with a positive wingspan, he has the tools to become a fan favorite at either the mid-major or high-major level with a few years of development. Mate was the leader in assists on the Next-Gen team, averaging 4.3 assists per game and nearly logging a double-double in his final game, with 9 points and 10 assists against EuroCamp 2.

Code Mbengue impressed during the second and third scrimmages, using his physicality and athleticism to do the dirty work in the paint all weekend. He was a catalyst for the fourth-quarter comeback against 3SSB and played efficiently and physically in the third game against EuroCamp Team 2. The Senegalese big man will be a name to watch next season, likely earning spot minutes for Gran Canaria. During his two games played he shot 86% from the field, taking advantage of the minutes he had on the floor, creating advantages when JBB was off the floor. Mbengue will be a name to monitor in the class of ‘27, as the big man market becomes more and more of a priority in the NCAA.

Cameron Houindo had an up-and-down showing for the Next-Gen squad but still demonstrated what makes him such an intriguing prospect. A 6’9 athlete with touch in the mid-range and a competitive streak, he served as a vocal leader on the floor, helping organize the offense while using his versatility to impact the game in multiple ways. He will need to improve his off-ball awareness and reduce fouling, but his size and physical tools alone make him a fascinating long-term prospect. His physical tools looked great in the drills and practices, measuring at nearly 6’9 barefoot with a 7’1 wingspan, weighing in at 240 lbs and looking like one of the most explosive players at the event, but wasn’t able to translate it into offense in this team’s context, which was surprising since performed so well in a similar context, winning the MVP of basketball without borders during all-star weekend.

Maks Ciperle impressed me quite a bit this weekend as a 6’6 forward with a massive wingspan who consistently provided a spark offensively whenever he stepped onto the floor. Somewhat of a tweener due to his size, he is an excellent rebounder and has the ability to get downhill and draw contact. The next step in his development will be improving the consistency of his three-point shot and becoming a more reliable off-ball option. As the fourth leading scorer of this team, he averaged 11 points on 55% from the field and 25% from 3. As he continues to develop and log more minutes on Cedevita Olimpija’s pro side, he could develop into a highly coveted college prospect, with his length and two way instincts paving a solid base for a future NCAA wing.

Adidas 3SSB Select team

While not as loaded a group as last year, this team featured an intriguing collection of young prospects who showcased themselves throughout the weekend, making positive impressions on the scouts in attendance, myself included. This particular roster was filled with extremely young talent, with nearly half of the players born in 2010 or later. With the oldest player in the competition being 25 years old, Team 3SSB naturally faced an uphill battle, finishing 2-1. However, they secured a quality win over the top young prospects in Europe in a loud, aggressive, and entertaining victory led by massive performances from Kansas commit Javon Bardwell and Class of 2028 point guard Josiah Rose.

With multiple future lottery-level talents and a strong supporting cast, they ended up being one of the most fascinating teams to watch throughout the event for both NBA and international scouts.

Josiah Rose

6’4 PG | 2010-born | Faith & Family

It is not a stretch to say that Josiah Rose was the best prospect at this event, showcasing tremendous upside throughout the weekend and leaving Treviso deserving of even more national attention as a consensus five-star recruit and potential top-five player in the Class of 2028.

At just 16 years old, Rose possessed arguably the best physical profile of any guard in attendance, measuring nearly 6’4 barefoot with a 6’9 wingspan, broad shoulders, and a well-developed frame. Coming off a dominant summer with 99 Overall on the 3SSB 16U circuit, he entered the event averaging roughly 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, along with two stocks on 61/41/75 shooting splits across eight games. He carried that dominance into Adidas EuroCamp, earning All-Tournament honors and impressing nearly everyone in attendance.

Likely the most complete scorer at the event, Rose used his strength, elite handle, and wingspan to consistently create opportunities for himself. He demonstrated an impressive ability to speed the game up or slow it down at will, regularly beating defenders who were up to five years older than him. What separates him from many players his age is his ability to shoot the ball both fluidly and efficiently. Every jumper looked comfortable, and when his shot started falling, his team often went on immediate runs. The playmaking and defensive flashes were equally impressive. As a natural point guard with strong awareness and exceptional length, he was able to create turnovers, disrupt passing lanes, and protect the rim far better than most guards his age. Throughout the weekend, scouts consistently discussed his long-term upside, and he left the event as one of the biggest stock risers in attendance.

Javon Bardwell

6’7 W | 2007-born | Rod Wave Elite

After a relatively quiet first day, Javon Bardwell completely took over Day 2 of the event, earning All-EuroCamp honors and helping lead Team 3SSB to a statement win over the heavily favored Next-Gen squad.

A nonstop ball of destructive energy on the court, Bardwell plays with an infectious intensity that can completely alter the momentum of a game within a few possessions. During the matchup against Next Gen, he successfully got under the skin of several opposing players and then backed up his trash talk with his play, helping set the tone for a physical and emotional victory. After scoring 22 points while impacting the game on both ends of the floor, he appeared to tweak his ankle, which kept him out of the final game. At 6’6 with a 6’8 wingspan and high-level athleticism, Bardwell excels at attacking the rim, running the floor in transition, and finishing above the basket. He also showed flashes as an off-ball scorer, knocking down several timely three-pointers throughout the first two games. Defensively, he is an aggressive and physical on-ball defender who thrives in man-to-man situations and creates havoc in passing lanes.

Despite the strong performance, his intensity can occasionally work against him. At times, he appears to be playing faster than the game itself. Once he learns to consistently slow the game down and play under greater control, he could develop into an elite prospect that Kansas fans will absolutely love over the next few years. Being older for his class, Bardwell has been rumored as a potential reclassification candidate since committing to Kansas. He would undoubtedly provide valuable depth for Bill Self’s squad next season while learning alongside top-ranked prospect Tyran Stokes and Tayler Kinney as part of an elite recruiting class.

Jalen Davis

6’4 PG | 2008-born | Bremerton High School

Jalen Davis has long been one of my favorite players in the Class of 2027, playing an efficient, smart, and confident brand of basketball that has already led to considerable success. He guided his team to a state championship as a sophomore and was also one of the standout performers on the previous 3SSB team that traveled to Athens for the ANGT Finals a few weeks ago, where he averaged 22 points per game and earned a spot on the All-Star Five. Across three games in Treviso, Davis averaged 11.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 58/36/75, making him one of the most efficient guards at the event.

Although he was not as dominant as a scorer throughout this camp, he remained one of the most consistent offensive threats in attendance. Whenever he had the ball, he made smart decisions, took quality shots, and quietly accumulated points. It often felt like he would suddenly have 12 points before anyone realized it. One important note is that Davis has not been playing his natural position during either of his recent European appearances. Alongside Josiah Rose, he has operated more as a scoring guard than as a true point guard. Even so, this event only reinforced my belief that he is one of the top three guards in the Class of 2027.

Quick Hits:

RJ Evans was one of the most impressive evaluations of the entire event. As the youngest player in attendance by a significant margin, Evans was born in 2011 and is entering high school as a member of the Class of 2029. Measuring nearly 6’6 barefoot with an incredible 6’10 wingspan, he competed against players who were as much as ten years older than him, including NBL Next Stars center Oscar Cluff, who was born in 2001. What stood out most was not just that Evans looked comfortable among older competition, but that he genuinely looked like he belonged. He contributed meaningful minutes during scrimmages and games while holding his own physically and mentally. He is still far from the finished product, weighing only around 170 pounds, but the future is exceptionally bright. Evans has the potential to one day headline this event himself as one of the top prospects in his class.

Kevin Savage measured as the shortest player at the event, standing 5’10.4 barefoot, but his impact on Team 3SSB was among the strongest of any guard in attendance. He consistently controlled the pace of the game, got to his spots, and looked comfortable operating against much larger opponents. Even when his shots were not falling, he displayed the poise, confidence, and craft that often define successful undersized guards at the college level. Despite his height, Savage recorded a wingspan of roughly 6’3, which was evident in his disruptive defense as he accumulated steals throughout the weekend. Overall, it was easy to understand why coaches such as Matt Painter have recruited him so heavily. His poise and feel for the game consistently stood out despite playing alongside and against much bigger players.

Blaze Johnson had several impressive moments throughout the weekend and remains one of the younger players on this roster with significant long-term upside. Measuring around 6’4 barefoot with a 6’6 wingspan, he appears likely to continue growing, with several encouraging indicators in his physical profile. While he was not a major scoring threat at this event and took a backseat to some of the more established guards on the roster, his flashes during practices and games made him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in attendance. After winning the Rising Stars Award at ANGE Athens, Johnson returned to Europe and once again demonstrated why scouts remain interested in his development. If he adds another few inches of height while continuing to refine his skill set, his ceiling becomes even more intriguing.

Emmanuel Ahamefule joined this group as somewhat of a less heralded prospect but turned some heads after a productive weekend on the American side. Originally from the United Kingdom and making noise in FIBA competition before playing in the United States, Ahamefule impressed in his latest return to Europe. Great size, strength, defensive intensity and frame for a forward, he provided consistent defensive pressure for the American team, handling some tough matchups against older, more heralded prospects all week. Not ranked by many American services, he’s sure to make some noise and see some jumps in his recruitment after a strong weekend in Treviso.

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It’s officially busy season for international scouts, with one of the biggest and most exciting tournaments in Europe, the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague, finally kicking off. This tournament brings together the top international U18 prospects from across Europe to compete in a multi-leg event spanning five countries over the next four months. Many European NBA players have competed in this event, from Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama to more recent names like Hugo González and Kasparas Jakučionis.

The Final Stage of the Adidas Next Generationa Tournament is one of the most anticipated events for international scouts and fans of European hoops alike. Combining top prospects from all corners of Europe with a legitimately strong American team and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, this event was an absolute treat to watch and cover, even without being there in person. The Final Stage serves as the culmination of the last few months of international youth basketball, bringing together the winners of the four qualifying events : FC Barcelona, INSEP Pole France, Real Madrid/Zalgiris*, and Cedevita Olimpija, alongside the host team, Panathinaikos, the Adidas 3SSB Select Team, and a wild card entry in Crvena Zvezda.

FC Barcelona took home the trophy in a thrilling matchup against Real Madrid, reclaiming the ANGT title for the first time in ten years and defeating a Madrid team that had beaten them in their previous three championship matchups this season. Coming into the year, this Barça squad was touted as one of the best collections of prospects Europe’s youth level has ever seen, featuring multiple projected NBA players across five different classes. Despite their talent, Barcelona fell to Madrid in three championship games, losing the inaugural Liga U22 title game, the Spanish U18 Championship, and finishing third at L’Hospitalet after a semifinal loss to Madrid. Whether due to injuries to key players, being outplayed, or missing players because of professional team assignments, there was a real sense of urgency surrounding this Barcelona group heading into the event. From the postgame interviews to the intensity displayed on the court, it was easy to see how badly these players wanted this win, especially star prospect trio Nikola Kusturica, Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, and Mohamed Dabone. After a major win over the American side and a triumphant victory against Madrid, FC Barcelona now stands as the reigning champion of U18 club basketball in Europe.

Outside of the finale, multiple high level performances were had in this event, with bigtime prospects suiting up for each of the eight squads playing in the tournament. Here are fifteen players that caught y eye in the final stage.

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje (6’11 PF | FC Barcelona | 2009-born)

Tournament stats: 19.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.3 STK, 58/47/79 splits

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje has been the talk of the recruiting world over the last month, taking the basketball world by storm and committing to Duke a year early, seemingly out of nowhere. Long regarded as a high-level prospect in Europe over the last few years, JBB’s popularity has skyrocketed recently, with American audiences discovering his talent and placing him in conversations alongside the top prospects in the classes of 2026 and 2027. As someone who has followed his progress closely over the years, this media breakout feels well deserved and was amplified even further by his MVP-winning performance over this four-game stretch.

Throughout the tournament, he averaged a ridiculous 19.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 2.3 stocks per game, while shooting 70% from two and 47% from three on roughly four attempts per game. Watching him live at the Bologna qualifier, his talent was immediately evident, alongside a ridiculously developed frame for his age, looking even more physically imposing in person than on film. Measuring over 6’11 barefoot with a 7’2 wingspan and weighing around 233 pounds, he looked like an all-world talent throughout the event, moving extremely fluidly and routinely knocking down jumpers off the dribble.

He possesses all the tools of a modern four-man, thriving in two-big pick-and-roll actions with Mohamed Dabone and Sayon Keita while also being able to finish at the rim, space the floor, and create for himself in isolation situations. Although he posted strong raw defensive numbers in this sample, his defense could still be questioned regarding his ability to play the five next year at Duke. However, with his spacing ability and pure offensive upside, he should be an early X-factor during his two years in the program and could challenge for a starting role as early as next season. Duke fans are rightfully excited, and this tournament run has elevated his hype to another level.

Nikola Kusturica (6’8 G/W | FC Barelona | 2009-born)

Tournament stats: 13.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 59/43/71 splits (2 games played)

Despite only playing two of the four games, Nikola Kusturica arguably proved himself to be the most important player on this Barcelona squad and the ultimate X-factor for NBA scouts to monitor over the next few years. After playing through illness at L’Hospitalet and suffering an injury last month that caused him to miss the finals of both the Spanish U18 Championships and the Liga U22 Finals, Real Madrid had not faced Kusturica in any of the championship games they won against Barcelona this season.

Kusturica proved to be the difference-maker in the title game, returning from injury earlier than expected to suit up for the final matchup. He finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 3-of-6 from three. Delivering a gutsy performance in the championship game, his impact was clearly felt as a game manager, lengthy defender, and creative offensive weapon around the basket. This level of talent has already earned him minutes with Barcelona’s senior team, appearing in both the ACB and EuroLeague at just 16 years old. He first broke out onto the scene last summer, helping Serbia win the U16 EuroBasket and secure a spot in the U17 World Cup. His combination of length, athleticism, on-ball creativity, and ability to physically dominate opponents despite his wiry frame makes him one of the highest-upside prospects in Europe.

The only real concern in his game right now is the consistency of his jump shot and shooting mechanics, as he has historically been a streaky shooter. Despite going 3-of-7 from three during this two-game stretch, he averaged just 24.5% from deep this year in U18/ANGT play, 28.6% in U22 competition, and 31% during U16 play last summer. Whether this is simply a mechanical issue or part of a longer developmental process, his shot could ultimately determine whether he reaches his ceiling as a top-five caliber prospect long term. Even with that nitpick, Kusturica deserves immense praise for this performance. According to sources, he returned to play despite being far from fully healthy, helping Barcelona secure a triumphant victory over their historic rivals in arguably the most important youth tournament of the year.

Mohamed Dabone (6’11 F/C | FC Barcelona | 2011-born)

Tournament stats: 17.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.7 STK, 62/50/86 splits

For the third straight year, Mohamed Dabone was the youngest player in the tournament, having made his debut at just 12 years old and looking more dominant every time he steps on the court. The intersection of his size, age, and athleticism is truly generational, with scouts and fans alike drawing comparisons to players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama. With three more years of eligibility remaining in this competition, Dabone is already on pace to become one of the leading scorers in the history of the event, averaging 17.2 PPG in ANGT play as a 14-year-old.

Dabone immediately pops off the screen the moment he steps onto the floor, combining relentless defensive activity with ridiculous plays above the rim. He notably delivered an incredible performance against the American Adidas 3SSB Select Team, a collection of all-stars from the Adidas AAU circuit. In that matchup, he posted 25 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 8-of-10 from the field and 1-of-1 from three, dominating current and future five-star caliber prospects with highlight play after highlight play.

His eye-popping vertical athleticism and seamless fit alongside Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje made him the ultimate weapon at this level, finishing possessions with emphatic putbacks and thriving in transition on the open floor. While questions surrounding his age have existed, and likely always will, his potential regardless projects him as an elite NBA prospect at every stage of development. As of now, he is expected to be part of the 2029 high school class and the 2030 NBA Draft, though time will tell what the basketball landscape looks like by then. The sky is truly the limit for Mohamed Dabone.

Egor Amosov (6’8 G/W | Real Madrid | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 15.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 3.3 STK, 51/37/100 splits

Egor Amosov was arguably the best individual performer at the event, showcasing his full two-way arsenal as a 6’8 wing with legitimate NBA upside. Throughout the first three games, he delivered an incredibly efficient performance, averaging 85% from two, 41% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line while also recording 4.4 stocks per game from the wing. Amosov is a tremendous offensive producer as a dribble-pass-shoot wing, possessing the ability to scale his production up or down depending on what his team needs.

Amosov joined the Real Madrid academy this season following a breakout year in the Russian VTB League, where he played rotation minutes for BC Samara at just 16 years old, including a stretch as a starter for the club. His professional experience translated seamlessly to high-level youth competition, where he emerged as one of the most productive and efficient offensive engines alongside multiple other elite European prospects.

At this event, his shot-making, offensive creativity, and defensive activity consistently stood out, helping lead Real Madrid to a 3-0 record before the championship loss to Barcelona, where he still finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. Amosov should become a late recruiting target for NCAA programs searching for an NBA-caliber prospect to develop over the next year or two. Long term, he possesses upside comparable to some of the very best players at this event.

Fabian Kayser (6’8 G/W | Real Madrid | 2009-born)

Tournament stats: 13.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 3.5 STK, 40/33/100 splits

Real Madrid has the luxury of deploying two 6’8 wings capable of averaging 4–6 assists per game, one of them being Fabian Kayser, the 17-year-old star prospect out of Germany. Kayser broke out in 2024, suiting up for Germany’s U16 and U17 national teams while playing one and two years up, respectively. He impressed in both competitions as a fluid wing with guard skills and tremendous long-term upside. That level of play earned him a move to Real Madrid’s academy, where he initially struggled to find consistency. While he flashed his talent early on, his season was partially derailed by injury. Since then, his production has fluctuated, but over the last few months he has truly started to put things together, elevating his level of play just in time for the biggest events of the year.

The biggest improvements have come as a shooter and playmaker. He looked elite during the first two games of the ANGT Abu Dhabi qualifiers, averaging 16.5 PPG and 4.5 assists while shooting 56% from three. He followed that up with another impressive showing at the Spanish U18 Championship, where he averaged 16 PPG on 50/44/88 shooting splits. During this recent stretch, his decision-making has looked significantly improved, consistently generating positive offensive possessions even when his shot is not falling.

His best game at the Final Stage came against Cedevita Olimpija, where he finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists while knocking down 4-of-10 attempts from three. Kayser’s fluidity on the wing as a jumbo initiator and primary playmaker is evident, posting a 2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio at an event where he was playing a year up in competition. With another year of development at Real Madrid ahead of him, Kayser has the potential to evolve into one of the deadliest primary offensive weapons in international youth basketball next season.

Jalen Davis (6’2 CG | 3SSB Select | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 23.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 3.3 SPG, 49/33/95 splits

Jalen Davis was clearly the best player on the American Select Team, taking over games with ease and scoring almost at will throughout the three games played. Considered one of the top guards in the class of 2027, he has long been one of my favorite prospects, starring for Bremerton out in Washington. His performance at this event only reinforced his status among the elite young prospects in the world, finishing at the basket with ease while also showing more promise as a shooter than the raw three-point percentage may suggest.

Due to the lack of high-level wing play on the roster, Davis was often slotted alongside two smaller guards, effectively playing as a wing despite being an offense-first creator operating off Nasir Anderson, who handled primary point guard duties. The absence of Jordan Page was evident in how undersized this team looked, particularly during the Day 3 matchup against FC Barcelona, where the Select Team was overwhelmed physically and lost by 17 points despite another strong outing from Davis, who finished with 25 points and 3 steals. One surprising statistic from the tournament was Davis recording only 2 assists across the three games, which is somewhat uncharacteristic for a player who naturally projects as a point guard. However, that was likely more a product of his positional adjustment within the tournament than an actual concern about his playmaking ability. Where Davis truly excelled was around the rim, converting 65% of his attempts from two-point range while finishing both above and below the rim, thriving in transition, creating pressure at the basket, and drawing fouls at an elite rate. He went an impressive 19-of-20 from the free-throw line during the event.

Still vastly underrated in my opinion, Davis appears poised for a massive season next year and should continue to accumulate high-major offers from many of the top programs in the NCAA. He is in line for a breakout senior campaign and could ultimately finish as one of the top 10 players in his class when everything is said and done.

Nasir Anderson (6’3 PG | 3SSB Select | 2009-born)

Tournment stats: 15.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 9.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 42/33/43 splits

Nasir Anderson is probably the most well-known prospect among the players invited to this event, boasting around 70,000 followers on Instagram and holding a top-five ranking on most recruiting services in the class of 2027. The reigning FIBA U16 AmeriCup MVP and starting point guard for one of the best high school programs in the country, Prolific Prep’s Nasir Anderson delivered a mixed bag across his three games played in Europe. Throughout the event, he showcased what truly makes him special as a prospect while also highlighting some of the concerns scouts still have about his long-term projection.

On the positive side, Nasir is an exceptionally talented player and prospect. He possesses the frame and strength of a linebacker combined with the twitch and athleticism to compete with elite guards at any level. His ability to get downhill and attack the basket is outstanding, using his elite handle and explosiveness to consistently generate quality looks at the rim. His hang time is particularly impressive, allowing him to stay in the air, maneuver his body, and finish difficult shots through contact while overpowering nearly every matchup he faced. Known primarily for his flash and athleticism, the best part of his game during this tournament was arguably his passing and playmaking. He formed a formidable backcourt trio alongside Jalen Davis and Blaze Johnson, orchestrating the offense at a high level throughout the event. Across three games, Anderson recorded 29 assists to just 8 turnovers, good for a 3.63 assist-to-turnover ratio, one of the strongest high-volume playmaking marks at the tournament.

The biggest challenge in evaluating Anderson remains his offensive versatility. He attempted relatively few threes during the event and relied almost exclusively on his left hand, often using his strength and athleticism to force his way to the basket. While that approach is highly effective at the high school level, it could become more difficult once he reaches college, where the size, strength, and speed of defenders will begin to match his own physical tools. The only concerning aspect of his performance this weekend was that, despite his physical strength and downhill pressure, he only got to the free-throw line seven times. In those seven attempts, he shot just 42.9%, which is far from ideal for a player whose game is so heavily built around attacking the rim. Even with those concerns, Anderson remains one of the most talented guards in high school basketball and one of the most entertaining players to watch in the game today. Combined with encouraging measurements for the point guard position and a positive wingspan, he is unquestionably a name to monitor closely over the next few years.

Yael Masdieu-Reynaert (6’3 PG | INSEP PF | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 15.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.7 SPG, 53/40/81 splits

Yael has long been a known commodity on the international youth basketball scene, representing France’s youth national teams while also playing significant minutes as a lead ball-handler for INSEP and logging professional minutes in NM1 competition. Over the last three years, Yael has steadily improved, growing more confident as his usage increased and making major strides as a primary playmaker. At this stage, he looks far more important to the team than some players who were historically viewed as higher-level prospects within the same program.

Yael is a crafty point guard with good size, a solid frame, and an excellent feel for the game, paired with strong ability as a multi-level scorer. He showcased his full offensive arsenal throughout this tournament, ultimately earning an All-Star Five selection while serving as the primary option for an INSEP squad missing Nathan Soliman and Matthys Mahop, typically the team’s top two offensive weapons.

Excellent in the pick-and-roll, Masdieu consistently took advantage of the athleticism within INSEP’s frontcourt, repeatedly finding lob targets and creating easy scoring opportunities above the rim. His stop-and-go pace, crafty finishing ability, and comfort operating around the basket make him an intriguing prospect to monitor, especially for high-major college programs searching for a developmental backup guard with long-term upside. His feel for the game and ability to remain productive despite the absence of two of the team’s primary shot creators made him one of the most resourceful guard prospects at the event. While he was an effective playmaker throughout the tournament, he also averaged 4 turnovers per game, which is less than ideal for a starting point guard. However, with a more complete roster around him and less offensive responsibility, that number could realistically decrease moving forward.

Felipe Quinones (6’6 CG | Panathinaikos BC | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 27.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG 6.7 APG, 31/13/92 splits

Felipe Quiñones was by far the leading scorer at this event, putting up ridiculous numbers across his three games played as a guest player for the Greek side. With Panathinaikos hosting the tournament, the club needed reinforcements to compete with the top teams and prospects in Europe. Their solution? Bringing in one of the top scorers in FIBA U17 history: Puerto Rican star Felipe Quiñones from Christopher Columbus High School.

How this connection came together remains somewhat of a mystery, but Quiñones operated on a completely different level offensively throughout the tournament. The 6’6 FAU commit fully embraced his role as the number one offensive option, attacking aggressively and letting shots fly whenever opportunities presented themselves. His pace, feel for the game, and overall offensive skill set were on full display, especially as a playmaker, where he averaged nearly 7 assists per game while simultaneously leading the entire event in scoring. Despite the elite-level scoring and playmaking production, the efficiency left something to be desired. He converted just 13% of his three-point attempts, dragging his overall field-goal percentage down to 31%. Still, he was effective finishing at the rim and carried an enormous offensive burden on a roster that lacked high-volume creators outside of a handful of players.

Although Panathinaikos finished 1–2, Quiñones helped the club secure its first-ever ANGT Finals win, exploding for 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists against Cedevita Olimpija. At the moment, Quiñones projects as one of the better incoming freshmen at the mid-major level, and this performance, combined with another potential leap while representing Puerto Rico at the AmeriCup this summer could set him up for a strong first season with the Owls.

Aleksej Nedeljkovic (6’6 G/W | Crvena Zvezda | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 22.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 54/47/64 splits

Aleksej Nedeljkovic has been one of the biggest risers of this year’s international cycle, seemingly putting everything together while gaining national attention after producing at a high level for the last few years. Nedeljkovic has been a gem hiding in plain sight, as a 6’6 guard/wing capable of doing a little bit of everything, consistently showcasing his versatility at a high level for Crvena Zvezda.

While he has always been a productive scorer and rebounder, the biggest revelation in his game has been his jump as a three-point shooter. Across his three games played at this event, he shot an impressive 47% from three on 15 attempts, showing the ability to operate both as a catch-and-shoot threat and as a pull-up shooter off the dribble. Nedeljkovic is an extremely talented scorer who consistently got to the rim with ease, using his athleticism, touch, and body control to finish effectively around the basket. His performance drew strong praise from scouts in attendance, including Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress, who described him as “one of the naturally talented players in the event.” Heading into the summer, he looks like a major name to monitor while representing Serbia at the U18 level.

Historically, he has also been a tremendous rebounder for his size, and his multi-level offensive skill set makes him a fascinating long-term prospect. Nedeljkovic could quickly become a priority target for NCAA programs looking to finalize their rosters with a versatile, complementary guard who can impact winning in multiple ways. At the Belgrade qualifier, he opened the tournament by averaging 18 PPG, 9 RPG, and 5 APG with 2.6 stocks over his first four games, despite shooting just 1-of-11 from three. If his outside shot continues developing into a reliable part of his offensive package, he has the potential to emerge as one of the premier international prospects in his class and ultimately establish himself as one of the best players in the 2008-born generation.

Quick Hits:

Sayon Keita (7’0 C | FC Barcelona | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 9.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 50% FG, 77% FT

Sayon Keita put together a solid outing at this tournament, making major strides defensively to help secure the paint for Barcelona alongside Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje and Mohamed Dabone. After generating significant hype last offseason, Keita had a somewhat disappointing season in Liga U18 play, showing flashes of greatness but not consistently dominating the way many expected from a prospect of his caliber. This tournament run highlighted some of the best aspects of his game, particularly his defensive presence and activity above the rim as both a shot blocker and complementary frontcourt piece capable of thriving alongside stars such as JBB, Nikola Kusturica, and Dabone. With a wiry yet strong frame and excellent anticipation instincts, Keita consistently impacted the game defensively throughout the event.

The highlight of his tournament came against Crvena Zvezda, where he recorded an impressive 7-block performance, showcasing his timing, mobility, and ability to protect the rim at a high level. Keita projects as an intriguing developmental piece next season at University of North Carolina, where he could eventually develop into one of the better rim protectors in the ACC.

Maksim Brnovic (6’10 PF | Zalgiris Kaunas | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 14.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 53/47/100 splits

Brnovic was one of my favorite players to watch at this tournament, operating as a jumbo playmaking hub and vocal leader on and off the court for Žalgiris Kaunas. Coming off a championship season last year, Žalgiris did not enjoy the same success this time around, dropping their first two games to FC Barcelona and the Adidas 3SSB Select Team. Despite the rough start, Brnovic consistently impressed as a modern forward prospect with tools that should eventually attract NBA attention.

A creative passer, reliable three-point shooter, and active perimeter defender, Brnovic looked extremely comfortable handling the ball in pick-and-roll situations, consistently creating opportunities for teammates in the paint. His athleticism is also somewhat underrated. His foot speed and fluidity are very impressive for his size, allowing him to cover ground quickly and explode above the rim with ease.

That athleticism was immediately on display against the 3SSB Select Team, where he opened the game by throwing down a poster dunk on the very first possession. Throughout the event, he showcased the versatility and feel that make him such an intriguing long-term prospect. Brnovic projects as a very smart target for college programs looking to add a skilled, versatile forward with developmental upside and strong long-term potential.

Messi Yangala (6’8 PF/C | INSEP PF | 2009-born)

Tournament stats: 14.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 STK, 51% FG, 100% FT

Yangala is one of the most polarizing prospects in his class to me, primarily because he is clearly a power forward who has recently been asked to play center for INSEP and will likely project as their starting five next season despite standing around 6’8. In a similar vein to Cameron Houindo, Yangala is an undersized big with great above-the-rim athleticism, a strong frame, and surprisingly creative ball skills for his size. There were multiple moments throughout the tournament where he brought the ball up the court himself, using his combination of strength, coordination, and feel to navigate traffic and create advantages for teammates. That level of comfort handling the ball adds an intriguing dimension to his profile and hints at offensive versatility that could become more important as he develops.

Although he has historically shown the ability to shoot from long range, that was not really his role at this event. Instead, he was primarily used as a lob target and play finisher around the basket, thriving off his athleticism and physicality in the paint.His development as one of the primary offensive options for this INSEP squad will be crucial to his long-term projection as a prospect. Ideally, future tournaments will feature more opportunities for him to showcase his perimeter shooting, as increased three-point volume could significantly elevate his overall upside.

Blaze Johnson (6’2 CG | 3SSB Next Gen | 2010-born)

Tournament stats: 12.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 31/27/75 splits

Blaze Johnson entered this event as one of the younger players on the Adidas 3SSB Select Team and left with the Rising Star Award after a tournament run that showcased significant long-term upside as a prospect in the class of 2028.

An athletic guard with good size and length, Blaze consistently finished through traffic, drew fouls, and played well above the rim throughout the event. He put together a strong scoring performance overall, finishing as the third-leading scorer on a loaded American roster. What made him especially intriguing to evaluate was his ability to contribute both on and off the ball. Even while operating alongside other high-usage creators, Johnson remained a consistent offensive distributor and flashed promising decision-making as both a secondary playmaker and slasher. His activity without the ball, combined with his downhill athleticism, gave the offense another dynamic element. Johnson was particularly dangerous in transition, where his speed, body control, and explosiveness consistently created easy scoring opportunities.

Long term, he looks like a player who could become one of the biggest risers in high school basketball over the next year, following in the footsteps of teammate Nasir Anderson as an electric playmaker with strong size and passing instincts.

Cameron Houindo (6’9 PF | Cedevita Olimpija | 2008-born)

Tournament stats: 21.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.3 STK, 34/10/66 splits

After a breakout performance at the Ulm qualifiers, where he helped win the event and upset tournament favorites KK Mega Basket, the 6’9 forward followed it up with another strong individual showing, even though his team went 0–3 and finished last at the Final Stage. The upside with Cameron Houindo is very clear. He possesses great size, impressive athleticism, and a strong feel for the game, all paired with a developing offensive arsenal that he has not always been able to fully showcase while playing small-ball five at the INSEP academy.

His offensive versatility is especially intriguing, particularly if he can continue developing into a reliable three-point shooter. Unfortunately, he struggled from deep during this stage of the tournament, finishing just 2-of-20 from three, a significant drop-off from the shooting improvements he displayed during the qualifiers. Despite the poor outside shooting numbers, Houindo still showed why scouts remain intrigued by his long-term projection. His face-up game, versatility in the mid-range, and defensive presence as a rim protector continue to stand out, making him a very compelling prospect for both college programs and NBA evaluators alike as a potential 2027 draft candidate.

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We’re slowly entering a golden age of international basketball, with global squads finally catching up in talent to the long-heralded youth powerhouse programs of the past decade. The last seven NBA MVP awards have gone to players born overseas, and international teams are now firmly in the mix for contention at tournaments like the Olympics and the World Cup. Because of that, the intrigue surrounding overseas youth prospects is rising at an incredible rate. This summer’s U17 FIBA World Cup will feature one of the most talented international cohorts we’ve seen in the last five years. There are multiple future NBA players in the mix, along with plenty of future college stars and professionals spread across all five continents. There’s genuine NBA buzz surrounding the 2009- and 2010-born groups outside of the United States, especially with the American class of 2027 looking relatively weaker to many scouts. With FIBA training camps officially getting underway, I felt inspired to start this series, building my ideal squads for the FIBA U17 World Cup based on the sheer amount of talent that could be on display. As a proud Canadian, I figured the best place to start would be by assembling what might be the strongest pool of youth talent outside the United States: Canada. Over the last few months, I’ve spent a ton of time analyzing the Canadian classes of 2028 and 2029, and I honestly believe this group has a real shot. There’s a legitimate chance this collection of Canadian talent could pull off an upset over the United States and bring home gold this summer.

Canada has officially announced the 44 players who will be partaking in the training camp selection, with notable standouts from across the country all present. Upon first glance, only three notable names are missing: Kingston Montague out of Arizona, Praise Badejo out of Ontario, and Canadian legacy and U16 member Jordan Fisher. Otherwise, the pool is packed with high-level high school standouts from across Canada and the United States. After training camp, there will be a televised scrimmage and a potential first look at who makes the cut for the World Cup squad. These are the twelve players that I’d personally pick to have on the squad, alongside a few honorable mentions I’d have in consideration to make the cut:

PG: Kenyon St Louis - WSCA (USA)

SG: Liam Mitakaro - Bella Vista (USA)

SF: Isaiah Hamilton - Crestwood (CAN)

PF: Isaiah Clarke - Crestwood (CAN)

C: Jeremy Gohier - Nobel Elite (CAN)

PG: Jaylen Sheppard - Crestwood (CAN)

SG: Kingston Thomas - East Lansing (USA)

SF: Kaleb Banfied - Brampton City (CAN)

PF: Tristan Edwards - Huntington Prep (USA)

C: Grady Kapuanya - IX International Academy (USA)

G: Mateo Moise - Royal Crown (CAN)

F: Noah D’Acre - Orangeville Prep (CAN)

Here’s a quick scouting report on who these 12 players are, as well as why they’re in my top 12 for this event

Roster Construction

1. Guards:

Kenyon St. Louis (6’2 G | WSCA | 2009-born)

Kenyon broke out on the global scene last summer after a strong showing for Team Canada at the U16 level, building on an already productive career in the Canadian high school circuit. His game has translated very well in his first year playing in the U.S., where he’s competing for Winston-Salem Christian in the Grind Session and averaging 18.6 PPG, 6.7 APG, and 5.8 RPG. He’s a shifty guard who can play both on and off the ball and will likely once again serve as the second scoring option on this squad behind Isaiah Hamilton. A complete offensive weapon, he should split lead ball-handling duties with Liam Mitakaro in the backcourt. He’s generated significant buzz among scouts this year and is expected to be the third-highest-rated Canadian player in the next 2028 class update across major recruiting services, recently earning offers from UNLV, Wake Forest, UCF, Florida State, and Mississippi State.

He was recently ranked as the ninth-best point guard in Rivals’ latest recruiting update, which is arguably too low considering his production in his first year playing high-level competition. His floater is automatic, and his scoring profile is immediately recognizable as a threat for opposing defenses. I’m very excited to see how he can flourish offensively with even more firepower around him. KSL has a strong following on the grassroots circuit, and another impressive summer could help solidify his standing among the top tier of the 2028 recruiting class.

Liam Mitakaro (6’4 G | Bella Vista | 2009-born)

Playing for Bella Vista this season, Mitakaro has continued to show tremendous flashes as a guard prospect with great size and feel, both as a scorer and a future primary ball handler. This year, he’s been developing while playing behind the best pure point guard in the nation and fellow Canadian, Miles Sadler. While he didn’t have the most efficient showing at the FIBA U16 level—averaging 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on 31/26/60 splits—what stood out most was the fluidity in his movement and his decision-making, even while adjusting to the level of competition. He has a very intriguing frame for a freshman guard, with long arms, good height, and plenty of room to fill out physically in the coming years. He projects as a versatile option, capable of handling both primary and secondary ball-handling responsibilities alongside Kenyon St. Louis, forming one of the most intriguing guard tandems in the tournament.

While still somewhat raw, there’s a lot to like with Mitakaro. He received a four-star rating in 247Sports’ latest 2028 class update, ranking as the No. 29 player in the class and the third-best player in Arizona. He currently holds offers from Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, California, San Francisco, West Virginia, and others.

Jaylen Sheppard (6’3 CG | Crestwood Prep | 2010-born)

Sheppard has been one of the most complete players in the Canadian youth circuit this year, averaging around 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for Crestwood’s junior team. A standout athlete with great vision, he is emerging as an exciting guard prospect to monitor in what appears to be a very strong 2010-born cohort in Canada. Likely still growing, he has the “it” factor at the guard position, combining advanced feel for the game with strong coordination, flexibility, and high-level finishing both above and below the rim. What separates Sheppard from many others in this training camp is his comfort pulling up from long range, especially considering he’s one of the younger players in this group.

Mateo Moise (6’2 CG | Royal Crown | 2010-born)

One of the top pure bucket-getters in Canada, Moise has generated significant buzz as a potential top guard prospect in the 2029 class, even gaining attention in the U.S. He recently put together an outstanding season for Royal Crown’s junior team, highlighted by a 47-point performance against FHC earlier in the year and a 32-point outing in the D-League finals, where he earned Finals MVP honors.

He plays with a very advanced pace for his age, using polished guard skills to dominate within his age group. While he may not possess the same level of explosiveness as Praise Badejo, he has a real chance to be a high-impact scoring spark off the bench given his proven ability to generate offense. With underrated athleticism and intriguing potential as an outside shooter, he could be a perfect addition to a Team Canada squad that struggled with scoring droughts when Isaiah Hamilton was off the floor during the U16s. He currently holds offers from TCU, Florida State, and Cal State Bakersfield.

2. Wings:

Isaiah Hamilton (6’6 W | Crestwood | 2009-born)

Isaiah Hamilton burst onto the scene last year with his elite athleticism and incredible production at just 15 years old. Since then, he has developed into a marquee blue-chip prospect out of Canada, delivering an MVP-level performance at the AmeriCup before injury and earning a No. 2 ranking in the 2028 class along with five-star status. He has put up massive numbers this season in the OSBA, averaging 21.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and nearly 4 stocks per game for a very talented Crestwood team. Considered the top prospect out of Canada, regardless of class, Hamilton possesses generational bounce and athleticism, paired with elite scoring instincts in transition and off the dribble. His vertical explosiveness and physicality are remarkable for his age, allowing him to make game-breaking plays on both ends of the floor while still adapting within his team’s structure and taking over when needed. His ability to cover ground with long strides, combined with his length and physical tools, makes him dominant in transition, and his chemistry with Crestwood teammate and Team Canada U16 forward Isaiah Clarke further elevates his projected impact this summer. Defensively, he has active hands and the potential to once again be a “stocks” monster in FIBA play, using anticipation and physicality to create turnovers and convert them into easy baskets above the rim.

His biggest weakness is his three-point shot, which has been inconsistent this season, though he has shown strong flashes of improvement, shooting extremely well at the U16 AmeriCup and looking sharp in shooting drills at Curry Camp this summer. Hamilton has all the tools to become an NBA player, and another dominant performance in group play could solidify his case as the top prospect in the 2028 class. It will be especially exciting to see him match up against two other top international wings in his age group, Nikola Kusturica out of Serbia and Nathan Soliman out of France. How he performs in those matchups will be key in evaluating his current level as an international prospect, particularly with a potential move to the U.S. on the horizon next year.

Kaleb Banfield (6’5 W | Brampton City Prep | 2010-born)

There hasn’t been a bigger riser in Canada this season than Brampton City Prep’s Kaleb Banfield. Over the past few months, the 2010-born wing has firmly put himself on the map, showcasing what could be the second-highest upside among Canadian prospects, behind Isaiah Hamilton. Over his last seven games, Banfield has dominated the junior circuit, averaging 31.4 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 4.4 APG while shooting the three at an elite level against top programs and competition in his age group. Known primarily as a shooter, his growth in size and athleticism has elevated his game, allowing him to project as a dynamic two-way player with a versatile scoring package. At 6’5”, with potential for further growth, he has intriguing physical tools and a frame that can still be developed.

At BCP, he’s often played as a combo guard, but within the context of this Canadian team, he’ll likely slot in as a wing who can space the floor, defend, and take on tertiary ball-handling duties. He’s a player Canada should prioritize integrating into the system, as he could become a key piece by the U18 cycle for the 2010 cohort.

Noah D’Acre (6’5 G/W | Orangeville Prep)

D’Acre has long been on the radar within the Canadian circuit as one of the top shooters in his age group. Playing for Orangeville Prep, he has delivered multiple 20+ point performances and averaged 18 PPG at the Advance Global Cup in Málaga, earning All-Tournament Second Team honors. While he wasn’t at his best in last year’s FIBA context with Canada’s silver medal team, he brings significant value as an improved floor spacer on the wing. He’s capable of both spotting up and creating his own shot when needed. An ideal plug-and-play option, D’Acre has added strength since last year and projects as a valuable contributor off the bench for this squad. His potential impact as a multi level scorer and newfound confidence as top scorer for Orangeville Prep can provide to be valuable in the Canadian prospect dugout in the long run, especially with his size and athletic profile helping him slot on the wing for this squad.

He currently holds one official offer from Ohio.

Kingston Thomas (6’5 W | East Lansing | 2009-born)

A newcomer to the Canadian scene, Kingston Thomas has recently broken out in the U.S. while playing for East Lansing in Michigan. He’s ranked as the No. 1 player in Michigan for the class of 2027 and holds offers from Michigan State, Toledo, and Bowling Green. Thomas has a real opportunity to emerge on the national stage with a strong showing if he makes the final 12-man roster. He projects as a valuable connector piece for this team, blending high-level athleticism with strong playmaking instincts and versatile scoring ability against quality competition. A smart and physical player, he excels at finishing through contact, using his strength and craft around the rim, while also contributing through hustle plays and defensive effort.

Son of former Michigan State coach Dave Thomas, he has a smart approach to his game, doing a lot of the little things with the upside to be a top scoring option on this award because of his versatility as a scorer and physical profile as a strong and athletic wing with the ability to get to the paint with ease and finish above and below the rim. His versatility and upside will be an interesting evaluation amongst a potential golden generation for Canada.

3. Forwards / Big men

Isaiah Clarke (6’7 F | Crestwood | 2009-born)

Every team needs a player who brings strong intangibles, someone willing to dive for loose balls, draw charges, defend at a high level, and consistently contribute on offense. That player is Isaiah Clarke. A strong, physical forward, Clarke has had a productive season alongside Isaiah Hamilton at Crestwood. In 16 OSBA games tracked by Synergy, he is averaging 17.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, along with 2 assists and 2 steals per contest.

As somewhat of anb undersized big, he has been highly efficient around the basket, finishing both above and below the rim while also drawing fouls and shooting nearly 80% from the free-throw line. He’s a force in the paint, and his verticality and athleticism have become major assets over the past year, particularly as a lob finisher. Defensively, Clarke is physical and switchable, using his frame and mobility to guard both forwards and centers. His versatility, combined with his chemistry with Hamilton, could make him an ideal fit in the starting five for the World Cup this summer. His potential improvements from 3-point range could be pivotal in him potentially becoming the fourth Canadian player to be ranked in the class of 2028 in the next few updates, potentially after a strong medal run for this squad.

Jeremy Gohier (7’6o C | Nobel Elite | 2010-born)

Gohier is one of the most viral prospects in this group, initially gaining attention last year due to his staggering height at just 14 years old. Now 15, he is widely considered the tallest teenager in the world and is already taller than Victor Wembanyama. What makes him especially intriguing isn’t just his reported 7’6 listing by FIBA last year, but the surprising fluidity and mobility he possesses at his size and age.

He has already begun experimenting with perimeter shooting, showing flashes of hitting three-pointers both off the catch and off the dribble. While this isn’t yet a consistent part of his game, it hints at his long-term upside as we look ahead to the 2030 class. His conditioning has improved over the past year, though he still isn’t able to sustain long stretches due to stamina and mobility limitations. Canada will likely manage his development carefully as he continues to adjust to higher levels of competition.

This event will mark the toughest competition he has faced so far, going up against players with professional or high-level U18 experience, a significant jump from the local circuit in Laval, Quebec. Another notable development is his recent reported connection with the agency Comsport, which also represents Victor Wembanyama. This could be a major factor in his long-term development, particularly if he benefits from a similar training and conditioning structure. Gohier remains a long-term project, but his NBA upside and rare physical tools make him one of the most tantalizing prospects in Canada.

Tristan Edwards (6’8 F/C | Huntington Prep | 2009-born)

Edwards has been one of the biggest breakout prospects on the Canadian scene this year. He first made noise early in the season during his initial stint in the U.S. with Wilson Academy in Georgia. After a dominant run in the Grind Session’s Elevation Conference, where he averaged over 20 points per game, he transferred to Huntington Prep, where he has continued to impress in a more limited role as a freshman, earning a spot on the Grind Session’s All-Underclassman team.

He offers a compelling mix of size and fluidity, paired with strong defensive instincts. While still relatively raw, he presents an intriguing long-term prospect. What has stood out most during his recent stretch is his defensive feel, combined with elite vertical athleticism, making him a unique defensive piece for a more offensively oriented Team Canada squad at the U17 World Cup. Over his first season with Huntington Prep, he made some great plays above the rim as well as timely stops as a shot blocker on the defensive end. There’s still much to be uncovered with his skillset and his upside could have him end up as one of the higher ranked prospects in this group when it’s all said and done.

His size allows for positional versatility; he can play as a small-ball big while also handling the ball and defending wings. With many of the top prospects in this tournament being wing-oriented players, having a flexible, “Swiss Army knife” defender like Edwards could be a valuable addition to this roster.

Grady Kapuanya (6’9 F/C | X International Academy | 2009-born)

Grady Kapuanya was an intriguing member of last year’s silver medal squad, logging solid minutes and showcasing flashes of upside. Despite averaging just 5.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 1.5 APG, he demonstrated encouraging versatility as a big who can impact the game in multiple ways. He has a strong feel for the game and plays with control, rarely turning the ball over. Defensively, he was effective, using his size and length intelligently while consistently making smart, team-oriented plays.

He remains somewhat of a wild card for this roster, but his size, strength, and physicality could make him an important piece of the frontcourt. His athleticism at the four position gives him the ability to anchor the interior, providing toughness and presence in the paint. Perhaps his most intriguing traits are his fluidity and mobility, combined with ambidexterity, a strong frame, and a long wingspan. While still unpolished, his raw upside is evident, and he has the potential to rise in national rankings over time. He also shows promising shooting mechanics, suggesting he could develop into a reliable perimeter threat as his game continues to evolve.

Honorable mentions:

Mikhail Francis (6’6 W/F | Edge Prep | 2010-born)

Francis broke onto the scene last summer at the Canadian U15 Provincials, where he represented Team Alberta and helped lead them to a bronze medal with standout performances across the board. Born in 2010 and already standing 6’6, what separates him from others in his class is his elite athleticism and effectiveness as a slasher and above-the-rim finisher. He has excellent physical tools for a wing: quick twitch, long arms, and explosive burst, which allow him to get to the rim with ease, even while playing up three years for Edge Prep in the NPH.

He has also shown encouraging development as a perimeter shooter, highlighted by a 4-for-6 performance from three in a win over BC, where he finished with 30 points and 9 rebounds. While still one of the younger players and competing a year up in this tournament, Francis is one of the most physically intriguing prospects available for Team Canada. He could also be a valuable long-term piece for the program, particularly as the U18 cycle approaches in the coming years.

Ezekiel Ifejeh (6’6 F | Iowa United | 2009-born)

A big, physical, bruising forward currently playing for Lu Dort Elite, Ifejeh brings toughness and presence to the frontcourt. Built like a linebacker, he combines strong athleticism with intriguing on-ball offensive ability, allowing him to attack downhill and play through contact.

He projects as a potential enforcer for this roster, capable of complementing the team’s bigger frontcourt pieces while matching up physically with some of the more developed forwards from Europe and the U.S. His strength, motor, and defensive mindset could make him a valuable contributor in high-intensity matchups.

Zane Zilliax (6’8 F | Seattle Academy | 2009-born)

Personally didn’t know much about Zane before the training camp announcement, but everything I’ve seen since has been very impressive so far. Bouncy forward with great size and the 3-point shooting skills to get hot and take over games, he could end up as a pivotal addition to this squad, with the athletic and defensive tools to hang around with the top dogs in this event. Fun slasher and shot blocker, who currently plays in the United States and has been identified on circuits like Made Hoops and 3SSB.

K’Vontae Walters (6’1 G | Crestwood Prep | 2010-born)

The fourth prospect off Crestwood Prep’s teams to make this list, he has some strong ties within Canada, being the younger brother of Royal Crown standout Kymani Walters, who is also in the training camp for Canada’s U18 team. Shifty guard with advanced ball skills, he could end up being a fun name to watch out for amongst the younger guys in this crop.

If you made it to the end, I appreciate the support on the content! Follow @nbadrafpoint on X and Instagram for analysis, rankings and consistent content on the top prospects overseas!

It’s officially busy season for international scouts, with one of the biggest and most exciting tournaments in Europe, the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague, finally kicking off. This tournament brings together the top international U18 prospects from across Europe to compete in a multi-leg event spanning five countries over the next four months. Many European NBA players have competed in this event, from Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama to more recent names like Hugo González and Kasparas Jakučionis.

The third qualifying event just wrapped up in Bologna, Italy, where Virtus Bologna hosted arguably the most talented international event of the year. The level of talent in this qualifier will likely rival the final when it’s all said and done, highlighted by the inclusion of two of the most loaded squads in Europe: FC Barcelona and Baskonia. Also participating were Paris Basket, Virtus Bologna, Trento, Bayern Munich, Panathinaikos, and the Next Generation Select Team. Heading into the event, scouts were intrigued by the sheer amount of talent on display, including multiple top-three prospects from the international classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and even 2029. I had the opportunity to scout the event live, and it did not disappoint.

This event was headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between FC Barcelona and Baskonia, two of the premier youth powerhouses in Europe this year. Barcelona has assembled what might be the most talented collection of individuals on any youth team, featuring one of the deepest and most dominant frontcourts we’ve seen. Baskonia, on the other hand, has organically built and developed a group of relatively unknown prospects into a powerhouse squad, with six players earning national team consideration and two now widely viewed as top-three prospects in Europe’s 2008-born generation. Here’s a list of 12 players that stood out for me watching the qualifier live, as well as 8 quick hits on prospects I found interesting to monitor in the long term.

Top Performers:

Stefan Joksimovic (6’7” G/W | 2008-born | Saski Baskonia)

Joksimovic is widely regarded as the top international prospect for the 2027 NBA Draft. He made his debut for the Slovenian national team this year while also earning spot minutes with Baskonia in the ACB, in addition to headlining their B team in Spain’s third division. In the Tercera FEB, he has averaged 21.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 44% from three in 25 minutes per game over 12 games. In his first Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague appearance, he averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and nearly 3 stocks per game, often looking like an NBA player among children whenever he shifted into a second gear. His performance against the Next Generation Select Team was one of the most impressive I’ve seen live: 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists on 7-of-12 shooting from three. He hit clutch shot after clutch shot, leading Baskonia back from a 20-point first-half deficit to secure a spot in the championship game.

At first glance, what separates him most is his athleticism. At 6’7”, Joksimovic is an explosive vertical athlete, but even more impressive is his ability to consistently beat defenders off the dribble and get downhill. He combines that burst with long strides and elite body control to finish at the rim. Although his shooting percentages may not always jump off the stat sheet, Joksimovic is a legitimate knockdown three-point shooter. His release is slightly slow, but his ability to create space off the dribble is unique. He consistently made difficult, NBA-range jumpers and looked comfortable scoring at all three levels. That slower release did work against him in the final against Barcelona, where defenders gave him little space and forced him to pass out of shots when he couldn’t get them off in time, particularly in the mid-range. Despite a quieter performance in the final, he firmly established himself as one of the top prospects at the event. He showed advanced professional traits for his age, took control when his team needed him most, and delivered in high-pressure moments. His scoring instincts and ability to get to the rim are a testament to both his development and his trajectory as a high-level prospect at a young age.

Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje (6’11” F/C | 2009-born | FC Barcelona)

Covering JBB over the past few years has been an absolute blast, especially considering how quickly he has developed into one of the top prospects in Europe regardless of age. His staggering height, which was arguably even more impressive in person, combined with a unique offensive skill set, already places him firmly in the conversation as a potential top-five prospect for the 2028 NBA Draft, even this early in his development. Watching him live, the first thing that stood out was his physical profile. He has a powerful frame, with limbs built like tree trunks and a body that looks capable of adding significant NBA-level strength over the next few years. Standing at a true 6’11”, his most intriguing skill may be his three-point shooting. He has knocked down 38% of his threes while playing up five years in Spain’s U22 league, which is an impressive indicator of both confidence and translatable shooting touch.

In this tournament, the three-ball was not falling at the level you might expect, but his physical dominance more than made up for it. He averaged 18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, earning MVP honors while leading Barcelona to an undefeated run in the qualifiers. It is rare to find a European prospect with this blend of size, athleticism, coordination, and skill, paired with such a polished offensive arsenal at his age. His fluidity as a ball handler at his size was particularly impressive. He consistently used his mobility to create mismatches against opposing bigs, and his turnaround jumper was automatic throughout the tournament. His ability to operate as a jump shooter from multiple spots on the floor allowed him to generate quality looks with ease. Defensively, he remains somewhat of a work in progress. He currently benefits from playing in what is arguably one of the strongest defensive environments in European youth basketball, with Barcelona consistently surrounding him with multiple capable defenders and frequently deploying double-big lineups that help cover for occasional lapses. That said, his size and strength alone make him a clear positive on this end at this level. However, his relatively low stocks, for a player of his size is something to monitor moving forward, particularly as evaluators project his long-term defensive impact. Joaquim has the tools to develop into an elite power forward prospect, and his ceiling is still largely untapped. The next few years will be critical for his development, especially if he finds himself in a different context where he is asked to shoulder more defensive responsibility. Regardless, he remains one of the most exciting long-term prospects in Europe, and his progression will be fascinating to track.

Mohamed Dabone (6’10” F/C | 2011-born | FC Barcelona)

Widely regarded as the top prospect in Europe regardless of age, and one of the top young prospects in the world, the Mohamed Dabone experience lived up to expectations at this event. The 6’10”, 14-year-old athletic phenom delivered highlight plays in every game, constantly making you wonder what he will look like by the time he becomes draft-eligible. In his third year playing in this U18 tournament, he more than held his own, averaging 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, along with just under 3 stocks, while competing four years up.

Dabone is a spectacle to watch live. His vertical explosiveness and body control in the air look unreal, especially considering his age. His hang time stands out immediately, and his ability to alter shots on defense is already highly impactful. Despite these elite physical tools, he remains raw offensively, which becomes more apparent against high-level competition. His success rate on non-dunk attempts is still relatively low, and his three-point shot was not a factor in this tournament. One of the most encouraging takeaways from seeing him live was his composure and maturity. Over the past year, he has made significant progress in understanding the game, making reads, and communicating on the court. He showed flashes of good decision-making in transition and looked comfortable operating in two-big lineups. Dabone is far from a finished product, but each viewing reveals noticeable improvement. His combination of physical tools and developmental trajectory has captivated scouts, often drawing comparisons to a young Giannis. With several years of development still ahead of him, he has the potential to put together an all-time youth career in Europe.

Livio Berlingeri (6’5” SG | 2008-born | Virtus Bologna)

Livio Berlingeri was easily the biggest breakout performer of the event, delivering the best stretch of his youth career in his first opportunity with significant usage. He averaged 22.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 40% from three across four games. It was impressive to watch him step out of his shell and put together high-level performances in front of more than 30 NBA scouts, as well as the full staff of the Italian national team.

For context, Berlingeri has long been on my radar as a player with intriguing tools for his position and a strong feel for doing the little things. Prior to this event, he typically operated as a fourth or fifth option, averaging just under 10 points per game on solid efficiency in the Italian U19 league. He immediately turned heads by opening the tournament with 35 points, knocking down 7 of 12 from three, and nearly leading Virtus to an upset over a stacked Next Generation Select Team. Following that performance, his confidence clearly grew, as he went on to score 18 points in each of his next three games. What stood out most during this run was his composure. Despite taking on a much larger offensive role, he remained poised and controlled, never forcing the issue or looking overwhelmed by the moment. At 6’5”, he offers intriguing long-term upside, particularly if he continues to add strength to his frame over the next few years. He profiles as a dynamic shooter and shotmaker, capable of scoring both off the catch and off the dribble. He also shows strong decision-making, understanding when to defer if his shot is not falling, and consistently making smart reads and rotations off the ball. Following this breakout, Berlingeri earned his first call-up to Italy’s U18 team for the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. It will be very interesting to track how his game translates in that setting and how his role evolves moving forward.

Nikola Kusturica (6’8” G/F | 2009-born | FC Barcelona)

After winning U16 EuroBasket MVP this past summer, Kusturica has carried that momentum into a strong season across Barcelona’s U22, U18, and senior teams. He capped off his play with a selection to the tournament’s All-Star Five following an impressive two-way performance in Bologna.

Over the course of the weekend, he averaged 17.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 stocks per game, helping Barcelona win the tournament as the team’s second-leading scorer. At 6’8” with an impressive wingspan, his length stood out immediately in person. He consistently used his physical tools to finish above the rim and create deflections on the defensive end. Kusturica is a highly skilled player with a strong feel for the game at a young age. He made several advanced reads and delivered high-level passes from the wing, leveraging his size, flexibility, and footwork to exploit mismatches and finish through traffic. His athleticism and intensity consistently show up, especially when attacking the rim, where he finishes efficiently and creates opportunities both for himself and others. The main factor currently limiting his case as the top international player in the 2009-born class is his shooting. His jumper has been inconsistent, particularly from three-point range. During the tournament, he shot 23% from deep on roughly five attempts per game, with somewhat inconsistent mechanics despite generally solid shot selection. If he can improve his shooting consistency, he has a legitimate chance to emerge as a top contender for the number one pick in the 2028 NBA Draft.

Mate Khatiashvili (6’3” CG | 2008-born | Saski Baskonia)

Mate Khatiashvili was one of the most entertaining players to watch over the course of the weekend, showcasing his creativity as a ball handler and his value as a secondary scorer during Baskonia’s run to the final. To me, he was clearly one of the highest-IQ players at the event, consistently making advanced reads as both a primary handler and playmaker. His stop-and-go, herky-jerky handle was as effective as it was entertaining, allowing him to shift speeds and navigate defenses with ease. He moved fluidly from one spot on the floor to another, stringing together smart decisions possession after possession. He plays with immense confidence and has the ability to take on a larger offensive role when needed, though he is best suited as a tertiary scoring option and lead facilitator. Across the qualifiers, he averaged 13.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, though on inefficient shooting splits, converting just 33.3% from two and 17.6% from three.

From a scoring standpoint, this was not his most efficient showing. At times, his confidence led to forced or overly ambitious shot attempts, and his current physical frame is not yet strong enough to consistently absorb contact and finish at the rim. There were also moments where he made reads that were slightly ahead of his teammates, disrupting the timing and execution. Despite the struggles in this event, he has shown in other settings that he can be an efficient scorer, making this performance feel more like an outlier than a long-term concern. Earlier in the season at the Hospitalet Tournament, he was outstanding, averaging 18 points per game on 46/39/76 shooting splits and leading Baskonia to a win over the same Barcelona team they faced here. Baskonia was unable to replicate that result this time, falling by 30 points in the final. Still, Khatiashvili’s feel for the game, creativity, and playmaking instincts remain highly intriguing. He projects as a strong long-term prospect, with the potential to develop into a high-level college player in the coming years. It will be interesting to track how his physical development and scoring efficiency evolve moving forward.

Chieckh Niang (6’6” G/W | 2008-born | Aquila Trento)

Niang had a very mixed showing in Bologna, appearing in only two games but delivering very similar performances in each. Simply put, he displayed exactly what makes him such an intriguing prospect while also highlighting some of his most significant weaknesses. Niang may have the best first step of any prospect in Europe. That burst, combined with his elite athleticism and natural defensive instincts, makes him a constant threat on both ends of the floor. His frame is still developing, but it provides an ideal foundation to eventually become an NBA-level athlete. He can get downhill with ease, often needing just a couple of dribbles to elevate and finish above the rim, while his vertical explosiveness translates defensively as well.

Despite averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block per game, the primary concerns with Niang, which have also been evident during his first professional season with Trento, revolve around his shooting and decision-making as a scorer. Despite the small sample size, he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 10-of-43 from the field over the weekend. His shooting mechanics are not fundamentally broken, but the game often appears to be moving too quickly for him at this stage. If he can learn to slow the game down, improve his shot selection, and develop consistency from beyond the arc, his ceiling becomes extremely high. The combination of athletic tools, defensive anticipation, and flashes of playmaking is very encouraging. His ball security also looked improved compared to earlier in the season. As the game continues to simplify for him, Niang has the potential to develop into an elite prospect for the 2027 NBA Draft, given that his physical tools are among the most impressive in Europe.

Juom Maker Bol (6’11” PF | 2008-born | Saski Baskonia)

Juom Maker Bol is another highly regarded prospect in the 2008-born international cohort, widely viewed as a top-five player in his age group by many scouts. His fluidity and control at nearly seven feet, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, make him an ideal long-term NBA prospect. At 6’11” with a very slender frame, he uses his body control and coordination to glide to the rim and create space off the dribble. During the tournament, he averaged 17.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, while shooting 7-of-15 from three across four games. His ability to create his own shot, both off the catch and off the dribble, is a major part of his appeal. He also showed comfort operating in the midrange, protecting the rim defensively, and using his size and length to generate mismatches on both ends of the floor.

The biggest challenge in evaluating him centers on his frame and his current aversion to contact, particularly for a player with his size. Bol projects more as a power forward at this stage, consistently playing alongside another big and relying on his size and skill to exploit mismatches against opposing fours. This becomes more noticeable when looking at his ability to draw fouls. Over the four-game stretch, he attempted just six free throws, converting only one. In Spain’s fourth division, he typically gets to the line around four times per game and has been significantly more efficient, suggesting this tournament may have been an outlier. Still, it raises valid questions about how his frame will hold up and how effectively he will generate contact at higher levels. Outside of that concern, he was highly efficient, posted some of the best PIR numbers in the tournament, and consistently impacted the game as a shot blocker, rebounder, scorer, and floor spacer. His combination of size, skill, and versatility is rare, and it will be very interesting to see how that profile translates if he makes the move to college basketball next year.

Ricards Aizpurs (6’4” SG | 2008-born | Next Generation Select Team)

Ricards Aizpurs’ weekend went largely as expected, showing strong flashes of his talent while also highlighting some of the key concerns in his current development. He possesses a college-ready frame at 6’4”, with broad shoulders, a muscular build, strong lower body, and solid straight-line athleticism. Currently playing for Stella Azzurra in Italy, he is averaging 27.5 points per game at the U19 level. At the same time, he competes with the Star Alliance, an Italian select team in the Grind Session, where he faces some of the top high school talent in the United States. His game reflects that dual exposure, as he plays a more “American” brand of basketball, particularly for a European prospect. Aizpurs is a confident multi-level scorer who understands when to look for his shot and is comfortable taking and making difficult attempts.

In this setting, especially within an all-star environment where he was not the focal point of the offense, his performance was more inconsistent. He often leaned toward shot creation, at times forcing attempts, and primarily operated as a below-the-rim finisher despite his strong physical profile. Over the course of the event, he averaged 17.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting an efficient 70% from two-point range but just 18% from three. Similar to Joksimovic, he stood out athletically compared to much of the competition, not necessarily through vertical explosiveness, but through his ability to get downhill, absorb contact, and finish effectively at the rim. He did a strong job using his strength and burst to create advantages, particularly in transition, where his ball-handling ability also stood out. However, his shot selection on the perimeter was inconsistent, with many possessions ending in three-point attempts despite his struggles from beyond the arc during the tournament. Overall, this was not his most efficient or complete showing, but he still produced solid numbers and demonstrated traits that suggest he could contribute at the NCAA level relatively quickly, whether that transition comes this year or next.

Mansour Bayo ( 6’8” C | 2009-born | Aquila Trento)

Outside of Livio Berlingeri, Mansour Bayo was another pleasant surprise from the weekend, producing immediately for Trento and earning a spot on the All-Star Five in his first exposure to high-level European youth basketball. In doing some preliminary research ahead of the tournament, Bayo was a name that stood out. He is in his first season with Trento and has reportedly added over 40 pounds since arriving at the club at the beginning of the year. Italy has a strong track record of developing African prospects in its youth system, often showcasing players who dominate at the youth level through physicality and athleticism.

What made Bayo particularly intriguing, however, was his level of skill this early in his basketball journey. He showed a polished offensive package in the post, including a reliable turnaround jumper that he went to multiple times throughout the weekend. His fluidity with the ball in transition was especially impressive, as he demonstrated the ability to handle in space and string together advanced moves for a player at his size and experience level. Over the course of the tournament, he averaged 13.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 stocks per game, while shooting 55% from two and 67% from the free-throw line. Defensively, he was one of the more physical bigs at the event, using his length, anticipation, and strength to consistently impact plays. When you combine his mobility, developing skill set, and relative inexperience at this level, Bayo clearly stands out as a name to monitor closely over the next year. Although he went 0-for-5 from three during the event, his shooting mechanics look promising, suggesting potential for long-term development as a floor spacer.

Simone Ventura (6’5” W | 2009-born | Virtus Bologna)

Simone Ventura was a highly touted name among local scouts in Italy, and he quietly delivered one of the most productive scoring performances of the event. Over four games, he averaged 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. At 6’5”, and reportedly still growing, Ventura took advantage of nearly every opportunity he had on the floor. He projects as a two-way wing with strong defensive instincts and real long-term upside within the 2009-born generation. On loan from Cantù, he thrived as a slasher, consistently creating his own offense at the rim and using his length and athleticism to finish above it.

Widely regarded as one of the top 2009-born prospects in Italy, he has a clear developmental pathway, especially if his perimeter shooting continues to improve. He connected on just 16% from three during the event, but there are encouraging indicators. He went 13-of-15 from the free-throw line and showed comfort operating in the mid-range, suggesting potential for growth as a shooter over time. At this stage, he profiles as an elite glue-type wing who can also take over stretches offensively. He had a tendency to quietly accumulate points, often finishing with close to 20 without drawing much attention until the final box score. Overall, his length, active hands, defensive versatility, and scoring upside make him one of the more intriguing prospects from the event. He is definitely a name to monitor heading into the U17 World Cup this summer.

Melvyn Vounang (6’5” F/C | 2009-born | Paris Basket)

Vounang put together a solid weekend for Paris Basket at ANGT Bologna, averaging 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 48% from two and 50% from three, albeit on low volume. Historically, I have not been particularly high on Vounang, largely due to the fact that he has been deployed as a center for Paris despite standing at just 6’5”. However, seeing him live provided more context and shifted that perspective to some extent. His physically developed frame and improved shooting touch suggest there may be a pathway for him to transition toward a wing role long term, particularly within the French national team setup.

Physically, Vounang is extremely imposing. He is built like a linebacker, with massive calves, a broad frame, and strong athleticism. This allows him to overpower smaller players while also holding his ground against bigger opponents. During this event, Paris was without its only true seven-footer, forcing Vounang into difficult matchups against significantly taller bigs such as Bayo, Dueck, and Dabone, all of whom had a clear size advantage. The swing skill for his long-term projection, especially outside of the French system, will be his jump shot. There were encouraging signs in this tournament, both in-game and during warmups, that point toward potential growth as a perimeter threat.

Quick hits:

Pedro Souza (6’4” G | 2008-born | Baskonia)

Souza was another key piece of Baskonia’s long-term core, looking like one of the more physically ready players to potentially translate to the college level as early as next year. A 6’5” combo guard with a powerful build, broad shoulders, and a strong frame, he stood out with his unique pace and physicality. Fresh off winning MVP at the U17 South American Cup a few months ago, he carried that momentum into this event as an impactful sixth man for a finals team. He was effective as a ball handler, showing the ability to string together advanced dribble combinations and make the right reads as a facilitator. While his production did not fully pop on the stat sheet, his presence and control were noticeable, and he remains a name to follow closely heading into U18 AmeriCup play this summer.

Louka Milanese (6’6” CG | 2008-born | Next Generation Select Team)

Milanese was a player I was particularly interested in evaluating, given his profile as a big guard with playmaking ability. Currently playing for JL Bourg’s U21 team, he has put together a solid season while continuing to flash intrigue as an oversized guard whose game aligns well with modern NBA trends. In this event, he operated as a connective piece who could both hunt his own shot and create for others, showing good feel and decision-making. Although his numbers were not eye-catching, the flashes he displayed were promising, especially considering his ability to impact the game without needing high usage. His combination of size, skill, and scoring polish makes him a legitimate candidate for France’s U18 team this summer.

Diego Niebla (6’8” F | 2008-born | Next Generation Select Team)

Niebla, another highly regarded prospect, made his ANGT debut with the Next Generation Select Team and put together a solid showing. He averaged 9.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 52% from the field, 60% from three, and 78% from the free-throw line across four games. He improved as the tournament progressed, showing increased confidence, better shot selection, and more consistent decision-making. Niebla has long been a player whose talent is evident, even if his role has not always allowed for big statistical production. His development will be worth monitoring this summer, particularly as he is expected to take on a larger role with Spain’s U18 team. With his size, instincts, and shot-making ability, he remains a very intriguing prospect.

Killian Dueck (7’0” C | 2008-born | Bayern Munich)

Dueck immediately stood out on the opening day of the tournament due to his size and physical presence. A true seven-footer, he possesses one of the most developed frames at the event, with impressive strength and musculature that could allow him to contribute at the college level relatively quickly. Despite his size, his mobility was better than expected, and he showed solid touch around the rim. While Bayern Munich struggled overall, Dueck consistently made his presence felt in the paint, averaging just under 10 points and 10 rebounds per game on 61% shooting in roughly 20 minutes per game. His game is fairly traditional, focusing on interior scoring, rebounding, and physical play, but he executes those responsibilities effectively. Combined with his physical tools, he projects as a solid developmental big moving forward.

Enilce Mabaka (6’2” CG | 2010-born | Paris Basket)

Mabaka was one of the more surprising standouts of the event, emerging as an intriguing long-term prospect despite being one of the youngest players in the tournament. Born in December 2010, he showed a level of composure and control that stood out well beyond his years. He averaged 7.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18 minutes per game for Paris, contributing in a limited but meaningful role. Offensively, he remains raw and is still likely awaiting further physical development, including a potential growth spurt, but the foundation is promising. His poise, feel for the game, and flashes of skill suggest he could become a key developmental priority for Paris moving forward and one of the more interesting long-term bets from this event.

Chiek Diallo (6’8” C | 2008-born | Saski Baskonia)q

While somewhat undersized for a center, Diallo made a strong impact on this Baskonia roster as a physical interior presence who handled the dirty work while also stepping up in key moments to help the team reach the final. During the event, he averaged 13.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 70% from the field and 61% from the free-throw line. As a full-time starter, he converted 21 of his 30 field goal attempts, all coming in the paint, providing an ideal complement to Juom Maker Bol by allowing him to operate more on the perimeter. Diallo is a strong, physical athlete who plays with energy and toughness, but he also showed flashes of finesse around the rim. He was highly effective in pick-and-roll situations, consistently set solid screens, and did an excellent job in box-out situations. Defensively, he served as an anchor for Baskonia throughout the weekend, using his strength, positioning, and activity level to impact the game. His long-term ceiling may be somewhat limited due to his size and more traditional skill set as an interior big, but his ability to consistently do the little things and impact winning suggests he has a strong chance to carve out a role at the professional level, whether in the ACB or elsewhere in Europe.

Jan Cerdan (6’8” F | 2010-born | FC Barcelona)

Among Barcelona’s seemingly endless pipeline of talent, another high-level prospect made his ANGT debut in 2010-born forward Jan Cerdan. Widely considered a top-five player in his age group, Cerdan made his U16 debut a year early last summer and finished as Spain’s third-leading scorer. In this event, he had a solid showing off the bench, averaging 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. While his efficiency was not standout, his basketball IQ and understanding of his role were evident, consistently making the right reads, positioning himself well, and using his fluidity at his size to finish at the rim. He connected on 33% of his three-point attempts and looked comfortable incorporating that shot into his offensive repertoire, which is encouraging given his age. As a potential future leader within Barcelona’s system, this was a promising first exposure to ANGT-level competition.

Thomas Acunzo (6’8” C | 2008-born | Virtus Bologna)

Acunzo was another intriguing name at the event, joining Virtus from Saronno in Italy’s second division, where he has produced solid performances against lower-level professional competition. His experience was evident throughout the tournament, particularly with the noticeable physical transformation since the last time he appeared at ANGT Munich, as he has slimmed down and improved his mobility. He averaged 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, showing increased versatility as a scorer. He demonstrated poise offensively, scoring both inside and facing up, while also expanding his range with more three-point attempts in his shot profile. Combined with his improved conditioning and touch around the rim, he looked like a more complete offensive player. He will be an important name to track this summer at the U18 European Championship, where he is expected to represent Italy and face some of the top big men in his class.

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It’s officially busy season for international scouts, with one of the biggest and most exciting tournaments in Europe, the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague, finally kicking off. This tournament brings together the top international U18 prospects from across Europe to compete in a multi-leg event spanning five countries over the next four months. Many European NBA players have competed in this event, from Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama to more recent names like Hugo González and Kasparas Jakučionis.

The first qualifying event wrapped up a few weeks ago in Ulm, Germany, and after catching up on the film, there were several intriguing revelations and notable developments from this stop. The sentiment heading into the event was that it would be one of the least talented qualifiers of the season, with no marquee prospect in attendance and several teams lacking players in draft conversations among both domestic and international scouts. With significant roster movement across international squads, along with what is widely considered a weaker overall generation, I wasn’t expecting the level of competitiveness we saw. Instead, the event featured tightly contested games between gritty teams, with Cedevita Olimpija emerging as the surprise champion, defeating Balkan powerhouse, and expected winner KK Mega Basket to take the title.

Here are the ten players that impressed me the most throughout the first stage of the tournament:

Cameron Houindo (6’8 F-C | 2008-born | Cedevita Olimpija)

Houindo has an extensive résumé that has continued to grow over the years. Fresh off a historic month, winning MVP honors in both the ANGT qualifiers and Basketball Without Borders in Los Angeles, he isn’t new to this level of success. The French big man was also the recipient of the 2024 FIBA U16 MVP award, helping France secure gold at the European U16 stage, and has competed up in age-group competitions, including the U17 World Cup and U18 EuroBasket. This season, he followed in the footsteps of fellow Frenchman and current Minnesota Timberwolves player Joan Beringer by moving to Slovenia to gain professional minutes early in the ABA League. Rather than staying at INSEP in the NM1, he took his talents to the Balkans, a path that has proven effective in recent years, producing NBA draft picks on a consistent basis.

While the consensus on Houindo had dwindled over the past year, with concerns about him being an undersized big man who wasn’t having the most productive rookie season in Europe, he silenced those doubts by emerging as one of the most dominant performers on the international youth circuit, both in Europe and Los Angeles. In the ANGT qualifier, he averaged 22.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, and 2.0 STK, shooting 58% from two and 33% from three. What was most impressive about this performance was his shot selection, which featured a high volume of jumpers from all over the floor, different from his usual style as a pure paint presence. He showed scouts that his offensive arsenal has expanded, while still being able to dominate in the paint when necessary. Athletically, he is a gifted big man prospect, with good mobility and a strong frame. Whether he can sustain this new style of play long enough to transition into a full-time forward remains to be seen, but Houindo has clearly taken significant steps in the right direction to make a strong impression on scouts worldwide.

Maks Ciperle (6’5 F | 2008-born | Cedevita Olimpija)

Ciperle is a player who generated palpable buzz early in the international season, emerging as one of the leading scorers on Cedevita Olimpija’s U18 squad during the regular season. He’s a dynamic shot maker with a strong frame and solid translatability as a relatively undersized forward with EuroLeague upside. What he lacks in elite wing athleticism, he compensates for with a massive wingspan, allowing him to grab rebounds over bigger players and swat shots at the rim with ease. He displayed excellent feel and an inside-out scoring ability throughout the event. Gritty, clutch, and productive, Ciperle emerged as one of the biggest revelations of the tournament, potentially positioning himself among the top echelon of international prospects in this cycle. In the event, he averaged 20.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 2.3 BPG, shooting 61% from the field and 41% from three.

It was an all-around outstanding performance, helping his team secure a blowout win over the title favorites. He made tough long-range shots, dominated in the paint, collected offensive rebounds, and finished over bigger, stronger defenders. After a solid showing a year up with Slovenia’s U19 team this summer, he is expected to be a key piece on a very talented U18 squad that will be one of the favorites for the gold medal. His consistency from three-point range this summer will be one of the storylines to follow. If he can maintain these averages, the sky is the ceiling for his professional potential.

Stanley Risal (6’6 F | 2008-born | ASVEL)

While a somewhat unconventional archetype—listed as a center on the ANGT website despite being a 6’6” power forward—Risal had an outstanding tournament for ASVEL, averaging 16.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 2.3 steals, shooting 68% from two and 43% from three (9/21) in the qualifier. With a beefed-up frame and elite vertical athleticism, Risal’s three-point shooting made him a topic of discussion among talent evaluators across Europe. His physical profile is reminiscent of someone like Luguentz Dort, using strength and athleticism to excel as an undersized four, while providing spacing on offense and defensive attention on the other end. Risal is another player who could be in consideration for France’s FIBA U18 Euros squad this summer, serving as a versatile complementary piece that can fit into multiple lineups.

The most impressive part of his game is his three-point shooting, which has been consistent this season across both U18 and U21 play. In Espoirs, he is averaging 40% from three, and he carried that hot streak into the ANGT tournament, hitting 9-of-21 from deep for ASVEL. His shot selection featured a mix of above-the-rim finishes, dunks, and deep three-pointers, a style that mirrors trends in the modern NBA. Combined with his strength, wingspan, aggressiveness, and consistent shooting, Risal could be one of the most intriguing French prospects to follow in the upcoming season.

Appolinaire Loussavouvou (6’7 CG | 2008-born | ASVEL)

Relative to expectations, Appo was by far the biggest breakout player in this tournament. Always regarded as a top-25 prospect in France’s 2008-born generation, the leap he took for ASVEL this tournament caught many scouts by surprise. Historically, ASVEL has had success identifying a top prospect and surrounding him with strong complementary talent like they did with Adam Atamna last year, who went on a historic run and broke the scoring record at the Ulm qualifier. This year, the player expected to take that leap was Marvyn Wade, a former U16 FIBA gold medalist with France and ASVEL’s leader in the U21s. Instead, it was Appolinaire who made the jump, showcasing his two-way production as a big guard capable of doing a little bit of everything, both on and off the ball. On the biggest stage, he revealed a completely new facet of his game, using his fluidity and IQ to make plays as an offensive initiator and a primary defender. Over the event, he averaged a very complete 14.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, and 4.2 steals, shooting 64% from two and 30% from three.

Appolinaire played like the prototypical French prospect, combining tantalizing physical tools with fluidity on the ball and an effective defensive presence both around the rim and on the perimeter. As is often the case with French prospects, his biggest weakness is the three-point shot, which he converted at a respectable, but not eye-catching, 30% through four games. What impressed most was his playmaking ability as a ball handler and initiator, regularly making the right read as a jumbo guard capable of sharing playmaking duties alongside a ball-dominant guard like Marvyn Wade. In this tournament, Appolinaire showcased exactly why the French national team should consider him as a candidate for their U18 squad this summer, as a big guard who could complement their returning core very effectively.

Teo Milicic (6’2 PG | 2008-born | Ratiopharm Ulm)

Milicic has been trending positively over the last few months as the standout prospect on a young Ratiopharm Ulm core that had otherwise been somewhat underwhelming. The team has gradually become a platform for international prospects with NBA draft aspirations, and the young point guard had an impressive tournament in Ulm, followed by a strong showing at Basketball Without Borders, where he won the Sportsmanship Award.

Milicic is the brother of former Tennessee Volunteer Igor Milicic Jr., which could indicate potential interest in playing in the U.S. For college coaches, he may be one of the best targets as a potential four-year guard project who could develop into one of the top guards in college basketball one day. He plays with the fire and intensity that coaches love in their star guards, inspiring his team while challenging opponents. In the Ulm qualifier, he averaged 20.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.8 APG, and 2.8 SPG, helping Ratiopharm Ulm secure third place in the event. Even as one of the smaller and skinnier players on the floor, Milicic’s presence was felt, running the offense and making key plays throughout the tournament. His biggest weakness is his three-point shot, which he converted at just 14% on roughly six attempts per game during this event. Otherwise, his playmaking, competitive spirit, and scoring gravity as a sub-6’3 guard make him an excellent foundation for a high-level college guard, with potential professional upside if he develops a reliable three-point shot.

Nikola Karalic (6’8 F | 2008-born | KK Mega Basket)

Despite suffering a disappointing loss in the finale, missing their qualifying bid for the final event, Karalic stood out as one of the top prospects on this Mega Basket squad. A big forward, he has made steady progress over the past three years, evolving from a young role player to a centerpiece for Mega’s U18 team. Another player who earned a trip to Los Angeles for the BWB All-Star game, Karalic distinguishes himself as an elite two-way forward with a massive wingspan and a steadily improving offensive arsenal. Capable of playing both on and off the ball, he thrives as a cutter and in transition, using his athleticism to generate offense independently. He leverages his elite athleticism on both ends of the floor, finishing above the rim and using his fluidity to exploit slower defenders on the perimeter.

In the tournament, he averaged 14.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 2.2 APG, shooting 56% from two and 28% from three. While these numbers weren’t eye-popping, they were affected by a weaker performance in the final against Cedevita Olimpija. Karalic’s upside is evident, and his continued development over the rest of the season will be compelling to follow, whether he earns minutes on Mega’s main team or prepares for a move to the United States to play college basketball.

Joel Lindsay (7’1 C | 2008-born | Ratiopharm Ulm)

Joel Lindsay arguably had the case for being the best overall athlete at this event, joining Ulm as a guest player for the tournament. Lindsay is in the midst of a strong season for Würzburg in Germany’s NBBL and has emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects in German basketball this year. What makes him so intriguing is his 7’1” frame and 7’4” wingspan, paired with impressive athleticism for an extremely late bloomer. He wasn’t the most productive in this event, averaging only 5.0 PPG and 3.2 RPG in 15 minutes per game, but the upside in his game is tantalizing and merits attention. He will be a name to watch for breakout performances in FIBA play this summer, as one of the top big prospects in a compelling cohort of 2008-born German players.

As a prospect, it will be interesting to see what path he takes next season. In my opinion, another year in Germany could be highly beneficial before a potential move to college basketball. The German Bundesliga has consistently proven to be a strong environment for the development of big men, with recent examples like Hannes Steinbach and Sananda Fru, who elevated their games as professionals before successfully transitioning to P4 competition this year.

Paul Plato (6’9 PF | 2009-born | Ratiopharm Ulm)

Paul Plato was another guest player who joined the Ulm squad, coming over from Würzburg to participate in the qualifier. Plato is a 6’9” big man/forward with some of the most intriguing upside in all of Germany. Fresh off a strong performance at the FIBA U16 Euros, despite playing on a relatively disappointing German team, he continued his production in this tournament, playing up a year and averaging 10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 2.6 stocks, shooting 62% from two, 30% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line. Plato is a big man with excellent feel for the game, consistently making the right reads at the right moments and creating advantages for his team as both an offensive hub and rim runner. He is highly mobile, with sound fundamentals and impressive mechanics for a player of his size and archetype. A silky-smooth driver with strong finishes above and below the rim, he also looked comfortable operating in lineups with two bigs, connecting on lobs to Joel Lindsay when they shared the floor. As a power forward, Plato showed strong one-on-one skills, leveraging his complete offensive arsenal to exploit mismatches. His three-point shot is showing promising signs but remains a work in progress. The main area to monitor in his development will be defense, as he continues to build strength and consistency on that end of the floor.

Yohan Bassoumba (6’7 F | 2009-born | ASVEL)

It isn’t crazy to say that Yohan Bassoumba has been one of if not the most productive 2009-born player in France. For Caen, in the Espoirs 2 league, he’s been averaging 14.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 2.1 APG on 51% from the field. He joined ASVEL as a guest player, and made the best of his appearance, playing as an undersized big with intriguing flashes as a floor spacer and some flashes of evolving his game as a forward down the line. In this tournament he averaged 12.8 PPG and 8.0 RPG on 53.5% from the field and 25% from 3. While not the most athletic vertically, he counters that with some of the best footwork in France’s 2009-born generation. He does what he’s asked to do and does it well. Cleans up rebounds, finishes with a soft touch at the rim and defends well in the paint while undersized. He has long arms, broad shoulders and great strength and positioning, with signs of a mid range and 3-point jumper. It’s safe to say that based off production, alongside the usual preference of skilled undersized bigs by France’s youth squad, that Bassoumba will be a lock to play for France in the U17 World Cup this summer. Makes quick decision and had some of the best touch in the event, as a player playing a year up in competition and despite only averaging one assist a gem, he showed some intriguing flashes as a playmaking hub in the post, notching a few hockey assists as a connector.

Roman Kolka (6’6 G | 2010-born | Cedevita Olimpija)

One of the youngest players in the tournament, competing three years up, Roman Kolka was a pivotal piece in Olimpija’s championship run and looks like one of the top names to monitor heading into FIBA U16 play this summer. He has excellent fundamentals as a jumbo guard, capable of playing both on and off the ball. Kolka shows impressive wiggle off the dribble, carving through defenders and getting to the rim with craft and control. Using his size, fluidity, flexibility, and a mechanically sound jump shot, he projects as one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in his European age group.

In his first of what will likely be many appearances at this level, he averaged 10.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 2.3 APG, shooting 53% from the field. He started the tournament shooting well from deep but finished at 22% from three overall. The jumper will be a defining factor in his development. While it’s common for U16 guards to shoot below 30% from three, there are strong indicators in the structure and fluidity of his mechanics that suggest he could develop into a reliable long-range shooter over time.

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The high school graduating class of 2026 has been dubbed by scouts and fans alike as one of the weakest draft classes in recent memory. With no marquee top prospect and concerning depth toward the bottom, NBA front offices have started turning their attention to international waters in hopes of finding a player who can provide top-tier value for the 2027 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, the international class hasn’t been much to write home about either, with the 2008-born generation widely considered one of the weakest international recruiting classes in recent years. It doesn’t help that this group is sandwiched between some of the most talented international classes in recent memory — the 2006, 2009, and 2010 generations all look particularly promising. However, the 2008 cohort has been slowly improving, with several late bloomers emerging and significantly elevating the overall quality of the class.

The 2008 international cycle made its major debut last year, as the FIBA U16 EuroBasket introduced many of the group’s top prospects to mainstream scouting circles. Despite being part of a weaker European generation overall, France showcased one of the deepest talent pools in the continent, steamrolling the competition en route to a gold medal victory over a Spain team that was missing its best player. Outside of that, there weren’t many standout performances, aside from a few younger players playing up in age and a handful of intriguing prospects. Over the past year, however, several players from this group have made significant leaps in production. Sayon Keita earned minutes for Barcelona at just 16 years old, Hugo Yimga took on a major offensive role for INSEP in France’s NM1 league, and Stefan Joksimovic put together an impressive showing at the FIBA U19 World Cup while playing up an age group.

With new developments emerging early in the season and a number of players making substantial jumps up the rankings, here are the top international prospects to familiarize yourself with in the early stages of this year’s scouting cycle.

Top 20 international prospects in the 2008-born generation

1. Sayon Keita | 7’0 C | FC Barcelona

2. Hugo Yimga | 6’8 F | Nanterre

3. Stefan Joksimovic | 6’7 G | Baskonia

4. Juom Maker Bol | 6’10 F | Baskonia

5. Cameron Houindo | 6’8 C | France

6. Diego Niebla | 6’8 W | Joventut

7. Egor Amosov | 6’8 F | Real Madrid

8. Swann Penda | 6’9 F | Le Mans

9. Matthys Mahop | 6’4 G | INSEP PF

10. Louka Letailleur | 6’6 W | Gravelines

11. Klark Riethauser | 6’8 F | Chalon

12. Ilia Frolov | 6’10 C | Real Madrid

13. Karl Kouame | 6’3 G | Caen

14. Cheichk Niang | 6’5 G | Trento

15. Ricards Aizpurs | 6’5 G | Stella Azurra

16. Andrej Bjelic | 6’4 G | Real Madrid

17. Ignas Stombergas | 6’10 C | Zalgiris

18. Vuk Danilovic | 6’3 G | KK Mega Basket

19. Nateo Des Bordes | 6’4 G | INSEP PF

20. Gunars Grinvalds | 6’8 F | Real Madrid

Top 3 prospects heading into the recruiting cycle

Sayon Keita

7’0 center out of Mali, playing for FC Barcelona / FC Barcelona U22

Current rank: #1

Sayon Keita enters this year’s cycle as the top-ranked international player according to American outlets, climbing several spots from his previous projections on international boards over the past year or two. He made headlines after announcing visits to several NCAA programs, following a standout performance at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, where he earned Defensive MVP honors while competing against some of the best high school players in the country. With relatively weak center depth in the high school ranks, Keita stands out as one of the premier NBA-caliber big men eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. After completing a “Blue Blood Tour” that included visits to Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, UConn, and Indiana, he began his season with FC Barcelona’s senior team, earning rotational minutes and even a few starts for the renowned club. As the season progresses, his development within Barcelona’s system will be closely monitored, especially as he remains in contact with NCAA coaches regarding a potential reclassification to the 2026 class and a move to college basketball next year.

Hugo Yimga

6’8 forward out of France, playing for Nanterre 92

Current rank: #2

Hugo Yimga has been viewed as the top prospect in this international class for the past few years, dominating his age group and beginning his professional career at a remarkably young age with the INSEP academy in France. The 6’8” wing possesses excellent tools as a two-way player, a strong frame, good feel for the game, and valuable early professional experience. After graduating from INSEP a year early, Yimga joined Nanterre and immediately earned rotational minutes in France’s top league, fitting in seamlessly through his first few games. Physically, he looks completely comfortable at the pro level, able to withstand physical play and contribute to Nanterre’s impressive 3–1 start to the season. So far in the LNB, he’s averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds per game, highlighted by a breakout 24-point performance against Poissy in the French Basketball Cup. The key swing skill for Yimga remains his shooting. He has yet to make a three-point shot in LNB play after shooting 34% from beyond the arc last season on three attempts per game with INSEP. This season will be a pivotal one for his development, as it will help determine how quickly his NBA window might open, whether through a move to the NCAA next year or a larger role with Nanterre. Regardless, Yimga remains one of the most intriguing prospects to monitor in what’s shaping up to be a relatively weak high school recruiting class.

Stefan Joksimovic

6’7 Combo-Guard out of Slovenia, playing for Baskonia (ESP)

Current Rank: #3

Stefan Joksimovic was one of the standout performers at this summer’s U18 EuroBasket, playing a year up in competition and averaging 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field and an impressive 38% from three on nearly five attempts per contest. Already a familiar name to international basketball followers, Joksimovic has taken another major leap this season in Spain’s Tercera FEB, starring for Baskonia’s B team. He recently erupted for 38 points and 8 rebounds against lower-tier professional competition, further cementing his status as one of the most productive young scorers in Europe. He also turned heads during preseason with Baskonia’s main team, stringing together highlight plays and showcasing his confidence and athleticism. A fearless athlete with excellent positional size, Joksimovic possesses deep shooting range and unshakable confidence, regularly hitting shots from well beyond the arc. Currently, he’s splitting time between Baskonia’s A and B teams—playing a reserve role with the senior squad while earning his first professional points at the top level. Though still somewhat under the radar, Joksimovic is clearly an NBA-caliber talent who continues to impress across both national and international stages.

Biggest Risers and Standouts early into club play

Egor Amosov

6’8 Forward out of Russia, playing for Real Madrid U18 (ESP)

Current rank: #7

Egor Amosov has seamlessly fit in with Real Madrid after arriving from BC Samara in the Russian VTB League, where he was already playing starter minutes as a professional at just 16 years old. The transition from pro basketball in Russia to U22 competition in Spain has been smooth for Amosov, as he’s quickly looked like the best player on the squad since his arrival. A 6’8 forward with grown-man strength, Amosov combines playmaking, shooting, and athleticism at a high level, a complete package for a modern forward prospect. Despite being a relatively unknown name before this season, he has the upside to emerge as one of the best players in his class heading into his draft year. With Russian players currently ineligible for FIBA youth competition, Amosov has flown somewhat under the radar in international scouting circles. However, that could change soon, as he’s expected to be one of the breakout names to watch in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament. In U18 competition within Madrid’s top local youth league, he’s putting up dominant numbers, averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals per game on 53/38/88 shooting splits through four contests.

Swann Penda

6’9 forward out of France, playing for Le Mans U21

Current rank: #8

Penda possesses some of the most translatable NBA tools in this class, standing 6’9” with high-level athleticism and motor for a player who has been a relatively late bloomer. Over the summer, he made notable strides in his development, filling out his frame, improving his conditioning, and making the jump from U18 play with Paris Basketball to U21 competition with Le Mans, where he now trains regularly with the senior squad. So far this season, he’s averaging 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, though his efficiency from beyond the arc has been somewhat inconsistent. Still, his athletic tools continue to show meaningful progress, with his vertical explosiveness as a lob threat and ability to connect plays translating well at higher levels of competition. The swing skill for Penda remains his shooting, which will largely determine his long-term projection as a prospect. Nevertheless, his physical profile, versatility, and overall upside make him one of the more intriguing long-term bets in this class. With his brother, Noah Penda, now in the NBA, he’ll look to follow in his footsteps and establish himself as a top prospect in his own right. NBA and NCAA scouts alike will be closely monitoring his growth over the next two years.

Louka Letailleur

6’6 wing out of France, playing for Gravelines / Gravelines U21

Current rank: #10

Letailleur delivered a statement performance in France’s U21 league after opening the season with steady rotation minutes for the senior team, exploding for 41 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals against Boulazac. The 6’6, 17-year-old wing combines elite intangibles with advanced shot-making ability, presenting the full package as a modern wing prospect. Composed, and versatile and tough as nails, Letailleur offers a true three-level scoring arsenal and flashes impressive defensive instincts on film. He’s always displayed a strong feel for the game, a trait evident since his days with France’s U16 national team, where he earned All-Star Five honors. As he continues to log minutes with both the U21 and senior squads, Letailleur will be a name to monitor closely. His play style projects as a seamless fit for the NCAA under the right coaching environment, and he’s already generating interest worthy of Power Five attention. A rising prospect with strong two-way upside, Letailleur could easily climb even higher and crack the top 7–8 range in the next update of these rankings

Klark Riethauser

6’8 forward out of Switzerland, playing for Elan Chalon / Elan Chalon U21

Current rank: #11

Klark Riethauser has made one of the biggest leaps in international scouting circles this year, following a standout summer with Switzerland’s U18 and U19 national teams and an exceptional start to the season with Chalon’s U21 squad. The 6’8” forward brings excellent tools as a functional two-way athlete, a versatile scorer, smart connector, and active defender with the kind of mobility that translates well to higher levels of play. Riethauser’s offensive game has taken a significant step forward since earning MVP honors at the U18 EuroBasket Division B tournament, where he averaged 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, along with 3 stocks, while shooting 34% from three on nearly seven attempts per contest. His hot streak has carried over into club play, where he’s posting 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 stocks per game early in the U21 season. He boasts a clean shooting stroke and impressive vertical athleticism, both of which he uses effectively on both ends of the floor. Riethauser has also earned some professional minutes with Chalon’s senior team, where he’s made an immediate impact as a disruptive, high-energy presence. With Switzerland quietly emerging as a growing basketball nation, having produced first-round picks in each of the last two drafts, Riethauser looks poised to be the next name on the radar.

Cheickh Niang

6’6 wing out of Senegal/Italy, playing for Trento

Current rank: #14

Niang burst onto the international scouting radar to start the season in Italy’s LBA, delivering a string of standout performances for Trento and single-handedly leading the team to several early wins as their primary scoring option. His early-season breakout generated significant buzz, as he showcased elite athletic tools, explosive bounce, a lightning-quick first step in transition, and impressive confidence as a shooter. He uses his physical tools marvelously, using his elite bounce to contest shots at the rim and provide some solid on ball defense at the guard/wing position. He’s a blur in transition, using his elite speed to get to the rim with ease, even while not the most developed physically. While his production has cooled in recent games, a reminder that he’s still just 17 years old playing against grown professionals, Niang has already solidified himself as one of the top rising prospects in Europe. Following in the footsteps of his brother, who was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, he’s now firmly on NBA scouts’ radars. His continued development in the LBA, along with a potential appearance in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, will be must-watch for evaluators seeking to get a closer look at one of the biggest risers in the international class of 2026.

Ricards Aizpurs

6’5 guard out of Latvia, playing for Stella Azurra

Current rank: #15

Rodrigo Aizpurs has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in this class since his U16 days, leading a strong Latvian generation in scoring at the U16 European Championships and putting up eye-popping numbers for Stella Azzurra in Italy over the past few seasons. Last year, he averaged an astounding 33.6 points per game in Italian U17 competition while also putting up 18 points per game playing up at the U18 level as a 16-year-old. This season, through two games at the U19 level, Aizpurs is averaging 20 points per contest and he made an immediate impression in his professional debut, dropping 32 points in his first-ever game in Italy’s Serie C. While local Italian competition isn’t typically as strong as top European leagues like France or Spain, Aizpurs’ scoring translation has long been a topic of debate among scouts. That conversation may finally be coming to an end, as he recently exploded for 38 points against Southeastern Prep in an exhibition tournament, outscoring multiple top-20 American prospects and nearly leading his team to an upset over a top-five U.S. prep program. He appears to have added noticeable strength and athleticism over the summer, finishing more aggressively at the rim while maintaining his confidence as a perimeter shooter. He’s a player firmly on the watchlist to re-enter the top 10 as the season progresses and his production continues to translate against stronger competition.

With international recruiting at an all-time high, it’s becoming increasingly important for coaching staffs to understand the youth prospect landscape overseas. With every passing month, more NCAA programs and prep schools are dipping their toes into international scouting, with NIL and eligibility changes allowing previously untouchable prospects to gain new opportunities to play in America. My name is Alec, and over the past year and a half I’ve been traveling the world and dedicating countless hours of research to better understand the international youth landscape. I’ve been building a database to help coaches and fans alike track the early development of these prospects and academies overseas. Currently working freelance, my goal is to one day break into the scouting world and become an NCAA-level scout.

Without discrediting the American basketball developmental system, the European approach to youth development, especially at the U16 level, offers something incredibly unique, often producing some of the most technically gifted players in the world for their age. Countries such as Serbia, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany have produced numerous professionals over the past few years, most of them coming through national clubs that have invested years into developing these prospects. Serbia has consistently produced technically skilled big men, while Spain has developed guards with high-level experience at an early age. France, on the other hand, has emerged as the newest basketball hotspot for NBA prospects, where elite developmental programs intersect with the freakishly athletic physical profiles of French youth. There is something massive brewing overseas, something that can’t be ignored as long as international recruiting grows increasingly important at the NCAA level. This series is going to cover the top academies in Europe and their top prospects, from the draft eligible prospects to the young guys starting up their journeys as prospects. The goal is to hopefully provide a clearer look into these programs, starting with INSEP Pole France, then following the Real Madrid and FC Barcelona academies in Spain and finishing off with the KK Mega Superbet program in Serbia. Each part will start with an overview of the program, followed by the top players to watch in each age group in each academy and where to watch them play this season.

FC Barcelona: The Prospect Powerhouse

For as long as I’ve been alive, FC Barcelona has been a global powerhouse when it comes to European Sports. As one of the most recognizable brands in the world and millions of fans, Barcelona has slowly regained their standing as an absolute powerhouse for basketball prospects. If you ask any international scout about which team they think currently has the best long term prospects, most will point towards the current roster Barcelona has put together at the U18 level. La Masia has assembled and developed a star studded class filled with some of the most impressive physical profiles in the world. On my personal rankings, they have the top international prospect in the 2007 and 2011 born classes, with the second top prospect in 2010 and someone who has the case to be the top prospect in the 2009-born class when it’s all said and done. All these prospects will be suiting up for FC Barcelona in the newly founded Spanish U22 league and will most likley be the front runners for the title of the inaugural season.

Similarly to Real Madrid, Barcelona’s academy has pumped out top notch prospects over the last few years, recently producing Miami Heat point guard Kasparas Jakucionis and Duke wing Dame Sarr out of their recent crop. Historically, they’ve produced a litany of NBA talent, notably the Gasol brothers, who both ended up having successful NBA careers as well as Tomas Satoransky, who’s back with the club playing in the EuroLeague. This group has multiple players who have similar aspirations, notably Mohamed Dabone, who’s been heralded as one of the best prospects on the planet ever since he broke out in international circles a few years ago. The Spanish developmental system is characterized by skill and technique, with traditional player roles mixed with elite developmental pathways for prospects to eventually carve roles in the NCAA or NBA level. Tons of players have left the program as complete products and strong competitors. The particular

FC Barcelona’s U18 roster for the 2025-2026 season

• Abdrahamane Kone (6’8 F-C | 2009)

• Diego Ferreras (6’5 G | 2009)

• Eric Montaner (6’0 G | 2009)

• Jakob Siftar (6’4 G | 2009)

• Jan Cerdan (6’9 F | 2010)

• Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (6’11 F | 2009)

• Mohamed Dabone (6’11 F-C | 2011)

• Mohamed Keita (6’8 F | 2008)

• Nikola Kusturica (6’8 W | 2009

• Nil Poza (5’8 G | 2009)

• Oriol Filba (6’3 G | 2009)

• Samuel Ikenna (6’7 | 2009)

• Sayon Keita (7’0 C | 2008)

Barcelona didn’t make any major additions at the youth level this season, aside from a few local recruits in the lower age groups. Instead, the club is doubling down on internal development, promoting its dominant U16 class to the U18 level. Barcelona’s U16 team was one of the most impressive in Europe last season, routinely overpowering opponents and often outclassing Real Madrid in tournament matchups. Although Madrid ultimately claimed the Spanish Cadet Championship, Barcelona’s prospects built an exceptional résumé at the U16 level and now look to carry that success upward.

What sets this Barcelona squad apart from other youth teams is its remarkable front court depth, which some scouts have deemed the best international front court ever assembled at the youth level overseas, boasting seven players listed at 6’8 or taller on the junior roster, plus several more in the cadet and infant squads. Led by projected five-star recruit Sayon Keita and all-world prospect Mohamed Dabone, Barcelona arguably has the best U18 center rotation in Europe. Supersized forwards Nikola Kusturica and Joaquim Boumtje, already earning minutes with the senior team, further strengthen that front court core. With the ability to field lineups where no player stands under 6’4, Barcelona can physically match up with any youth team internationally. Combined with a deep pool of cadet players ready for call-ups, this group has an embarrassment of riches poised to dominate the European circuit once again.

Mohamed Dabone

• 6’11 Forward-Center out of Burkina Faso, 2011-born

Mohamed Samsoudine Dabone is quickly becoming the darling of the draft world, drawing early comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama since making his youth debut for Barcelona at just 11 years old. Now standing 6’11 with elite athleticism and vertical explosion, Dabone recently made headlines after logging his first minutes with Barcelona’s senior team at age 13, breaking the record for the youngest player to appear in professional basketball overseas. While questions have circulated about the legitimacy of his listed birth year, all official records currently place him as a 2011-born prospect, and that remains my basis for this discussion until proven otherwise. Despite his baby face and skinny frame, Dabone’s coordination and fluidity for his size are almost unprecedented. He combines an elite first step with incredible vertical pop, body control, and agility, traits that have made him an unstoppable physical presence against any youth team in Europe.

Dabone has routinely been dominating U16 and U18 competition across Spain last season, even making his U18 debut just after turning 13. His blend of length, timing, and instincts make him a standout rim protector and a freak in transition, but what’s most impressive is his growing offensive versatility. Over the past year, he’s shown notable confidence and consistency as a perimeter shooter. At 6’11, Dabone regularly steps out to take threes both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. His high release point and wingspan make his jumper nearly impossible to contest, and his ability to play both inside and out at this age is what truly separates him as a generational prospect.

The main concern with Dabone lies in his heavy workload and early usage. He’s already splitting time between Barcelona’s U16, U18, and senior teams, an immense physical demand for someone his age. By the time he becomes draft-eligible, Dabone could enter the league as perhaps the most NBA-ready 19-year-old in history, potentially boasting five years of Euroleague / ACB experience and a year of college basketball before making the leap to the NBA. Whether his body can sustain that workload remains to be seen, and it will be a key storyline in his development moving forward. If he holds up physically, there’s little doubt that Dabone projects as the next generational prospect. With his FIBA eligibility cycle starting next year, there’s also growing buzz about his potential inclusion in the Spanish national team setup, likely already being a Spanish citizen, having played in Spain for the last 3 years.

Sayon Keita

• 7’0 Center out of Mali, 2008-born

Sayon Keita is currently ranked as the top international prospect in the class of 2027, with the potential to reclassify to 2026. He has taken visits to Duke, Kentucky, UNC, Indiana, Kansas, and UConn, and has been heralded as one of the premier big-man prospects in Europe. The 7’0 center combines size and strength with impressive fluidity and defensive timing. He broke out in American circles after a standout performance at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, where he won Defensive MVP honors by averaging three blocks per game in the scrimmages. Keita is a true blue-blood center talent who has consistently played against older competition over the past few years, often holding his own and producing strong sequences on both ends. He alters shots at an elite rate and boasts one of the highest dunk rates among youth players in Europe. Leveraging his elite motor and mobility at seven feet, he dominates the paint with athletic plays on both ends of the floor. He’s also comfortable operating within two-big lineups playing with this Barcelona roster, which could be an advantage in the modern NBA.

Across two years of Adidas Next Generation play, Keita has averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game while playing alongside talents like Kasparas Jakucionis and Dame Sarr. His fluidity and mobility for his size are remarkable, and his strong, developed frame earned him the opportunity to play professional minutes for Barcelona at just 16 years old. Keita will be one of the top names to watch in this year’s Liga U season, as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the league. His performance will serve as a valuable indicator of what his role could look like at the NCAA level next season. It’ll be interesting to see how dominant he can be at this level—whether he takes the next step by becoming more aggressive offensively or continues to thrive as a complementary two-way center who excels within his role.

Nikola Kusturica

• 6’8 Forward out of Serbia, 2009-born

Kusturica broke out on the world stage this summer, winning MVP honors at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket and leading Serbia to the gold medal as part of the nation’s golden generation. He profiles as a wiry 6’8” forward with excellent athleticism, a quick first step, and a long wingspan, making him a highly intriguing two-way wing prospect. He’s a budding shooter with long arms and a smooth, confident pull-up game. At the event, he averaged an impressive 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 stocks per game, shooting 63% from two, 30% from three, and nearly 80% from the free-throw line. In the gold medal game, he recorded 18 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals, making several massive plays to cement his status as a contender for the title of top international player in the 2009-born generation.

He leverages his long wingspan and solid frame to make athletic plays around the rim, thrives in transition, and consistently uses his length and agility to his advantage against European competition. As his season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether his three-point volume remains consistent at the highest level of local competition, as his high release and positional size make him a difficult matchup on the perimeter if his efficiency continues to improve. Regardless, Kusturica has already established himself as one of the premier prospects in Europe, regardless of class. He has been highly regarded by Barcelona’s development staff since his standout EuroBasket performance, earning early pro minutes during preseason and securing a spot on the main team roster this year. His career trajectory will be fascinating to follow in the years to come.

Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje

• 6’11 Forward out of the United States, via Cameroon, 2009-born

Son of former NBA player Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, Joaquim appears to be following in his father’s footsteps with an impressive youth career so far, establishing himself as one of the top five prospects in his age group currently playing in Europe. He recently became the first player based overseas to be invited to Team USA’s U18 selection camp, potentially leveraging his professional experience and positional size to join the dominant squad that won the gold medal at the AmeriCup this summer. Standing at 6’11, Joaquim is a power forward with one of the most versatile skill sets among front court prospects in Europe. He’s a versatile defender and a major shot-blocking presence, using his massive frame and excellent timing to dominate U16 competition in Spain last season. His coordination on both ends of the floor is impressive, consistently finding easy ways to score around the rim while also displaying an intriguing three-point shot he’s shown on multiple occasions. Joaquim possesses a modern skill set that’s uncommon among big men in Spain, who typically play more traditional roles. He operates like an NBA-level prospect, making smart reads, spacing the floor, shooting from the perimeter when needed, and protecting the rim effectively.

Reports indicate he was a standout at Team USA’s selection camp, showcasing a rare combination of size and fluidity while offering a valuable interior presence to a class lacking traditional bigs. He also impressed at the U22 Torrent Tournament a few months ago, performing at near–tournament MVP level against older competition at just 16 years old. More recently, he made his preseason debut for Barcelona’s main team after spending the summer training with them. While his long-term path remains to be seen, whether Joaquim eventually returns to the United States or stays at Barcelona at the pro level, he has the potential to develop into an NBA-caliber prospect.

Jan Cerdan Palacios

• 6’8 Forward out of Spain, 2010-born

Jan Cerdan is currently the Spanish prospect with the highest ceiling playing in Europe and is widely regarded as one of the top young players on the continent, regardless of age. A 6’8” forward, he consistently plays an efficient, intelligent, and well-rounded brand of basketball, dominating within his age group while impacting both ends of the floor at a high level. He shows shades of a young Cameron Boozer, displaying a mature, polished game built on strength, efficiency, and versatility. While he isn’t as big or physically developed as Boozer was at the same age, Cerdan’s lanky frame, long arms, and broad shoulders suggest significant room to add muscle as he matures. His long-term development will largely depend on how much strength he can add to maintain his effectiveness against higher levels of competition.

Cerdan has also flashed intriguing playmaking ability, primarily operating as a 4 or small-ball 5. He makes smart reads as a short-roll passer and has shown impressive vision in transition for a 2010-born player competing above his age group. He’s a strong athlete and a developing three-point shooter, both promising indicators for his offensive growth moving forward. This past summer, he played a year up for Spain in the FIBA U16 EuroBasket, emerging as one of the few bright spots on an otherwise underwhelming Spanish team that failed to qualify for the World Cup. In the tournament, he averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, along with just under two combined steals and blocks per game, shooting 49% from two and 29% from three. Cerdan remains one of the most important young prospects to monitor out of Spain, with several years of development ahead on both the national and club scenes. Already listed on Barcelona’s U22 team at his age, he’s expected to play a key role in a potential Barcelona run in the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague tournament.

Quick Hits

Abdrahamane Kone

• 6’8 Center out of Mali, 2009-born

Kone is a very intriguing prospect who has often been overshadowed by the wealth of big-man talent on this Barcelona team. Though he’s a bit huskier from a conditioning standpoint, he effectively uses his size and strength to power his way to the rim and finish with ease. He possesses an impressive blend of touch and fluidity around the basket and is nearly unstoppable in transition when he’s playing with confidence.

He’s historically been underrated due to his smaller size for a full-time center and his unconventional build, but there’s no doubt he has the potential to develop into an intriguing collegiate-level prospect down the line. Having been part of Barcelona’s U18 program for quite some time, it’s easy to forget just how young he is, born in 2009 and already competing against older players while being eligible for college in the class of 2027. He could be in line for a potential breakout season next year, ideally as the full time starter once Sayon Keita leaves to play college basketball.

Diego Ferreras

• 6’5 Guard out of Spain, 2009-born

Diego Ferreras has shown intriguing upside as a guard with great size and promising potential as a perimeter shooter. He played a year up at the FIBA U16 level last year and recently completed his second U16 campaign with the Spanish national team. Ferreras made a noticeable leap in production, doubling his stats from his first year to his second, averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds, and just under 2 assists per game while shooting 70% from two, 30% from three, and 83% from the free-throw line.

He projects as a capable long-term shooter with a strong physical profile and solid defensive instincts on the perimeter. While much of the attention surrounding this Spanish group centers on its frontcourt talent, Ferreras stands out as a guard prospect worth monitoring closely in the coming years

Jakob Siftar

• 6’4 Guard out of Slovenia, 2009-born

Siftar has been another intriguing name on this Barcelona squad, showing flashes of scoring and shooting ability at the international youth level early in his career. He did not suit up for Slovenia at this summer’s U16s for unspecified reasons but remains one of the top Slovenian prospects in his age group. Looking ahead, he’s expected to play a key role in Slovenia’s push toward the U17 World Cup. With strong shooting instincts and good bend and flexibility at 6’4”, Siftar projects as an intriguing complementary piece, likely a 5th or 6th option, for this Barcelona’s U18 group moving forward.

FC Barcelona’s U16 roster for the 2025-2026 season

• Arnau Andrei (6’6 F | 2011)

• Arnau Puig (6’1 G | 2010)

• Biel Ruiz (6’1 G | 2010)

• Carlos Rodriguez (5’10 G | 2010)

• Cheick Bamba Gaye (6’8 C | 2011)

• Emmanuel Destom (6’6 W | 2010)

• Jan Martin (5’11 G | 2010)

• Justs Jaunzems (6’0 G | 2010)

• Kristians Martinsons (6’5 W | 2011)

• Hugo Lloscos (5’11 G | 2010)

• Pau Cruz (5’9 G | 2010)

• William Deng Maker Bol (6’5 F | 2010)

*Heights are unofficial / last listed in Early 2024

While there isn’t a set roster here, with multiple players usually getting called up to play with this squad, this squad has some interesting names that could eventually evolve into big time prospects. While no name immediately stands out, and Jan Cerdan usually taking the reigns as the focal point of the team whenever he plays with his age group, there are a few names I’m keeping an eye on within this group.

Emmanuel Destom

• 6’7 Small Forward out of France, 2010-born

Destom has one of the most intriguing physical profiles on this team as a 6’6 - 6’7 wing with strong on-ball skills and notable defensive upside. He fits the prototypical mold of a new age French prospect: a tall, long-winged forward with a versatile inside-out game.

A solid defender and capable scorer early in his career, Destom has already delivered impressive performances for both Barcelona and France, including standout showings at the Tournoi Inter-Pôles earlier this year. Looking ahead, he’s poised to become a key piece for France’s U16 team next summer, joining what could be a potential golden generation for the country.

Cheick Bamba Gaye

• 6’8 Center out of Senegal, 2011-born

Gaye was the MVP of last year’s Spanish Minicup Championship, leading Barcelona to the title and dominating throughout the event. He offers an impressive blend of size and skill for his age, with intriguing long-term potential to play alongside other big men. Despite being physically advanced for his age, he shows a strong feel for the game and continues to refine his skill set.

A solid ball-handler and powerful downhill driver, Gaye has shown the ability to create advantages early in his development. It will be interesting to monitor his progression as he continues to play up in competition this coming season. He’ll be a key addition to this squad following the departure of 6’10 big man Moussa Manel, who joined Dubai BC after a strong year with Barcelona.

Kristians Martinstons

• 6’5 Wing out of Latvia, 2011-born

Kristians Martinsons possesses some of the most tantalizing upside among the younger players in Barcelona’s academy. A wing with excellent size and shooting touch at a young age, he’s already established himself as one of the top young perimeter shooters overseas. Standing 6’5 with long arms and still growing, he looks poised to develop into one of Barcelona’s most promising wing prospects in the coming years. Comfortable shooting spot-up threes with confidence and relocating effectively within offensive sets, Martinsons uses his size and length to create advantages on the perimeter. He’s had a prolific start to the season at the U16 level, averaging more than a point per minute across three games. Last year, he earned All-Star Five honors during Barcelona’s gold medal run at the Minicup.

It will be fascinating to see how he performs as he plays up in competition, particularly how his physicality translates against older opponents. Though still on the thinner side, he remains in the early stages of development, and his progress will be well worth monitoring — especially if he debuts for Latvia at the U16 level next season.

Jan Martin

• 5’11 Guard out of Spain, 2010-born

Although undersized, he already looks like one of the premier point guards in his age group in Spain. With excellent game IQ and smooth shooting mechanics, he projects as one of the top Spanish guards to watch ahead of next summer’s FIBA U16 EuroBasket. He has a quick release and strong confidence from beyond the arc, while also showing creativity and touch finishing around the rim , using acrobatic finishes and an advanced offensive arsenal at the youth level in Spain. His growth and physical development will be key areas to monitor moving forward, but it’s still early to draw any definitive conclusions about his long-term ceiling.

Wiliam Deng Maker Bol

• 6’5 Wing out of South Sudan / Spain, 2010-born

While not as tall as his brothers Juom and Ater, who were both standouts at the youth level in Spain, Deng shares many of the same physical traits that could make him one of the more intriguing long-term prospects to follow in the country. With a long wingspan, broad shoulders, and exciting athletic upside, he projects as a dynamic scorer and finisher at the youth level. He’s a strong finisher and highly effective in transition, with his best basketball still ahead of him. Among this group of prospects, Deng stands out as one of the players with the most breakout potential this season, especially on a team without a clear first option when Cerdan plays up in competition. Should he experience a growth spurt to reach 6’10 - 6’11 like his brothers, his long-term upside would become especially intriguing.

With potentially one of the best prospect cores we’ve seen in Europe in years, this squad is set up for an incredibly strong run at the U18 and U16 levels. It will be fascinating to see how many scouts follow their development over the coming seasons, as the group features multiple NBA-caliber prospects and several players with exciting upside as future college standouts. These teams will compete in Spain’s Liga U, as well as other major youth events across Spain and Europe.

If you enjoy the articles, let me know below and drop a follow on X and Instagram @nbadraftpoint for more content like this. Next article will be on KK Mega Basket out in Serbia, coming out soon!

Alec Kichian

With international recruiting at an all-time high, it’s becoming increasingly important for coaching staffs to understand the youth prospect landscape overseas. With every passing month, more NCAA programs and prep schools are dipping their toes into international scouting, with NIL and eligibility changes allowing previously untouchable prospects to gain new opportunities to play in America. My name is Alec, and over the past year and a half I’ve been traveling the world and dedicating countless hours of research to better understand the international youth landscape. I’ve been building a database to help coaches and fans alike track the early development of these prospects and academies overseas. Currently working freelance, my goal is to one day break into the scouting world and become an NCAA-level scout.

Without discrediting the American basketball developmental system, the European approach to youth development, especially at the U16 level, offers something incredibly unique, often producing some of the most technically gifted players in the world for their age. Countries such as Serbia, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany have produced numerous professionals over the past few years, most of them coming through national clubs that have invested years into developing these prospects. Serbia has consistently produced technically skilled big men, while Spain has developed guards with high-level experience at an early age. France, on the other hand, has emerged as the newest basketball hotspot for NBA prospects, where elite developmental programs intersect with the freakishly athletic physical profiles of French youth. There is something massive brewing overseas, something that can’t be ignored as long as international recruiting grows increasingly important at the NCAA level. This series is going to cover the top academies in Europe and their top prospects, from the draft eligible prospects to the young guys starting up their journeys as prospects. The goal is to hopefully provide a clearer look into these programs, starting with INSEP Pole France, then following the Real Madrid and FC Barcelona academies in Spain and finishing off with the KK Mega Superbet program in Serbia. Each part will start with an overview of the program, followed by the top players to watch in each age group in each academy and where to watch them play this season.

Real Madrid: The Birthplace of Superstars

In Europe, the name Real Madrid is synonymous with the development of superstars, producing countless sensations in both football and basketball. Some of the biggest names in European sports have longed for the opportunity to wear the badge across their chests, seeking the glory and stardom that come with being associated with the Spanish club. Whether it be Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Dončić, or Arvydas Sabonis, Real Madrid has proven that it can not only attract the world’s biggest superstars but also develop them at the club level. In recent memory, players like Alex Sarr, Usman Garuba, Hugo González, and Egor Demin all spent years in the Madrid Academy, developing into NBA players down the line.

Real Madrid is known for being one of the best, but also one of the toughest, academies in Europe, consistently bringing in top prospects at every level while never hesitating to part ways with players considered weak links. Over the last decade, Real Madrid has dominated the U18 circuit in Europe, winning five of the last ten Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague titles. Their most recent victory came in the 2023–2024 season with a core of prospects who are now competing at various levels this year:

NBA: Hugo González (Boston Celtics), Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets)

NCAA: Ismaila Diane (Gonzaga), Sidi Gueye (Arizona), Declan Duru (Texas), Asier Miguel (Manhattan), Ignacio Campoy (Drexel)

Pro: Mitar Bosnjakovic (Partizan), Adrians Andzevs (Riga), Kyllian Michee (Monaco)

Prep: Gildas Gimenez (Bella Vista)

With all that talent heading out the door, you might expect a down period within the program. But Real Madrid operates with a revolving door of prospects, seamlessly moving players up through their system from age 11 to 18. The club currently runs five teams: their Liga U team (U22), Junior team (U18), Cadet A team (U16), Cadet B team (U15), and Infantil A team (U14). This year’s “Cantera” is stacked with world-class talent, with each squad featuring one or two top prospects in its age group. On the Cadet team, Toni Garma is considered one of the top prospects in Europe regardless of age, while newcomer Moussa Balla Traore has been making waves as Real Madrid’s new “11-year-old prodigy,” already standing 6’8 with a mature, physical frame. In this article, I’ll be focusing on the Junior and Cadet teams, providing scouting reports on their top prospects as well as highlighting players to watch for the long term.

Real Madrid’s junior team for the 2025-2026 season

• Hugo Alonso (6’2 G | 2008 | #7)

• Fabian Kayser (6’7 G | 2009 | #8)

• Omer Kutluay (6’3 G | 2009 | #10)

• Andrej Bjelic (6’4 W | 2008 | #11)

• Osa Hadi (6’4 W | 2009 | #20)

• Gunars Grinvalds (6’8 F | 2008 | #6)

• Andrej Fantic (6’8 F | 2009 | #13)

• Egor Amosov (6’6 F | 2008 | #17)

• Ilia Frolov (6’9 C | 2008 | #14)

• Ousmane Diarra (6’10 C | 2009 | #18)

Egor Amosov

• 6’7 Forward out of Russia, 2008-born

Egor Amosov joins Real Madrid as arguably the most underrated prospect who played professional basketball in Europe last season. At just 16 years old, Amosov logged 20 minutes per game for BC Samara in the Russian VTB League, the country’s top league, averaging 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1 steal per game, while shooting 35% from three. This year, he transitions from professional play to U18 competition in Spain, joining Real Madrid as a natural replacement for Gildas Gimenez, who left to play high school basketball in Arizona. Amosov is a big, physical forward, a force in transition and a tough matchup when attacking the rim. He combines athleticism and strength with the refinement of a complementary forward who already has pro-level experience. Beyond his physical tools, he has shown reliable shooting, hitting 35% from three in the VTB and 41% from deep in nine games with Samara’s B team.

Amosov is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways, operating as a secondary creator on the wing, handling the ball in stretches, or spotting up from three, even off the dribble. The key storyline to watch this season will be how willing he is to lead offensively against top youth competition in Europe. Last year, Real Madrid’s U18 team often struggled by playing too much by committee, lacking a true top prospect to take over when needed. If Amosov can embrace that role, he has the tools to soar up NBA Draft boards as a premier prospect in the Class of 2026.

Omer Kutluay

• 6’3 Guard out of Turkey, 2009-born

Omer Kutluay has all the tools and measurables to eventually develop into a top guard prospect. A European legacy prospect, Kutluay has already had tremendous success in his youth career with both Real Madrid and the Turkish national team. Coming off his second U16 campaign for Turkey, he once again led the tournament in scoring, averaging 19.0 points per game in 2024 while playing a year up, and 24.1 points per game this past summer. Alongside the 24.1 points, he also averaged 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per contest, cementing himself as one of the top performers in the entire event for the second year in a row. Although Turkey didn’t crack the top five, Kutluay will have the chance to showcase his talent on the world stage next year, as Turkey hosts the U17 World Cup and receives an automatic bid.

Kutluay is a high-IQ ball handler with poise beyond his years. He uses his handle and body control to get to the rim with ease, while his composure and decision-making remain the bread and butter of his game. He consistently makes sharp reads in traffic, capitalizing on tight passing windows to create opportunities for teammates. His shot is smooth, though his percentages, particularly from three, are still to be desired. At the youth level, he excels at absorbing contact, but his physicality and defence will be the key swing factors in his long-term development, especially as he transitions into the pro game. All in all, Kutluay grades out as one of the best ball-handling, pick-and-roll prospects overseas, regardless of class.

Fabian Kayser

• 6’7 Guard out of Germany, 2009-born

Fabian Kayser is widely regarded as a top-five prospect in Europe’s 2009-born generation. After debuting for Germany’s U16 and U17 teams in FIBA competition last year, he joined Real Madrid’s U18 squad as a cadet-aged player. At 6’7, Kayser brings real guard skills with advanced ball-handling and intriguing potential as a shot creator. He combines a strong frame with natural basketball instincts, giving him long-term NBA consideration if his development continues. Confident shooter off the dribble and in the pick and roll, he uses his physicality, speed and handle to create advantages on and off the ball. His positional versatility as a 6’7 playmaker is another point of intrigue within scouting circles, with evaluators debating whether he projects as a full-time point guard or more of a playmaking wing and secondary creator at the next level, drawing early comparisons to fellow German Franz Wagner.

I had the chance to see him live last winter at the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague in Munich, where he played a crucial role for Real Madrid despite the team falling short in the qualifiers. Since joining the program, Kayser has made major strides, particularly against tougher competition, growing in confidence as both a shot creator and team leader, even while often being the youngest player on the court. Over the course of the tournament, he developed in every passing game, going from a non factor in the first few games, to taking over in the 3rd place game against Olimpija, putting up 17 points, 8 boards and 6 assists on 5-8 from 3. Late in the season, Kayser appeared to suffer an injury that sidelined him from Germany’s U16 campaign this summer. His rehab and readjustment will be important to monitor moving forward, as his transition to the pro level could determine his upside as a long term prospect.

Ilia Frolov

6’9 Forward-Center out of Russia, 2008-born

Ilia Frolov is a strong example of a talented prospect who could break out into the mainstream this season if he increases his aggression for Real Madrid. Frolov is a very smart big man with excellent technique and footwork. He has a big frame with long arms that allow him to secure the ball from difficult angles. A high-IQ passer, he has shown encouraging flashes as a playmaker in the post throughout his youth career, highlighted by winning MVP of the U16 La Orotava tournament in late 2023 with the U16 team. He is also a willing shooter with a smooth stroke, using his length to shoot over defenders, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations.

With the U18 team, he has consistently displayed flashes of pro-level potential, but he often fades into the background, especially against strong competition last year. Despite his ability to make smart reads, score both inside and out, and cover ground quickly, he sometimes looked like a non-factor during the Next Generation EuroLeague. Even so, he remains a top-20 player in his generation. His upside as a prospect could skyrocket if he puts everything together, transitioning into the role of a starting forward/center and showcasing the same offensive skill set he flashed at the U16 level.

Andrej Bjelic

• 6’4 Shooting Guard out of Serbia, 2008-born

Andrej Bjelic broke onto the scene at last year’s FIBA U16s, putting on a clinic to help Serbia secure a bronze medal. After suffering an injury that sidelined him for most of last season, Bjelic is back and looking to establish himself as a mainstay for Real Madrid’s U18 roster. Standing at around 6’4, Bjelic is not only the best shooter on this squad but also one of the top shooting prospects in Europe. During his FIBA run with Serbia, he averaged 37% from three on eight attempts per game, while also putting up 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest, showcasing real potential as a three-level scorer with good size.

He’s an excellent outside shooter with a quick release, but he also uses his handle, strength, and speed to create space and score off the dribble. His motor stands out as well: he dives for loose balls, finishes in traffic, and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities. Bjelic is also a noticeably confident shooter, rarely passing up open looks, with possessions often ending once the ball finds his hands. Now entering as a senior member of this team, it will be interesting to see how he takes on scoring responsibilities moving forward and whether he can maintain efficiency while doing so.

Quick Hits

Andrej Fantic

• 6’8 Wing out of Montenegro, 2009-born

Andrej Fantic has shown some exciting flashes so far in his youth career as a tall, wiry forward who can shoot the three and make tough shots when needed. He had a strong FIBA debut for Montenegro in the U16 Division B tournament, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting an impressive 39% from three on nearly six attempts per game. At 6’8, he has the ability to handle the ball, hit difficult shots from the perimeter, and provide solid team defense. As one of the younger players on his team, he will likely begin the season as a reserve but could develop into a key piece for this roster next year. While still skinny, his physical development will be the main focus moving forward, ultimately determining how smoothly he can transition to the pro level.

Ousmane Diarra

• 6’10 Center out of Mali, 2009-born

Ousmane Diarra is your classic Real Madrid big man prospect, with outstanding physical tools and a dominant stature at around 6’10, supported by a solid frame and strong athleticism. He is a dynamic lob finisher and a reliable screener in the pick-and-roll. Though not as physical as Mohamed Landoure or as skilled as Sidi Gueye, his athletic pop stands out when competing against players his age. He won’t be asked to do anything out of the ordinary, just anchor this squad in the paint on both ends and bring some physicality to this young group.

Gunars Grinvalds

• 6’8 Forward out of Latvia, 2008-born

Gunars Grinvalds has never been the flashiest of Real Madrid’s prospects, but he has consistently provided value on both ends of the court. A lanky 6’8 wing, he can operate on the perimeter while also holding his own defensively both inside and out. His versatility is what has kept him around on this squad for years and even earned him some early minutes with Real Madrid’s main team. While he won’t wow you with elite athleticism, he’s a dependable, all-around player who contributes effectively on and off the ball. He’s logged in some minutes on Real Madrid’s main team early in the preseason and looks to have taken a leap in production at the U18 level. His development into a big contributor could be what separates him as a prospect long-term.

Osa Hadi Adegbite

• 6’4 Wing out of Spain, 2009-born

Osa Hadi is the quintessential hustle player. He’s an excellent perimeter defender, a capable secondary playmaker, and a solid three-point shooter, albeit on low volume. This past summer, he was one of the better players on Spain’s U16 team and turned in a decent performance despite Spain failing to qualify for the U17 World Cup. Though a bit undersized for a wing at just 6’3–6’4, he possesses intriguing tools that could allow him to become a valuable contributor to this squad in the future.

Hugo Alonso

• 6’2 Guard out of Spain, 2008-born

Hugo Alonso is another new addition to this Real Madrid squad, joining as one of the older members of the roster and a potential candidate for starting guard minutes. He’s a smaller guard with a solid handle who has spent the past few years developing at the SBA Academy.

Real Madrid’s Cadet (U16) team for the 2025-2026 season

• Aikel Marvis (6’9 C | 2010 | #16)

• Aitor Canizares (6’3 W | 2010 | #17)

• Alvaro Garcia (6’2 G | 2010 | #4)

• Aniel Fevry ( 5’10 G | 2010 | #8)

• Jaime Roman (5’11 G | 2010 | #7)

• Pablo Mera (6’4 W | 2010 | #15)

• Rhys Robinson (6’8 G | 2010 | #5)

• Toni Garma (6’6 G | 2010 | #11)

This group has the potential to be an all time youth squad in Europe, with two of the consensus top 3 2010-born prospects in Spain running the squad in Toni Garma (#1) and Rhys Robinson (#3). Although the roster currently isn’t complete, with rumoured acquisitions not currently listed on the roster and different call-ups from younger teams, the sheer fire-power at the top should be enough to captivate NBA and NCAA scouts early. While the roster outside the top four players isn’t much to write about, their synergy early into the season is very encouraging in early season play at the U16 level.

Toni Garma

• 6’6 Combo-Guard out of Croatia, 2010-born

Heralded early in his youth career as the “next Luka Dončić,” Garma has gone on to dominate at the youth level for Real Madrid, breaking multiple scoring records in the academy during his first season. He was first discovered in Croatia after putting together an incredible 73-point performance against Cibona at the U13 level, outscoring the entire opposing team. Later that season, while playing as a guest for Real Madrid, he scored 170 points across six games, including a record-breaking 57-point outing in the tournament.

Last year, he caught scouts’ attention playing up an age group in the U16 No Borders EuroCup tournament, where he erupted for 25 points on 7-for-9 shooting from three in just 14 minutes of play. In his first two games in the U16 Madrid League, he has averaged 31 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game on 67% shooting from the field and 44% from three. Garma has showcased his dominance at every level so far, attracting the attention of NBA and NCAA scouts as a 6’6” combo guard who is reportedly still growing. He profiles as an elite offensive option, a three-level scorer with relentless aggression as a shooter, capable of crashing the boards and handling physicality, while continuing to develop as a passer and playmaker. He has a natural feel for the game and underrated athleticism, even if it isn’t always the most eye-popping.

With all the hype surrounding him, Garma had a somewhat disappointing FIBA U16 debut, playing a year up. He averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds on 38% shooting from the field and 33% from three. With Croatia’s best prospect in decades and a squad that entered as pre-tournament favorites, the team was unable to secure promotion to Division A, finishing 8th despite featuring two of the top 2010-born prospects in Europe, Toni Garma and Luka Ukić. While I believe he was misused within the team’s system, it is unfortunate that we will not see him compete against top European U16 competition next year.

Despite that setback, Garma remains one of the best international prospects in the world and one of the most complete scoring talents at the youth level, all before turning 16. Projected to grow to around 6’8”, Garma will be an essential name to follow closely over the coming years.

Rhys Robinson

• 6’7 Point Guard / Wing out of the United States, 2010-born

Rhys Robinson is one of the most unique stories in international basketball, moving from California to Madrid at just 14 years old to develop within the Spanish club system. What might have seemed like a gamble at the time now looks like one of the smarter prospect decisions in recent years, as his stock has skyrocketed since joining Real Madrid’s academy. Since his debut, Robinson has evolved from a 6’5 wing into a legitimate 6’7 point guard, dramatically improving his handle and becoming a pass-first guard with tremendous potential both on and off the ball. He possesses a strong physical frame that is still developing, blending functional athleticism with great size and a build that projects well for adding muscle in the future.

Robinson’s improvement as a ball handler has been crucial for his development, as he had already profiled as an athletic wing with strong defensive tools and instincts that could eventually translate to the pro level. In his first two games of the season, he has averaged 6 assists to just 1 turnover, while also scoring 14 points per game and shooting over 60% from three. While it’s still a small sample size, projecting his skill set moving forward makes him one of the more intriguing prospects overseas. He has all the tools to develop into a potential NBA-caliber player: size, athleticism, defence, shooting, and playmaking, all of which have shown flashes early in his career. His aggression on offense will be something to monitor, as it will determine whether he can develop into a true alpha-level scorer at the youth level before transitioning to higher levels of competition. Among all the players on Real Madrid’s cadet squad, Robinson may be the one most likely to log consistent minutes with the junior team, just as he did last year.

Quick Hits:

Aikel Marvis

• 6’9 Center out of Spain, 2010-born

A lumbering big man and late bloomer, he has impressed scouts early in his career with his footwork and post technique. While he has yet to fully dominate at this level, the combination of touch and skill at 6’9, and still growing, is highly encouraging. As the lone true big man on his roster, he will carry significant responsibilities and have plenty of opportunities to develop within the program. Though he may not project to be as dominant as some of the elite bigs who have come through before him, his blend of length, creativity, and finesse makes him a prospect worth monitoring closely moving forward.

Pablo Mera

• 6’4 Wing out of Spain, 2010-born

Mera has posted impressive numbers at the youth level in Spain, setting multiple records within Real Madrid’s program and even debuting for the club’s B team at just 15 years old. Unlike Marvis, Mera was an early bloomer, using his physical maturity to dominate against his peers. He profiles as a strong and intelligent prospect with good feel for the game and creativity on the ball. The next step will be proving how much he can develop when facing higher levels of physical competition. His outside shooting remains the key swing skill to monitor as he continues to progress.

Aniel Fevry

• 5’10 Point Guard out of France, 2010-born

Fevry broke into the scene last year at the annual Spanish Minicup, putting together a shooting clinic, hitting tough contested shots from long range. Limited physical tools but has the potential to be one of the better shooters in Europe in his age group. Encouraging progress getting to the rim, he’s a very technical player with good fundamentals.

Moussa Balla Traore

6’8 Center out of Mali, 2013-born

Real Madrid took the internet by storm when their roster revealed Moussa Balla Traoré as part of their Infantil team. A hulking 6’8” giant listed at just 11 years old, he possesses the physical traits of a 20-year-old despite being reportedly born in 2013. Traoré debuted with Madrid’s Cadet team to start the season in the Madrid League, where he posted 12 points and 17 rebounds in his first outing.

Not much is yet known about his overall skill set, but his sheer size and early production ensure that scouts will be tracking his progress closely in the coming years, regardless of the speculation surrounding his age. While it’s rare to see a player this big at such a young age, it isn’t unprecedented; however, his musculature and physical frame do appear unusual for someone on the verge of turning 12. Regardless of the debate, Real Madrid clearly views Traoré as a counter to rising phenom Mohamed Dabone, seemingly attempting to replicate his developmental path within the Spanish club system. His trajectory will be one of the most intriguing storylines in European youth basketball moving forward.

From top to bottom, Real Madrid has one of the most respected developmental systems in Europe, built on strong talent development and a history of producing top players. With the launch of Spain’s new U22 league, Liga U, there’s now another consistent outlet to follow these prospects throughout the year, with games streamed for free on YouTube. As Spanish basketball continues to grow and more players make the move to the U.S., it’s a good time to start following the scene early.

Madrid’s youth teams stay active across both domestic and international circuits, competing in the Liga Ahorramas – Oro in Spain while also taking part in events like the La Orotava Tournament (U16) and the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (U18), among others.

Part 3 on FC Barcelona coming soon!

With international recruiting at an all-time high, it’s becoming increasingly important for coaching staffs to understand the youth prospect landscape overseas. With every passing month, more NCAA programs and prep schools are dipping their toes into international scouting, with NIL and eligibility changes allowing previously untouchable prospects to gain new opportunities to play in America. My name is Alec, and over the past year and a half I’ve been traveling the world and dedicating countless hours of research to better understand the international youth landscape. I’ve been building a database to help coaches and fans alike track the early development of these prospects and academies overseas. Currently working freelance, my goal is to one day break into the scouting world and become an NCAA-level scout.

Without discrediting the American basketball developmental system, the European approach to youth development, especially at the U16 level, offers something incredibly unique, often producing some of the most technically gifted players in the world for their age. Countries such as Serbia, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany have produced numerous professionals over the past few years, most of them coming through national clubs that have invested years into developing these prospects. Serbia has consistently produced technically skilled big men, while Spain has developed guards with high-level experience at an early age. France, on the other hand, has emerged as the newest basketball hotspot for NBA prospects, where elite developmental programs intersect with the freakishly athletic physical profiles of French youth. There is something massive brewing overseas, something that can’t be ignored as long as international recruiting grows increasingly important at the NCAA level. This series is going to cover the top academies in Europe and their top prospects, from the draft eligible prospects to the young guys starting up their journeys as prospects. The goal is to hopefully provide a clearer look into these programs, starting with INSEP Pole France, then following the Real Madrid and FC Barcelona academies in Spain and finishing off with the KK Mega Superbet program in Serbia. Each part will start with an overview of the program, followed by the top players to watch in each age group in each academy and where to watch them play this season.

INSEP Pole France: The NBA Prospect factory

Over the last seven years, eighteen french players have been drafted into the NBA. Out of those eighteen players, eleven have spent time at the INSEP Pole France academy in some way or another. Notable alumni include Victor Wembanyama*, Theo Maledon, Nolan Traore, Noa Essengue and Noah Penda. INSEP, also referred to as the CFBB or the “Centre Federal du Basketball,” is the French national team’s development club, recruiting the top players under 18 in France and training them to represent France at the FIBA level. The club is usually an easy access pipeline to France’s U16, U18 and U20 national teams, with most of the players eventually representing the national team at least once during their youth careers. INSEP has done a great job creating NBA level players over the years, with a majority of their players having great size and length, with strong defensive capabilities, great mobility and fun flashes as a ball handler. The biggest weakness of the program has been developing above average 3-point shooters, with most prospects developing as shooters in later stages in their career. Interestingly enough, the combined 3-point percentage of all french national teams this summer, including the senior team was 26%. Otherwise, the combination of size, defence and ball skills is usually enough to help their prospects be considered as top prospects in their international generations, with Nolan Traore, Noa Kouakou-Heugue, Hugo Yimga, Cam Houindo and Nathan Soliman all considered as top 5 international prospects in their respective draft classes.

The program is split between two teams, the NM1 team and the U18 team, each with around twelve to fifteen players from 13 to 18 years old. The NM1 team plays in France’s third pro league, competing against adults, while the U18 team is usually made up of players 16 years old and under, playing against France’s top U18 competition, against other developmental programs. Players usually spend their entire youth careers with the program until they earn pro contracts with clubs in France or other countries. Recent graduates include Jonas Boulefaa (ADA Blois), Hugo Yimga-Moukhouri (Nanterre), Cameron Houindo (Cedevita Olimpija), Yannis Allard (La Rochelle) and Meissa Faye (Ulm), amongst others. While these teams aren’t usually successful in their leagues, it creates a competitive edge when playing against players their own age, usually developing a physical advantage when playing European U18 competition in tournaments like the Adidas Next Generations EuroLeague, where they routinely enter as favourites in the group stages. While not as talented as the last two seasons, this year’s NM1 team has an interesting blend of new faces and returners expected to take a step up, learning how to gel together as they improve playing local and international competition over the next year. Throughout this article I’ll be giving scouting reports on the top prospects to keep an eye on at the NM1 and U18 level going into next season.

INSEP Pole France’s NM1 team for the 2025-2026 season

• Achille Junior Elouma (6’7 W | 2008 | #37)

• Antoine Pansa (6’6 F | 2009 | #72)

• Brandon Muela (6’7 W | 2009 | #11)

• Keny Vado (6’9 C | 2008 | #34)

• Matthys Mahop (6’4 G | 2008 | #00)

• Mehdi Chaouad (6’8 F | 2008 | #6)

• Messi Yangala (6’8 F-C | 2009 | #5)

• Nateo Gabriel Des Bordes (6’4 G | 2008 | #27)

• Nathan Soliman (6’8 W | 2009 | #14)

• Sven Kelian Ngom (6’11 C | 2009 | #0)

• Yael Masdieu-Reynaert (6’3 G | 2008 | #35)

• Yanis Pierrot (5’10 G | 2009 | #10)

Nathan Soliman

• 6’8 Forward, 205 lbs, 2009-born

Nathan Soliman has been playing against pros for the past two years and was the second-leading scorer for the INSEP program last season, despite being the youngest player on the team by two years. Soliman combines intriguing length and fluidity with valuable experience competing against professionals, all while just turning 16 this year. At 6’8”, he continues to improve with every game, using his size to create mismatches and shoot over defenders on offense, while also developing into a reliable perimeter defender who can switch onto smaller players and hold his own in the paint. A quintessential 3-and-D prospect, his name has circulated in draft circles for years as a potential top-five pick in the 2028 NBA Draft. In his second and most recent FIBA U16 EuroBasket campaign, he averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.3 assists along with 4.0 “stocks” per game, on 52/25/70 shooting splits. Tasked with carrying a weaker 2009-born France generation that barely managed to qualify for the U17 World Cup, he put together MVP level performances to help France recover after a tough loss to an Italy team that disqualified them from an appearance on the podium. His 3-point shooting remains a work in progress, but the flashes of improvement have been encouraging, especially towards the end of his last season in the NM1. Although he’s still a bottom-age prospect within this group, this is likely Soliman’s last season with the program, similar to how Hugo Yimga and Cameron Houindo graduated last season. This season will be a big test to see how he adapts as the focal piece of an academy team as a star-caliber prospect.

Matthys Mahop

• 6’4 Combo Guard, 187 lbs, 2008-born

Matthys Mahop has a unique blend of physical tools and feel for guard prospect, with his height listed anywhere between 6’0 and 6’4. Point guard who is active in transition, with a smooth handle and some intriguing upside as a shot creator. Pass-first guard who has shown defensive potential with a plus wingspan and strong ball skills. One of the most dynamic dribblers and ball-handlers in the 2008 generation overseas, he has the ability to string together some intriguing dribbling combos, utilizing his long arms and strong game sense to get to the rim, or create open looks for himself on the perimeter. Mahop possesses all the tools to develop into a high-level guard prospect, but this season will be a make-or-break opportunity to see if he can translate that potential into production against top competition. Throughout his pro career, he’s tended to be a bit too passive on offense, as a low volume scorer, even during U18 competition like ANGT. Watching his games, I’d get impressed by his flashes as a scorer and the complete game on offense, but always left watching the film wanting to see a bit more from him. Over the next year, the key will be his growth on offense, as he had a tendency to fade into the background during his first season as a pro. With a higher on-ball volume this time around, he has the chance to truly break out in scouting circles as an NCAA candidate or a potential long-term pro.

Achille Junior Elouma

• 6’7 Wing, 190 lbs, 2008-born

Elouma could be in line for the biggest breakout on this squad, with minutes opening up at the forward position following the departures of Hugo Yimga, Jonas Boulefaa, Yannis Allard, and Meissa Faye. He broke onto the scene with France at the FIBA U16s, where he averaged 6.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, and 2.1 SPG, and spent last summer in the United States with Adapt Global Academy, earning an offer from La Salle. Big wing who has all the qualities that have intrigued NBA teams over the last decade: Long athletic wing with a plus wingspan who runs like a gazelle and can handle the ball well. Watching the ANGT film, his upside on offense is shown in flashes, with a quick twitch and a good handle able to initiate and finish plays. Once again, the flashes need to turn into production this year, becoming a centrepiece on this INSEP team this season. Improvements as a decision maker and finisher, as well as a consistent 3-point shot will be the swing skills to determine what his ceiling as a prospect could become. Elouma has clear two-way potential, with some intriguing flashes on the defensive end, having all the tools to potentially become one of the better defenders in his age bracket in France, with the frame and ability to defend 2 through 4. With a strong season and some improved consistency scaling up to a bigger role, Elouma has the tools to rise quickly in European prospect rankings this year.

Messi Yangala

• 6’8 Forward-Center, 203 lbs, 2009-born

Yangala arguably has the third-highest upside on this squad behind Soliman and Mahop, emerging as a dominant interior presence for France’s U16 team this summer. He was the team’s second-best performer, showcasing an elite motor, athleticism, and mobility that allowed him to control the rim on both ends against his age group. Offensively, he flashed touch as a shooter, converting 1-of-3 attempts from beyond the arc while also being effective in the mid-range. Built like a brick wall, the key question will be how his physicality translates against professional competition and whether he can lean more on skill than strength. Defensively, he displayed strong rim-protection instincts, with his length and mobility making him an impactful shot blocker capable of switching inside and out. Standing at around 6’8-6’9 with great athleticism off one or two feet, his positional versatility will likely play a big part in his development this season, being able to play reps as a small ball 5, as Pole France often tends to do. With his physicality and frame developing he could potentially become the successor to Cameron Houindo, who, while undersized for a center, played a critical role in the post for the french club. Yangala is expected to take a significant leap into this Pole France rotation, playing spot minutes towards the end of last season and showing some intriguing flashes in limited minutes.

Nateo Des Bordes

• 6’4 Combo Guard, 194 lbs, 2008-born

Des Bordes is another player who could benefit from the departure of last year’s graduates, having shown flashes of scoring upside in a smaller role during NM1 play. A proven shooter and scorer at the U16 level, he thrived as a catch-and-shoot option with some budding on-ball creation. With more minutes available and a year of experience under his belt, this season will test whether his shooting and scoring can translate effectively at a higher level, as well as whether he can add more value beyond his jumper. He showed encouraging flashes last year as an on-ball defender and could earn additional reps as a secondary or tertiary playmaker within this squad. With a larger offensive load and great positional size to compete against pros, he should hopefully showcase his skillset in a larger volume, as a potential starter at the 2-guard position this season.

Quick Hits

Yael Masdieu-Reynaert

• 6’3 Point Guard, 170 lbs, 2008-born

Yael Masdieu-Reynaert took a big leap in minutes and production throughout his last season for Pole France, playing 20 minutes a game and leading the team in assists, with 3.5 assists per game. A smart guard prospect with strong basketball IQ, he combines size and offensive skill to make himself an intriguing name to monitor in an expanded role this year. His 86% free-throw shooting suggests positive shooting touch and could indicate room for growth from beyond the arc, where he shot 33% on low volume last season. He’s expected to share ball handling during with Matthys Mahop once again, likely as a viable option for the starting point guard of this team this season.

Keny Vado

• 6’9 Center, 245 lbs, 2008-born

Keny Vado has been a consistent member of this squad for the last few years, as another undersized big with a strong frame, providing stability and strength as the anchor of this squad. At 6’9, 245 lbs, he’s an absolute unit in the post, who with more usage and higher confidence, could rise up European prospect rankings this season. He’s played up in age in multiple occasions in national play and has experience playing against pros. Vado could be up for a big season with the program.

Mehdi Chaouad

• 6’8 Forward, 207 lbs, 2008-born

Interesting physical profile at 6’8 with great bounce off one and two feet, he joins the squad after playing a season at dominating at the U18 level in France. As a relatively new member to this ensemble he could be the biggest wild card of the bunch, with great tools to potentially fill in that gap on the wing next to Nathan Soliman. His development as a shooter could create some really interesting lineup flexibility to this squad, with multiple big wings being able to play inside and out.

Sven Ngom

• 6’11 Center, 313 lbs, 2009-born

Ngom is one of the bigger wild cards in this group, standing 6’11” with a 7’4 wingspan and weighing 313 lbs, making him by far the tallest player on the squad and a newcomer to NM1 play this season. While his physical tools are impressive, conditioning remains the biggest hurdle, as he is often slow to get up and down the floor. If he can improve his conditioning and consistently produce at this level, his upside as a long-term center prospect is significant. His role this season will be worth monitoring as he develops into a potential successor at the position for next year.

Brandon Muela

• 6’7 Wing, 207 lbs, 2009-born

Muela is another intriguing long-term prospect on this squad, playing with the U18 team last season but getting spot minutes with the NM1 team, making his debut last season against pros. Great measurables for a modern wing prospect, but with his absence from the FIBA U16s, there isn’t much film to go on last season. He’s got some very intriguing tools and his potential is yet to be unlocked as a prospect still early in his development as a pro.

INSEP Pole France’s U18 Elite team for the 2025-2026 season

• Camron Nonga Drieux (6’8 | 2010 | #20)

• Darryl Makoumbou (6’5 C | 2010 | #92)

• Elyjah Nadeau-Jolo (5’10 G | 2010 | #25)

• Gabin Pascal (5’11 G | 2010 | #9)

• Ilian Toholin (6’3 G | 2010 | #78)

• Laynce Mendy (5’9 G | 2010 | #28)

• Liam Kabeya (6’3 G | 2010 | #3)

• Livio Mendes (6’5 W | 2010 | #2)

• Mael Barbier (6’4 W | 2010 | #55)

• Messie-Guethan Iwani (6’6 F | 2010 | #77)

• Milo Pietri-Dangla (6’3 W | 2010 | #1)

• Taig Nonga-Drieux (6’6 C | 2010 | #19)

• Yohan Pomier (6’5 C | 2011 | #23)

While they have only played two games together as of this writing, the U18 squad has already shown promise, offering glimpses of potentially becoming one of France’s strongest generations in recent years. This summer, France sent its national U15 team to compete in the U16 EYOF tournament, one of the most prestigious U16 events in Europe, where they impressed while playing a year up in competition, securing notable wins against strong opponents with five future INSEP players on the roster. The current U18 team features an intriguing mix of size, length, and scoring, highlighted by standout prospects from the 2010 generation in Europe along with several potential breakout candidates in local play. It may be too early to draw firm conclusions about their long-term outlook, but here are some of the players who have stood out in both national and club competition.

Liam Kabeya

• 6’3 Guard, 2010-born

Kabeya has been the clearest standout within this group, as a 6’3 CG with a freakishly long wingspan and some fun ball skills at his age. Good scoring instincts with high level confidence and great physical tools, he uses his athleticism and wingspan as a mismatch on both ends. Good ball handler who can get to the rim in long strides, his physical and athletic tools project him as a future prospect to keep an eye on who’s most likely not done growing. Obviously incredibly early to tell, but there are some real indicators that make him the top name to watch within this group.

Messi Iwani

• 6’6 Forward, 2010-born

Messie-Guethan Iwani, 6’6 F, 2010

Heralded as the crown jewel of France’s 2010 generation, Iwani was the youngest player invited to France’s U16 EuroBasket training camp, a year younger than every other player invited. He was eventually cut, which led to him missing out in U15 action. Physical beast at a young age, he moves like a freight train with his big frame and ability to draw contact on drives. Strong athlete and willing shooter, he seems to be the next big forward to develop in the Pole France program.

Ilian Toholin

• 6’3 Guard, 2010-born

Toholin is another intriguing guard prospect with good size and length, already looking like an active defender with good scoring instincts on offence. Another player whose upside could be significant playing in the back court with Liam Kabeya. Another guard prospect who plays way above his age, with an ability to absorb contact and play physically in transition. His development will be one to track over the year, as a potential player to jump up international age rankings with a strong international season next summer.

Camron Nonga Drieux, Taig Nonga Drieux

• 6’8 Center, 6’6 Center, 2010-born

Hulking set of twins who stand above their peers as some of the more physically dominant prospects in their age group. INSEP has gotten their hands on a pair of giants who have been productive in early youth play so far in France. Both are still raw but hold some intriguing upside to keep an eye on. Big, athletic forwards who could potentially develop into quality big men prospects for the program. Taig is a bit quicker on his feet, making some really fun plays in transition and showing some fun flashes as a finisher from tougher angles. Camron is bigger and more dominant in the post and has shown some fun flashes as an athletic finisher above and below the rim. Both hold some really fun upside and could be pivotal parts on France’s youth teams in the next FIBA cycle.

Quick Hits

• Milo Pietri Dangla is an intriguing shooter, looking confortable from long-range

• Livio Mendes has one of the more intriguing physical profiles on this team at 6’5 with some great two-way athleticism

• Mael Barbier your typical glue guy, as a good athlete with a strong physical frame and some great hustle on both ends

• Yohan Pomier is the youngest player in the program, and while still insanely raw, has some intriguing potential

INSEP’s first taste of international action will be from September 25 to 27, playing in the NBA Academy showcase in Abu Dhabi. The NM1 squad will be playing in U18 competition facing up against the NBA Academy Africa team, IMG Academy and the Centre of Excellence out of Australia. This event will be a fun test to see how this squad matches up early against top youth competition.

Thank you for reading and supporting this series as I continue to cover the top basketball prospect academies in Europe. For more information on the top prospects in Europe, feel free to follow @nbadraftpoint on X & Instagram

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