It’s also the one of the major FIBA events that I’ve yet to attend in person. I’ve been to the U18 EuroBasket, the FIBA U17 and U19 World Cup, the senior EuroBasket and the FIBA World Cup, but I still haven’t made it to the U16s.

That doesn’t mean I haven’t been watching.

This year’s tournament in Oradea, Romania gave me an opportunity to get another look at several prospects I was already familiar with, while also introducing me to a new group of names that are now firmly on my radar. At this age, I’m not interested in making definitive NBA projections or overreacting to one week of basketball. There’s simply too much development ahead of these players.

Instead, I’m looking for traits, flashes and performances that give me a reason to keep watching.

And after spending the week following the action in Romania, there are several prospects I’ll be tracking much more closely throughout this upcoming season and beyond.

Here are the players who caught my attention at the 2026 FIBA U16 EuroBasket.

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Every summer there are a handful of players who use FIBA youth tournaments to introduce themselves to a much larger basketball audience.

Benjamin Berrouet didn’t necessarily need an introduction.

The 6’8”, 240 pound forward from McKinney, Texas was already considered one of the top prospects in the high school class of 2028 and had put together a dominant sophomore season in the Dallas area. His recruitment was already filled with high major interest, and after transferring to Dynamic Prep, he’ll spend his junior season playing for former NBA All Star Jermaine O’Neal.

But what Berrouet is doing for Latvia at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket in Romania has taken things to another level.

Through five games, Berrouet is averaging 23.4 points, 15.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 4 blocks per game, while shooting 58 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line on nine attempts per game.

Latvia is 5-0 and will face Spain in Friday’s semifinal with an opportunity to play for a European championship.

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As basketball continues to globalize and more European players are choosing to take the college route, it’s become common to see coaches from high and mid major programs in the bleachers in search of impact players.

This year’s tournament featured many of the biggest names from Europe’s 2008 generation, but it also introduced several prospects who significantly raised their profiles. While a handful project as future NBA players, I also came away believing there are several others who could become difference makers at the college level if they decide to pursue that path.

A few days ago, I broke down six prospects who caught my attention in Trentino. In Part 2, I’ll highlight several more players who stood out during the tournament, sharing what I learned, the questions that still remain and where I think each evaluation goes from here.

Lucai Anderson | Germany

What Did I Learn?

After watching Anderson throughout the tournament, I'm a little higher on him than I was after my previous scouting trips.

His game has improved since the first time I saw him play in Belgrade earlier this season where he showed flashes but was mostly up and down with his play. Stylistically, he still reminds me a lot of his older brother, Christian, but at this stage, Lucai is already a little bigger. Listed at 6’4”, he has good positional size for a point guard and put together a strong tournament, averaging 15 points, 4.9 assists and 3 rebounds per game. His best performance came against Lithuania, where he finished with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

The biggest takeaway for me was his shooting.

Anderson showed that he can really make shots when his feet are set, connecting on 37 percent of his catch and shoot threes. He also displayed the ability to knock down movement threes and looked comfortable pulling up from the midrange. He has a polished scoring package for his age, whether it is pushing the ball in transition, getting to his pull up jumper or finishing with soft touch floaters in the paint.

I also came away more encouraged by his passing than I expected. He made the simple reads, found cutters, delivered timely post entry passes and flashed the ability to make live dribble reads that suggest there is more playmaking upside than I initially thought.

Another thing that stood out was his toughness.

Despite his baby face and unassuming appearance, Anderson plays with some grit. He snuck in for several offensive rebound putbacks, competed on the glass and showed that he is a very good rebounder for a guard.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question revolves around his decision making.

Anderson is an extremely confident player, and that confidence is one of his strengths. At times, however, it also leads him into difficult shot selection. He is willing to take heavily contested jumpers and challenge defenders in situations where a simpler play may be available.

While I thought he made encouraging strides as a passer, taking care of the basketball is still a work in progress.

He averaged 4.4 turnovers per game and committed five or more turnovers in four different games. There are times when he forces passes or tries to make the spectacular play instead of the simple one.

The talent is evident. Now it is about becoming more efficient with the decisions that come along with having the ball in his hands so often.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

I think Anderson has a really solid foundation to build on.

I expect him to develop into a very good shooter both off the catch and off the dribble. His rebounding, competitiveness and scoring instincts are already positives.

The next step is becoming a more efficient offensive player by improving his shot selection and limiting the turnovers. He is always going to be wired to score, but if he can prove that he is a scoring point guard who also takes care of the basketball, I think he is going to become one of the more intriguing names to watch over the next couple of years.

It’s also worth remembering that Anderson was one of the younger players in the tournament. While most of the field was made up of 2008 born prospects, Anderson was born in 2009, giving him another opportunity to return next summer.

If he does, I expect him to enter the tournament as one of the premier players in the field and one of the biggest names to watch.

Leonard Kroger | Germany

What Did I Learn?

Leonard Kroger was one of the biggest surprises of the tournament for me.

I had watched him a few months earlier, and while I thought he was a solid prospect, he didn’t do enough to really stand out or leave a lasting impression. That changed in Trentino.

I came away believing Kroger deserves to be mentioned among the better prospects in Europe in his age group, and his selection to the All Tournament Team, ahead of more heralded German teammates Lucai Anderson and Fabian Kayser, backed up that opinion.

Kroger averaged a double double with 11.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 stocks per game, but what really stood out was his efficiency.

Once he caught the ball around the basket, it almost felt like he wasn’t going to miss. Kroger shot 71 percent from the field, doing nearly all of his damage in the paint.

He has soft hands, an active motor and excellent timing around the rim. He finishes strong in the paint, made several plays above the rim and understands his role as a rebounder and play finisher.

He was also one of the tournament’s best offensive rebounders, averaging four offensive rebounds per game. His activity around the basket created a number of second chance opportunities, and I thought he showed more feel as a passer than I expected. He made several good short roll reads and picked up multiple assists by kicking the ball out after offensive rebounds.

He doesn’t try to do too much, but he does the things he’s asked to do at a very high level.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question is how his game scales up.

At 6’8”, Kroger is undersized to project as a full time NBA center, yet he hasn’t shown any perimeter skill to comfortably project as a power forward.

He rarely looks to space the floor and wasn’t a factor as a perimeter shooter during the tournament.

The free throw shooting also leaves room for improvement. He converted just 13 of 23 attempts, which raises questions about how much shooting upside there is long term.

I’d also like to see him become more impactful as a rim protector. Despite his activity around the basket, he averaged fewer than one block per game. If he’s going to spend significant minutes as an interior player, adding more value protecting the rim would strengthen his profile.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

Kroger dramatically improved my opinion of him during this tournament, but I think he’ll need to continue expanding his offensive game to maximize his professional ceiling.

Developing a reliable jump shot or becoming a more impactful rim protector would make him a much more intriguing NBA prospect.

That said, I think his floor is pretty high.

Players who rebound, finish efficiently, embrace their role and play with a nonstop motor usually find ways to help winning teams.

If Kroger were to pursue the college route, I believe he could carve out an important role at the high major level because of his rebounding, efficiency around the basket and willingness to do the dirty work.

He may not have entered the tournament with the same level of hype as some of Germany’s other prospects, but he certainly left Trentino with my attention.

Maks Ciperle | Slovenia

What Did I Learn?

Ciperle has been one of my favorite international prospects for several months, and this tournament only reinforced why.

I first saw Ciperle at a tournament in Ulm, Germany, and followed him again at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, where Slovenia played without Stefan Joksimovic, who was away with the senior national team. That gave me an opportunity to evaluate Ciperle in a larger role. In Trentino, I thought he continued to show why he’s one of the more intriguing long term prospects in Europe.

Ciperle averaged 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.8 stocks, while shooting 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from three.

What continues to impress me most is his versatility.

Slovenia used him in a variety of roles throughout the tournament. At times he initiated the offense. Other possessions he functioned as the screener or roller. He attacked off dribble handoffs, posted up smaller defenders and used his ball handling to beat bigger defenders off the bounce, particularly with his left to right crossover.

He was also effective in transition, where a large portion of his offense came in the open floor.

I believe his greatest value is as a versatile connector who can grab a defensive rebound, push the ball in transition, make the right read and impact winning without needing a high usage role.

His decision making also stood out.

Ciperle finished the tournament with 25 assists against only eight turnovers, showing the ability to make quick, simple decisions when the ball was in his hands. His chemistry with Joksimovic played a large role in Slovenia winning the tournament as they often created easy baskets for one another. Ciperle repeatedly found Joksimovic on backdoor cuts, while Joksimovic rewarded him with hit ahead passes and transition buckets.

Defensively, he may have been even more impressive.

I’ve seen him make plays on that end before, but this tournament showcased just how versatile he can be. One possession he was battling bigger players in the paint, and the next he was switching onto guards and holding his own on the perimeter. That defensive flexibility is a major part of his appeal.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question is related how he expands his offensive repertoire.

While Ciperle shot 35 percent from three, he remains somewhat of a reluctant perimeter shooter. His first instinct is almost always to attack the basket, and I’d like to see him become more confident taking open jumpers.

I’d also like to see him expand the scoring package between the rim and the three point line.

Because he likes getting downhill, there were moments when longer and more physical defenders were able to bother him around the basket. Adding a reliable floater, runner or pull up jumper would give him another way to finish possessions without always having to challenge rim protectors.

I don’t think he needs to become a high volume scorer, but adding another layer to his half court offense would make him even more difficult to defend.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

For me, the evaluation is simple.

Ciperle just needs to continue building on the foundation he already has.

He’s versatile, unselfish, takes care of the basketball and impacts the game in a variety of ways. He rebounds, passes, defends multiple positions and understands how to play within a team concept.

Those qualities are why he’s remained one of my favorite international prospects over the past several months.

Whether he’s protecting the rim, jumping into passing lanes, initiating offense or filling a complementary role, Ciperle simply has a knack for making winning plays.

He’s the type of player who embodies positionless basketball, and I’ll be following his development closely over the next few years.

Cheik Diallo | Spain

What Did I Learn?

This tournament was an important checkpoint in my evaluation of Cheik Diallo because it gave me an opportunity to compare where he is now to when I first saw him last December.

Back then, I came away thinking he was still a raw prospect, but there were flashes of offensive skill around the basket that made me want to keep tracking him. In Trentino, I thought he built on those flashes and showed meaningful progress.

Diallo averaged 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and while he’s a little undersized for a center at 6’9”, he makes up for it with mobility, coordination and athleticism.

I continue to be encouraged by his footwork and hands around the basket. He runs the floor, finishes above the rim and plays with energy. He was especially active on the offensive glass, averaging 4.1 offensive rebounds per game, which created a number of easy scoring opportunities.

What intrigues me most, though, are the offensive flashes.

Every game seemed to feature a play or two that made you stop and take notice. Diallo showed the ability to put the ball on the floor from the perimeter, attack the basket on straight line drives with either hand and displayed promising instincts around the rim.

The post game is still developing, but I also liked seeing him use a baby hook around the basket. That’s a skill I believe every young big should have, especially one who generates so much offense through offensive rebound putbacks.

Defensively, the upside is easy to see.

Diallo moves his feet well enough to defend in space while also showing the potential to become a quality rim protector. There were several possessions where he matched ball handlers stride for stride on the perimeter before recovering to alter or block shots at the rim.

Those are the types of plays that make you wonder if he could eventually develop into a defensive anchor.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question is how much offensive upside he ultimately has.

Right now, most of his production comes as a play finisher. He doesn’t stretch the floor, and while the flashes of skill are exciting, they’re still just limited flashes.

Because he’s slightly undersized for an NBA center, he’ll need to continue adding layers to his offensive game.

The touch around the basket is still inconsistent. There are times when he fades away on his hook shot instead of finishing through contact, and his overall touch can be uneven. He converted just 50 percent from the free throw line, and although he shot 52 percent from the field, I’d like to see that number climb considering all of his offense comes around the basket.

The decision making also remains a work in progress.

Diallo finished the tournament with only three assists against 16 turnovers, which reflects where he is as a passer and offensive processor.

The physical tools are there. The offensive polish is still catching up.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

I’ve already seen noticeable growth from Diallo over the past eight months, and that’s probably the biggest reason I’ll continue following him closely.

The priority now is continuing to refine the offensive skill set.

Improving his touch around the basket, becoming more comfortable playing with his back to the basket and eventually adding some shooting range would go a long way toward maximizing his long term potential.

Even if those skills take time to develop, I think there’s already a role for him because of what he brings defensively.

His athleticism, rebounding, rim protection and ability to run the floor should make him a very attractive option for college programs looking for an energetic interior presence.

Long term, I’m interested to see whether the offensive flashes become dependable skills. If they do, Diallo has a chance to become much more than a rim runner and play finisher.

That’s what makes him one of the more intriguing big men I’ll continue tracking over the next few years.

Ignas Stombergas | Lithuania

What Did I Learn?

Ignas Stombergas was one of the players whose stock rose the most in my eyes during this tournament.

I came into Trentino already liking his game after watching him earlier this season in Italy. I was impressed by his combination of size, strength, fundamentals and skill. At times, however, I questioned whether he could impose his will against players with similar size and physicality.

This tournament answered a lot of those questions.

I left Trentino believing Stombergas is ready to play high major college basketball right now, and I also think he’s a better NBA prospect than I originally gave him credit for.

He averaged 16.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.1 steals, while shooting 68 percent from the field. He also knocked down his only three point attempt, although he finished just 53 percent from the free throw line.

What impressed me most was how complete his interior game looked.

Stombergas is an old school big who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He has a strong frame, thick lower body and good footwork, yet he’s light on his feet and runs the floor extremely well for his size.

He’s the type of player you have to box out on every possession because he’ll punish teams on the offensive glass. A large portion of his scoring came on offensive rebound put backs, but he was also effective as a cutter, a roll man and on traditional post touches.

Once he caught the ball around the basket, he knew exactly what to do.

I was also impressed with how he ran the floor in transition. He converted nine of his 10 transition field goal attempts, showing that he’s more mobile than people might expect from a kid with his size and strength.

There were also encouraging flashes as a passer. He showed enough feel to make the extra pass and even grabbed rebounds, pushed the ball himself and advanced it ahead in transition.

Defensively, he anchored Lithuania’s interior with his rebounding and rim protection. He has the physical presence to intimidate opponents around the basket while also moving well enough to defend outside the paint on occasion.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question for me isn’t about his talent.

It’s about how consistently he can impose his will.

I honestly believe Stombergas has the physical tools to dominate players his own age. There aren’t many bigs in Europe who can match his combination of strength, mobility, coordination and skill.

I’d like to see him play with a more consistent mean streak.

There are stretches where he looks capable of taking over a game, then other possessions where he blends into the action more than I’d like. Given his physical advantages, I think he should be one of the most imposing players on the floor every night.

The other question is whether there’s eventually some floor spacing in his future.

I don’t think he needs to become a perimeter shooter right now, but if he eventually develops into a player defenses have to respect outside the paint, it would significantly raise his ceiling.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

I left Trentino much higher on Stombergas than I was entering the tournament.

I think he has the talent to help a high major college program immediately if he decides to pursue that route, and I also believe he has legitimate NBA potential.

For me, the next step isn’t adding an entirely new skill set.

It’s maximizing the one he already has.

If he develops a more consistent edge and embraces playing through defenders every possession, I think he has a chance to become one of the better big men in his age group.

The physical tools are there.

The skill level is there.

The production is there.

Now it’s simply about putting those traits together every night.

That’s why I’ll continue following his development closely. I came away from this tournament believing Stombergas is much closer to becoming a legitimate NBA prospect than I initially thought.

David Musis | Israel

What Did I Learn?

No player surprised me more in Trentino than Israel’s David Musis.

Heading into the tournament, Musis simply wasn’t on my radar. By the end of the week, he had established himself as one of the biggest revelations of the event.

The seven footer, who is committed to Florida Atlantic, averaged 22 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 48 percent from the field, 40 percent from three and 81 percent from the free throw line.

Musis finished second in scoring, first in rebounding, sixth in three point percentage, seventh in blocks and first in overall efficiency.

What immediately stood out was his combination of size and skill.

Compared to many of the other frontcourt players in the tournament, Musis has prototypical size for an NBA center, and it was noticeable the moment he stepped on the floor. He’s a decent athlete with solidmobility, light feet and enough coordination to handle the ball and attack the rim in space.

I thought he was very active on the glass, especially on the offensive end, and he showed he can fill the lanes in transition.

The shooting, however, is what really caught my attention.

Musis looked comfortable spacing the floor, knocking down pick and pop jumpers and even making shots on the move. For a seven footer, he displayed a level of skill and confidence that immediately stood out.

I also appreciated the little details.

He played with good fundamentals, kept the ball high after offensive rebounds to prevent guards from stripping it away and generally looked comfortable operating around the basket.

Defensively, he quietly put together a solid tournament as well, recording two or more blocks in four different games.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest area for growth is his physicality around the basket.

While the overall efficiency was good, I thought Musis missed more makeable finishes in traffic than someone with his size should. There were times when he didn’t always go up through contact or fully use his strength around the rim.

Adding strength should help him become a more dependable finisher.

The other area I’ll be watching closely is his passing and overall feel with the ball.

Musis finished the tournament with just five assists against 21 turnovers. Many of those turnovers came from forcing drives into traffic, offensive fouls or trying to do a little too much after putting the ball on the floor.

The shooting and straight line driving ability are encouraging, but he’ll need to make quicker decisions and improve as a passer if he’s going to maximize his offensive versatility.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

I’m really interested to see how Musis’ game translates to the college level at Florida Atlantic.

Based on what I saw in Trentino, I don’t think he’ll be flying under the radar much longer.

If the shooting proves to be legitimate, there is a very intriguing foundation to build on. Seven footers who can space the floor, rebound and protect the rim will always attract attention, and Musis showed flashes of all three.

The next step is becoming stronger around the basket, improving his decision making and proving that the perimeter shooting translates over a larger sample.

If those areas continue to develop, I think he has a chance to establish himself as a legitimate pick and pop center with professional upside.

He entered the tournament as one of the event’s biggest unknowns.

He left as one of its biggest surprises.

Chrysostomos Chatzilamprou | Greece

What Did I Learn?

Another player who was a revelation for me in Trentino was Greece’s Chrysostomos Chatzilamprou.

I wasn’t very familiar with his game entering the tournament, but by the end of the week, he had become one of the players I’ll be following most closely over the next few years.

The 6’6” wing averaged 17.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 44 percent from the field, 37 percent from three and 63 percent from the free throw line.

His name wasn’t mentioned among the top prospects entering the tournament, but based on what I saw, I think he deserves to be part of that conversation.

His combination of size, shooting and athleticism immediately caught my attention.

Chatzilamprou is a left handed shooter who knocked down 45 percent of his catch and shoot threes, and he showed he could score in a variety of ways. He attacked closeouts, created baskets in isolation, finished in transition and even handled the ball in pick and roll situations.

I also thought he was one of the better functional athletes in the tournament and produced one of the best highlights of the tournament with a powerful left handed poster dunk over a Spanish big.

Another part of his game that impressed me was his rebounding.

Averaging 8.4 rebounds per game as a wing speaks to both his toughness and activity level. He played with energy and wasn’t afraid to mix it up inside.

I also came away encouraged by his decision making.

While I don’t necessarily view him as an advantage creator, he looked the part of a high IQ ball mover who understands how to keep the offense flowing. He finished the tournament with 19 assists against only seven turnovers, showing the ability to make quick, simple decisions while taking care of the basketball.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question for me is on the defensive end.

For a player with his physical tools, I expected a much bigger defensive impact.

He finished the tournament with only five total stocks, recording no blocked shots and just five steals over seven games.

That was surprising.

I would’ve loved to see him be more of a disruptor on the defensive end. The rebounding shows the motor is there. I’d simply like to see that same activity translate on both sides of the ball.

The other question involves shot selection.

Although he shot 37 percent from three, I thought that number was weighed down by him settling for contested threes. He was deadly on catch and shoot opportunities but occasionally fell in love with difficult pull up threes.

I like that he showed flashes of creating off the dribble, but there were times when he leaned on those difficult shots more than necessary.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

Chatzilamprou definitely put himself on my radar.

His size, shooting, athleticism and rebounding give him a very intriguing foundation, and I think he turned plenty of heads with his performance in Trentino.

The next step is becoming a more impactful defender.

If he can pair his offensive production with the same level of activity and playmaking on the defensive end that he showed on the glass, I think his overall profile becomes much more complete.

I’m also interested to see if the catch and shoot success carries over while he becomes more selective with the off the dribble jumpers.

Regardless, he was one of the biggest discoveries of the tournament for me.

I arrived in Trentino knowing very little about his game.

I left believing he’s a prospect worth following closely.

Aviv Aronov | Israel

What Did I Learn?

Last but not least is Israel’s Aviv Aronov, a 6’4'“ guard who will play next season at Eastern Michigan.

Aronov averaged 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists, while shooting 40 percent from the field, 28 percent from three and 86 percent from the free throw line.

The biggest takeaway for me is that Eastern Michigan may have found a steal.

I think Aronov has a chance to step in and contribute meaningful minutes as a freshman because of his offensive versatility and feel for the game.

He has good positional size for a point guard, but I also think he can play both on and off the ball. There’s some creativity to his game. He likes operating as a pick and roll ball handler, is comfortable pulling up from three and plays with a competitive edge that stood out throughout the tournament.

I also believe he’s a better shooter than his overall percentages suggest.

Aronov knocked down 38 percent of his catch and shoot threes, and I thought he showed legitimate range both off the catch and off the dribble. The overall three point percentage doesn’t fully reflect the quality of shooter I think he can become.

He’s also a better athlete than he sometimes gets credit for. While he isn’t an explosive guard, he had several plays that showed he can finish above the rim and make athletic plays when he had a runway.

I also came away impressed with his well he rebounded the ball, averaging nearly five rebounds per game from the backcourt.

What Questions Remain?

The biggest question is whether Aronov projects more as a point guard or a combo guard.

I like him with the ball in his hands, but I’m not convinced he’ll always have that luxury as the level of competition increases.

Athleticism is part of that equation.

There were moments when he made impressive athletic plays, but there were also stretches where opposing defenses didn’t appear overly concerned about his first step. Teams frequently pressured him full court and forced him to work for everything he created.

When he couldn’t gain an advantage off the dribble, possessions often ended with difficult pull up threes. He finished just 7 for 27 on off the dribble three point attempts, and I thought he leaned on that shot a little too often when other options weren’t available.

As a passer, I thought he made the right reads most of the time, but I didn’t see many advanced playmaking reads that suggest he’ll naturally transition into a full time lead guard. At times he also displayed a bit of a gunslinger mentality, firing passes into tight windows that resulted in unnecessary turnovers.

Where Does the Evaluation Go From Here?

I’m really interested to see how Aronov adjusts to college basketball.

While I don’t currently view him as an NBA prospect, I do think he has the offensive skill set to become a productive college guard.

His ability to play both on and off the ball and stretch the floor gives him a chance to carve out a significant role at Eastern Michigan.

The next step will be showing that he can become a more efficient decision maker while proving he can handle the physicality and athleticism of the college game.

If he does that, I wouldn’t be surprised if he develops into one of the better guards in his conference over the next few years.

Based on what I saw in Trentino, Eastern Michigan may have landed one of the better under-the-radar international additions in this recruiting class.

But for this article, I’m less interested in handing out winners and losers and more interested in figuring out what the last week taught me.

For the record, a seven game youth tournament is still a very small sample size. One great week shouldn’t erase years of questions about a prospect, just as one poor week shouldn’t outweigh everything a player has shown leading up to the event. But seven games against some of the best international players in the U18 age group can provide valuable information and add another layer to an evaluation.

So rather than simply recapping who scored the most points or made the All-Tournament Team, I went back through my notes on several prospects and asked three questions:

What did I learn?

What questions remain?

And where does the evaluation go from here?

Here are my scouting observations from Trentino.

Stefan Joksimovic | Slovenia

What Did I Learn?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I learned anything new about Joksimovic in Trentino. I’ve been studying his game under a magnifying glass for the past year, and if anything, this tournament gave me more evidence to support what I already believed.

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This was the case Sunday morning when Slovenia’s Stefan Joksimovic and Germany’s Fabian Kayser squared off at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket in Trentino, Italy.

I didn’t see this as just another group stage game. It featured arguably the top prospect from the 2008 generation against arguably the top prospect from the 2009 generation. At the very least, both are firmly in the conversation among the best prospects in their respective classes, making this one of the most anticipated individual matchups of the tournament.

The game was especially intriguing because I’ve evaluated both players multiple times this season, but in very different environments.

With Joksimovic, I’ve almost always seen him as the unquestioned focal point of the offense. The ball is in his hands, the game flows through him and he has a rare ability to impose his will regardless of the opponent. He doesn’t try to fit into the game. He forces the game to adjust to him.

Kayser’s path has been almost the opposite.

Real Madrid’s U18 team is loaded with talent, and most nights Kayser doesn’t have to dominate for his team to win. I’ve seen him seamlessly shift between primary creator, secondary playmaker and complementary piece depending on what the game requires. That versatility is one of the biggest reasons I’ve been so high on him.

This matchup gave me something I hadn’t really seen before. I wanted to see how Kayser responded when the spotlight was squarely on him against another elite prospect. Could he elevate his game without abandoning the team first style that has made him so effective?

He answered that question emphatically.

Joksimovic finished with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Kayser countered with 27 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block while leading Germany to the win.

What fascinated me most wasn’t who scored more points. It was what this game represented from a scouting perspective.

Both are jumbo playmakers, but they arrive there in completely different ways. Joksimovic is an attack first scorer who thrives with the ball in his hands and wants to dictate every possession. Kayser is a versatile weapon who can take over when needed, but is just as comfortable impacting the game as a passer, defender, rebounder or complementary scorer.

It raises one of the more interesting questions NBA scouts wrestle with during evaluations.

Which archetype is more valuable as the competition gets better? The player who has always dominated as the offensive centerpiece, or the player who has already proven he can thrive without needing every possession to run through him?

That’s why this matchup mattered. It wasn’t just about two elite European prospects putting up big numbers. It was an opportunity to see two very different NBA pathways collide on the same floor.

Here are my scouting notes from one of the best prospect matchups I’ve seen this season.

Stefan Joksimovic - Slovenia

The box score tells one story. The film tells another.

Joksimovic finished with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals, but his 7-22 shooting night might suggest he struggled offensively. I actually came away with a different takeaway.

He was aggressive from the opening tip.

That’s nothing new. Joksimovic has always been an attack first scorer who puts constant pressure on the defense. He drew nine fouls, got to the free throw line 11 times and converted nine, showing that even when he's having a difficult shooting night or the defense isn't giving him clean looks, he still finds ways to generate offense.

One thing that stood out was how often Slovenia relied on him to bail them out late in possessions.

Germany’s size and defensive discipline made it difficult for Slovenia to create advantages through its sets. Several possessions ended with Joksimovic catching the ball late in the shot clock and being forced to create something out of nothing. I charted five of his 22 field goal attempts coming with five seconds or less on the shot clock. He converted just one, an isolation step back three late in the second quarter, but I don’t necessarily view those as bad possessions. Sometimes he simply inherited difficult situations that inflated his shot attempts and hurt his efficiency.

Although he started slowly, he found his rhythm as the game progressed and showcased the different ways he can score.

• Backdoor cut for a dunk.

• Transition catch and shoot three after a steal.

• Coast to coast finish following another steal.

• Movement three off a baseline out of bounds set.

• No dip catch and shoot three from the wing.

• Signature sidestep three off the dribble.

I've always considered Joksimovic more of a scorer than a pure shooter, but this game gave me a better appreciation for his shooting upside.

Attacking the rim is his greatest strength, but this game gave me more confidence in his shooting potential. Three of his five threes came off the catch, while two were self-created off the dribble. He loves shooting difficult step backs and sidesteps jumpers, but I was encouraged by how quick and natural his release looked on catch and shoot opportunities. He’s at his best when he shoots in rhythm off the bounce, and this game showed he can make defenses pay on and off the ball.

As a passer, I still think there’s room for growth.

He’s naturally wired to score first, and while his size allows him to see over the defense, I don’t always think he processes help defenders quickly enough. There are flashes where he makes the simple read, but I’d like to see him become more consistent at drawing multiple defenders before finding the open man.

The same applies in transition.

When Joksimovic grabs a defensive rebound, his first instinct is almost always to push the ball coast to coast himself. That’s understandable because he’s usually the biggest and most talented player on the floor, but there are times when advancing the ball early could create easier scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. I’d like to see him become more willing to trust the pass, especially as the level of competition continues to improve.

Defensively, I thought he had a solid game.

His three steals reflected the activity he showed throughout the afternoon. He used his size to his advantage, rotated effectively at times and showed the positional versatility that makes him intriguing on that end of the floor. There were also moments where he became a little too ball conscious, drifting into passing lanes or creeping toward the paint looking for rebounds instead of staying fully engaged off the ball. Those habits are correctable, but they’ll become more important as he moves up levels.

Overall, I thought this game reinforced why Joksimovic remains one of the top prospects in the 2027 NBA Draft class.

At 6’8”, he has great positional size, he can initiate offense, has the aggressive mentality to consistently pressure defenses and the ability to get to the free throw line even when the jumper isn’t falling. While there are still areas I’d like to see him improve, particularly as a playmaker and decision maker, this performance reminded me why he’s one of the most difficult covers in European youth basketball and one of the most intriguing prospects in the world.

Fabian Kayser - Germany

The first thing that stands out about Kayser is his size.

He’s officially listed at 6’7”, but in person he looks closer to 6’9”. Combined with his fluidity and skill level, it’s easy to see why so many evaluators are high on his upside and potential.

What I liked most was how he approached the game from the opening possession.

He missed the layup, but I thought it established the mindset he played with all game. He was aggressive from start to finish and he often looked to shift the defense.

Kayser didn’t have a hot start, missing four of his first six shots, but he settled in and quietly put together one of the most complete performances of the weekend, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block while shooting 10-17 from the floor.

Offensively, he showed why I believe he's one of the most versatile prospects in the world, impacting the game in a variety of ways:

• Initiated the offense as the lead ball handler.

• Operated as a screener, slipping into open space seeking mismatches.

• Connected on catch and shoot and pull up threes.

• Germany ran action plays or sets to get him free off the ball

• Knocked down a movement three off a baseline out of bounds set.

• Attacked guards, wings and bigs off the dribble with purpose.

• Finished inside the arc with soft touch finishes and runners.

What separates Kayser from a lot of players his age is his feel for the game.

His six assists don’t fully capture how well he processed the floor. He consistently hit the roll man out of pick and roll, recognized switches and immediately fed his bigs when they had smaller defenders sealed in the paint. My favorite pass of the game came after he stripped Joksimovic on the sideline, then threaded a bounce pass through traffic to a streaking Lucai Anderson for an easy basket. It was the type of advanced read that doesn’t show up very often at this level.

Defensively, he was just as impactful.

He finished with three steals, including a couple against Joksimovic, and used his size and length throughout the game. But what impressed me most was how he responded when the game got tight.

Germany controlled most of the game before Slovenia started to make a push behind Joksimovic in the fourth quarter.

With Germany clinging to an 85-83 lead and 2:24 remaining, Kayser didn’t wait for someone else to make a play. He called his own number, attacked off the dribble and finished at the rim to extend the lead to four.

Less than a minute later, with Germany leading 89-86, he found himself isolated against Joksimovic on the defensive end. He forced Joksimovic into a deep contested three, Germany secured the long rebound and Kayser sprinted the floor before knocking down a transition catch and shoot three that stretched the lead to six.

Then he delivered the dagger.

With 48 seconds remaining, Kayser calmly buried a pull up three to push Germany’s lead to 95-86, effectively ending the game. He scored eight points in roughly a minute and a half, but what stood out wasn’t just the scoring.

He wanted the ball.

That’s the biggest takeaway I had from this game.

Coming into the tournament, I’d primarily seen Kayser thrive as a versatile connector on a loaded Real Madrid youth team. This game showed another layer to his game. When the moment demanded it, he looked completely comfortable becoming the featured option. He didn’t shy away from the pressure. He embraced it.

Confidence isn’t something you can teach, and Kayser showed throughout the closing minutes that he isn’t afraid of the biggest moments.

For me, that may have been the most important takeaway from the entire game. It reinforced that he has the versatility to fit alongside other talented players, but also the confidence and offensive ability to carry the load when his team needs him most.

Big Picture Takeaways

If Joksimovic reinforced why he’s such a dangerous offensive engine, Kayser answered one of the biggest questions I had entering the tournament: Can he be more than just an elite complementary piece? Based on this performance, I believe the answer is yes.

Now, I understand this was only one game, and this wasn’t a one on one matchup. Basketball evaluations shouldn't be made off a single performance. But this was a game I had circled on my calendar the moment the schedule was released because it featured two of the best young prospects in Europe with two very different paths to success.

There wasn’t much Joksimovic did that surprised me. He’s been one of the most productive and aggressive offensive players in his age group for years, and this game reinforced many of the strengths and weaknesses I’ve already seen throughout the season.

Kayser, on the other hand, continues to trend upward.

His name has been on scouts’ radar for years, but I felt like something clicked during the second half of the season with Real Madrid. He went from being a talented prospect with intriguing tools to looking like a legitimate first round draft pick. This performance only strengthened that belief. If his development continues on this trajectory, I think he has a chance to emerge as one of the top prospects in the 2028 NBA Draft. As for Joksimovic, I still view him as a legitimate lottery candidate in the 2027 class.

More than anything, this game reminded me why scouting is so much fun.

We watched two jumbo playmakers with completely different styles compete at a high level. One thrives as an offensive engine who wants the ball on every possession. The other impacts the game as a versatile playmaker capable of fitting into different roles, but also showed he can take over when the moment calls for it.

Some questions were answered, but plenty remain. That’s why I’ll be paying close attention as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds. Can Kayser continue to assert himself as a featured option, or will he slide back into more of a complementary role? Can Joksimovic become more efficient as defenses continue to load up on him?

Those are the questions I’m looking forward to watching unfold over the rest of the tournament.

This has been one of the events circled on my calendar for months. Unfortunately, I won’t be there this year after making the move back to Dallas this weekend, but it’s a tournament I’ve attended several times in the past. I was in Belgrade last summer, and one of my favorite editions was the loaded 2019 tournament that featured future NBA players Alperen Sengun, Franz Wagner, Santi Aldama, Moussa Diabate, Adem Bona, and Ariel Hukporti, just to name a few.

This year’s field has a chance to be another strong one. While it may not have the same depth as the 2019 class, there are two prospects with legitimate lottery potential for the 2027 NBA Draft, along with several others who could significantly boost their stock over the next nine days.

Whether you’re an NBA Draft junkie, a fan of basketball’s continued globalization, or a college coach looking to identify the next wave of international prospects before the rest of the country catches on, this tournament is one of the best scouting opportunities of the summer.

Here are my thoughts on a handful of players I’ve spent a lot of time scouting over the years who will be competing in Trentino from July 25 through August 2.

Stefan Joksimovic | 6’8 Point Forward | Slovenia

The headliner of this year’s FIBA U18 EuroBasket is Stefan Joksimovic, who is, without question, the most intriguing Slovenian prospect to emerge since Luka Doncic.

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It’s one of the few tournaments where you get to see many of the world’s top young prospects competing against one another in the same setting. After spending the past season traveling throughout Europe evaluating international talent, I especially enjoy seeing how players who dominate in their domestic leagues perform against different styles of play and varying levels of athleticism.

I’ll admit, one of the things I pay the closest attention to is how prospects who stand out physically or athletically in Europe fare when matched up against teams like the United States, Canada, Australia or the athletic teams coming out of Africa. It’s one thing to excel against familiar competition. It’s another to produce when facing different athletes, different systems, and different basketball cultures.

That’s what makes the FIBA U17 World Cup such a valuable scouting event.

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament also offers an early glimpse into the future of the NBA Draft. Many of the players who starred in Istanbul will headline the 2028 NBA Draft conversation, while others are likely to emerge in the 2029, 2030, or even 2031 draft classes as their games continue to develop.

Yesterday, I shared my thoughts on Team USA’s dominant run to another gold medal. Today, the focus shifts to the players who weren’t wearing red, white, and blue for the United States.

This is part one of a two-part series highlighting the international prospects who stood out, raised their profiles, and made the strongest impressions in Istanbul.

Nikola Kusturica | Serbia | Wing

If you weren’t already following European basketball or last summer’s FIBA U16 European Championship, this may have been your introduction to Serbia’s Nikola Kusturica.

Coming into the tournament, Kusturica’s name was already generating plenty of buzz, fueled in part by reports linking him to UCLA and a rumored two year NIL package worth $12 million. From the people I spoke with, those figures appear to be greatly exaggerated, but all signs still point toward Kusturica heading to Westwood.

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This year’s event, currently taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye is particularly special for me. Not only did I spend the 2016-17 season living in Istanbul, where I first fell in love with international basketball, but this tournament also serves as a valuable litmus test for many of the international prospects I’ve followed and evaluated over the past few years. The U17 World Cup gives me an opportunity to see these players compete against opponents they rarely face, particularly elite prospects from the United States and Canada, providing a different lens through which to evaluate their games.

More importantly, this tournament offers an early preview of the players who will dominate draft conversations in the years ahead. While the 2028 NBA Draft may still feel far away, there are numerous prospects in Istanbul this week whose names we’ll be discussing for years to come.

With that in mind, here are some of the players who have caught my attention through the first two games of the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup.

Beckham Black | USA | Point Guard

I’ve been watching Beckham Black for years.

Living in the Dallas area, I’ve had the opportunity to follow his development closely as the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black. For much of his young career, Beckham was known as “Anthony’s little brother,” but those days are quickly coming to an end.

Beckham is quickly creating a name for himself, and depending on who you ask, he may already be the top player in the country in the class of 2027. Through the first two games of the FIBA U17 World Cup, he’s shown exactly why he’s held in such high regard.

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As we know, Flagg reclassified into the high school graduating class of 2024 and went number one overall in last month’s NBA Draft after a standout freshman season at Duke. But back then, those moments cemented why these tournaments are so valuable for early identification. FIBA youth events have long been my favorite scouting grounds to see top prospects represent their country on the international stage.

In 2019 at the FIBA U18 European Championship in Volos, Greece, battling the smoking hot sun and bouncing between two gyms with no air conditioning, I got an early look at several players before they eventually made it to the NBA. Alperen Şengün and Adem Bona suited up for Turkey before Şengün became an NBA All-Star in Houston and Bona landed with Philadelphia. Spain’s roster included first round picks in Santi Aldama and Usman Garuba. Franz Wagner and Ariel Hukporti were with Germany, and Moussa Diabate represented France.

That same summer, on a separate trip back to Greece, I attended the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in Heraklion, where I watched Tyrese Haliburton, Kira Lewis, Jalen Green, Ziaire Williams, Jalen Suggs, Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Evan Mobley – who didn’t play – all of whom ended up being first-round picks and lottery selections from that USA team. There were also international prospects like Lithuania’s Rokas Jokubaitis, Serbia’s Filip Petrusev, and Julian Strawther, who represented Puerto Rico and is now with the Denver Nuggets.

Those tournaments in Greece that summer were a perfect example of how basketball and travel go hand in hand for me.

Of course, behind the scenes, there’s always the logistical and financial grind that comes with scouting internationally.

Getting here was a journey in itself. I’ll be honest – I was weighing whether I’d even make the trip due to the financial cost. Switzerland is not cheap by any means, and the thought of shelling out thousands for flights and hotels wasn’t exactly motivating in this economy. I ended up leaving New York just hours after the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft wrapped up and started my journey to Lausanne. Me being the experienced budget traveler that I am, I found a cheap ticket and a cheap hotel room… which led to a crazy journey. I flew from New York to Brussels, then from Brussels to Lyon, France, and from Lyon I took a three-hour train ride into Lausanne. It was a long trek, but it was scenic. I got a chance to just take in the beauty of southeast France and Switzerland – the mountains, the forests, the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Geneva. All of it reminded me why it’s worth the long journey. I love scouting. I love international basketball. It was all worth it.

All the travel fatigue faded quickly once I realized how much this year’s event stood out compared to past tournaments.

Since my last in-person FIBA event in 2019, there’s been a noticeable influx of American college coaches and NBA scouts in attendance. It’s indicative of the growing wave of international prospects choosing the college route over traditional European pro pathways. That led to plenty of conversations in the stands. Some international coaches love that their players can go to college, make real money – in some cases millions – and earn playing time while getting an education. Others are deeply concerned about how Europe will sustain its domestic leagues if top talent keeps leaving before they even turn 18.

Regardless of which side you’re on, the talent on display this week was undeniable. Team USA was back on top after failing to reach the podium at the last U19 World Cup, reasserting its depth and athletic dominance at this age group.

Here are some of my overall thoughts and player evaluations from Lausanne this week:

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Though the 2028 Olympics are still a few years away, anticipation is already building as Los Angeles prepares to once again host the world’s top athletes, just as it did in the 1984 Games.

Despite ongoing discussions about the world catching up to the United States in international basketball, Team USA remains the dominant force, having claimed gold in the last six Olympics.

Their 98-87 victory over host country France in Paris last weekend secured their 17th gold medal in 20 Olympic appearances, further cementing Team USA’s status as the team to beat.

However, the 2028 Games will likely represent a generational shift for Team USA.

France, who handed the U.S. its only Olympic loss in the last 20 years during the Tokyo Games, is expected to be the Americans’ biggest competition for gold in 2028.

Although LeBron James will be 43, Kevin Durant 39, and Steph Curry 40 in 2028, it's hard to count them out entirely. Despite their ages, they've continued to defy expectations, each averaging over 25 points per game during the 2023-24 season in the latter stages of their Hall of Fame careers.

However, it’s more likely that younger stars will take the reins in 2028, with Anthony Edwards, who will be 27, expected to step into a more prominent role. Here are some of the other candidates for the 2028 Team USA roster, along with their ages at that time:

• Devin Booker (31)

• Jayson Tatum (30)

• Bam Adebayo (30)

• Tyrese Haliburton (28)

• Jalen Brunson (31)

• Tyrese Maxey (27)

• Chet Holmgren (26)

• Paolo Banchero (25)

• Zion Williamson (28)

• Evan Mobley (27)

• Cooper Flagg (21)

• Jaylen Brown (31)

• Ja Morant (29)

• LaMelo Ball (26)

• Brandon Miller (25)

• Donovan Mitchell (31)

While Team USA is reloading with a new generation of stars, their biggest threat on the global stage may come from France, a team that is rapidly assembling a roster capable of challenging for gold.

France

France is shaping up to be Team USA's most formidable challenger at the 2028 Olympics, with a roster that blends talent, size, and defensive versatility. Leading the charge is Victor Wembanyama, who by then should be in the conversation for the best player in the world. His dominance on both ends of the floor will be crucial, but France's success hinges on improved guard play to unlock his full potential. Enter Nolan Traore, the most promising French guard prospect since Tony Parker, whose ability to penetrate and create will be vital in orchestrating France's offense.

France's frontcourt is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the world, boasting a combination of size, versatility, and elite defense. With Wembanyama and Alex Sarr leading the charge, France has the luxury of two athletic big men with the potential to dominate on the defensive end of the floor.

Key Players:

Victor Wembanyama - The first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama has already made an indelible mark in the NBA. He was unanimously named the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting to Rudy Gobert, and became the first rookie ever named to the All-Defensive First Team. In the 2024 Olympics, Wembanyama was one of France's standout performers, scoring a team-high 26 points in the gold medal game. He earned the tournament's Rising Star award and was selected to the All-Star Five, averaging 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. Wembanyama's ability to impact the game on both ends makes him the centerpiece of France's Olympic aspirations.

Bilal Coulibaly - Selected seventh overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2023 NBA Draft, Coulibaly gained valuable national team experience in the 2024 Olympics, even seeing minutes in the gold medal game. In his rookie NBA season, Coulibaly played in 63 games (starting 15) and averaged 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, while showing promise as a defender and shooter, connecting on 34% of his threes.

Matthew Strazel - Strazel added crucial Olympic experience in Paris, where he delivered a memorable game-tying shot against Japan, saving France from a potential upset. His poise under pressure and ability to contribute in key moments make him a reliable option in the backcourt.

Potential Players:

Alex Sarr - The first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, at 7’1” Sarr possesses the agility of a wing, making him capable of guarding the perimeter and protecting the rim. Sarr’s combination of size and athleticism, alongside Wembanyama, gives France a dynamic duo of shot blockers who can also defend in space. While Sarr’s defensive promise is considered elite, his potential impact for France could be even greater if he continues to develop as a scorer and playmaker, adding another dimension to his game.

Zaccharie Risacher - The first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher stands at 6’10” and provides France with reliable outside shooting and defense. Ranked as one of the best shooters in his draft class, his ability to guard multiple positions enhances France's defensive versatility, making him a crucial piece for any lineup.

Nolan Traore - Widely regarded as the best French guard prospect since Tony Parker, Traore is projected to be France’s point guard of the future. Several NBA scouts believed he was capable of making the 2024 roster, and his speed, ability to penetrate, and playmaking skills have French fans optimistic about their chances for gold in 2028.

Tidjane Salaun - Drafted sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2024 after a breakout season with Cholet in France’s top division, Salaun is an athletic wing with significant upside. Though still raw, his athleticism in the open floor and potential as a shooter could earn him a key role on the 2028 roster.

Noa Essengue - A projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Essengue is a long, athletic slasher who excels in transition. While he needs to get stronger and improve his shooting, his natural talent and potential make him one of the most exciting prospects in France’s talent pool.

Melvin Ajinca - Selected 51st overall by the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft and later traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Ajinca will play next season for LDLC ASVEL in France's top division. He provides France with much-needed outside shooting and shotmaking. Ajinca was named to the All-Tournament Second Team at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, leading France with 19.3 points per game.

Rayan Rupert - Drafted 43rd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023, Rupert’s standout skill is his defense. His ability to lock down opponents could earn him a spot on the 2028 squad, providing crucial defensive depth.

Pacome Dadiet - Selected 25th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dadiet is a versatile wing who offers outside shooting, shotmaking, size, and playmaking. His skill set could make him a key contributor for France in Los Angeles.

Adama Bal - Expected to be one of the best players in college basketball during the 2024-25 season, Bal averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game at Santa Clara. Standing 6’6”, Bal would give France another versatile wing ball handler who can create for others.

Sidy Cissoko - Selected 44th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023, Cissoko spent his rookie season with the Austin Spurs in the G League. His size at 6’6”, combined with his defensive versatility and connective passing, makes him an intriguing option for France’s 2028 roster.

Nadir Hifi - Hifi turned heads with impressive performances in the NBA2K25 Summer League for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including an 18-point outing against the Indiana Pacers. Known for his scoring and playmaking, Hifi’s ability to contribute across the board makes him a valuable asset for France’s guard rotation.

Hugo Besson - Selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, Besson brings a confident scoring touch to France’s backcourt. He has experience in the NBA Summer League and is capable of creating his own shot and hitting open threes, making him a reliable offensive threat off the bench.

Serbia

While France is expected to be Team USA's toughest competitor, Serbia showed in their last matchup that they’re more than capable of pushing the Americans to the brink, nearly pulling off an upset behind the brilliance of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.

Serbia remains a powerhouse in European basketball, and despite settling for a bronze medal in their most recent Olympic outing, they’re gearing up for a strong run in 2028. As Nikola Jokić, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Vasilije Micić move into the later stages of their careers, the spotlight will shift to a younger generation ready to step up. Serbia’s roster could be anchored by a tantalizing lineup of their "Three Nikola’s"—Jokić, Jović, and Topić—bringing together a blend of experience, versatility, and fresh talent.

Potential Players:

• Nikola Topić - Selected 12th by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Topić is an aggressive guard known for his downhill penetration, scoring, and playmaking. Once considered a top 5 pick in the 2024 draft before injury concerns, he’s poised to make an impact.

• Savo Drezgić - A freshman at Georgia and one of the most exciting prospects to scout in 2023-24. Drezgic brings scoring, toughness, and playmaking to the Serbian backcourt.

• Nikola Jović - Entering his 3rd year with the Miami Heat, Jović is expected to have a breakout 2024-25 season. Standing at 6’10, he offers scoring, positional versatility, passing, and has become a much-improved shooter.

• Bogoljub Marković - A potential 2025 draft pick and one of Europe’s top prospects. Marković is known for his defensive versatility and shot-blocking ability.

• Nikola Djurisić - After an impressive second half of the 2023-24 season, Djurisic reestablished himself as a top European prospect. He offers size, positional versatility, ball handling, connective passing, and has the potential to be a jumbo playmaker.

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Germany

Germany is primed to make a serious push for an Olympic medal in 2028, led by a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Dennis Schröder, the driving force behind Germany's recent successes, will be in his mid-30s, likely making one last bid to bring home Olympic hardware. As Schröder transitions to a veteran role, Franz Wagner is set to take the reins as the face of German basketball, entering the prime of his career at 26 years old. Alongside him, familiar faces like Moe Wagner and Isaac Bonga will provide valuable experience, bolstering Germany’s chances.

The backcourt will see a shift with Texas Tech freshman Christian Anderson, the heir apparent to Schröder, stepping into the spotlight. Anderson has already showcased his potential, leading Germany’s U18 team to a FIBA EuroBasket championship with a standout 31-point, 5-assist performance in the final.

Potential Players:

• Christian Anderson - A product of Oak Hill Academy, where he averaged 19.1 points and 4.6 assists per game, Anderson was a McDonald’s All-American nominee. His high school career included setting the Georgia state record with 861 points in a season, including a career-high 51-point game.

• Tristan da Silva - Selected 18th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, da Silva is coming off an impressive Summer League, where he averaged 17.7 points per game on 60.7% shooting from the field, 58.8% from three-point range, and 100% from the free-throw line. He also contributed 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. Germany will rely on him for outside shooting and depth as a key part of their future.

• Ariel Hukporti - Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Hukporti is a massive interior presence who has fully recovered from a season-ending Achilles injury suffered in 2022. A strong rebounder and screen-setter, Hukporti’s ability to open up driving lanes for ball handlers will be crucial for creating open looks for Germany’s shooters.

Canada

Canada’s basketball program is on the rise, boasting the second-most NBA players of any country and securing a bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup, which marked their first Olympic appearance in 24 years. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge as the 2023-24 MVP runner-up, Canada was seen as one of the biggest threats to the United States heading into the Paris Olympics.

However, the team’s performance fell short of expectations, partly due to Jamal Murray's struggles throughout the tournament, where he averaged only six points per game on 41.2% shooting from two and a disappointing 14.3% from three. Additionally, a lack of size proved to be a significant weakness.

Fortunately, they have a towering solution in Zach Edey, who is expected to be a game-changer by 2028.

Potential Players:

Zach Edey - The 7’4”, 300-pound center, coming off a historic college career at Purdue, where he averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2 assists per game as a senior. Edey provides much-needed size, rebounding, rim protection, and interior scoring. After focusing on preparing for his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey is poised to anchor Canada’s frontcourt in 2028.

Shaedon Sharpe - The seventh overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe is entering his third season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite an injury-shortened sophomore season, he’s shown flashes of elite athleticism, scoring, and shooting. He’ll be a key offensive weapon for Canada.

Bennedict Mathurin - Another Canadian talent from the 2022 NBA Draft, Mathurin has quickly established himself as a prolific scorer with the Indiana Pacers. At just 21, he’s already earned All-Rookie first-team honors and brings athleticism, scoring, and shooting to Canada’s roster.

Leonard Miller - A potential difference maker who averaged 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the G-League last season with the Iowa Wolves. At 20 years old, Miller provides size, rebounding, and passing, making him a versatile option for Canada’s frontcourt.

Caleb Houstan - A sharpshooter drafted 32nd overall in 2022, Houstan shot 37.3% from three in limited minutes with the Orlando Magic. He offers size on the wing and reliable shooting, crucial for Canada’s offensive spacing.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper - The Dallas Mavericks' first-round pick in 2023, Prosper is a 3&D wing with size and defensive versatility, bringing a strong two-way presence to Canada’s lineup.

Will Riley - A long shot to make the 2028 roster, but a highly touted 5-star prospect entering his freshman season at Illinois. Riley provides scoring and could develop into a valuable piece for Canada’s future.

South Sudan

South Sudan is rapidly emerging as a potential African powerhouse in basketball, driven by the vision and leadership of Luol Deng and Royal Ivey. As one of the world’s youngest nations, South Sudan is harnessing the raw, NBA-caliber talent that Africa is known for, aiming to overcome the historical challenges of corruption, limited resources, and poor guard play that have hindered the continent's Olympic success. By 2028, South Sudan could field a roster with considerable NBA star power, blending promising young talent with seasoned international players.

Key Players:

Khaman Maluach - Projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, set to play his freshman season at Duke. Maluach is a raw but highly intriguing prospect with the potential to be a dominant rim protector and vertical lob threat, while also offering floor spacing. He gained valuable experience in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and international competition this summer.

Potential Players:

Omaha Biliew - Born in Omaha, NE to South Sudanese parents, Biliew could switch allegiances to South Sudan for the 2028 Olympics after representing the USA at the Under-19 World Cup. Once a top prospect in the 2023 high school class, Biliew faced a challenging freshman season at Iowa State but is looking to revive his NBA draft stock after transferring to Wake Forest.

Garey Duwal - A former first-round projection, Duwal is set to begin his sophomore season at Seton Hall after transferring from Providence. He offers shotmaking, good size for a ball handler, and athleticism, making him a valuable asset for South Sudan’s backcourt.

Taylor Bol Bowen - Entering his sophomore season with NBA potential, Bol Bowen was a 4-star recruit who chose Florida State over Duke. He provides athleticism and length on the wing, and is expected to take a significant leap in his development.

John Bol - A freshman at Ole Miss and a 2024 McDonald’s All American, Bol only arrived in the U.S. in 2021 but has quickly developed into one of the top prospects in the country. He brings size, athleticism, shot-blocking, and frontcourt depth, which will be crucial for South Sudan’s interior defense.

Australia

Australia is entering a new era in basketball, as the 2028 Olympics will mark the first major international tournament in two decades without long-time head coach Brian Goorjian and likely without stalwarts Patty Mills and Joe Ingles. While the Paris Olympics signaled the end of an era, the Boomers are far from depleted. A talented core featuring Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Dante Exum, Matisse Thybulle, and Jock Landale is expected to lead the charge in Los Angeles, supported by a promising next generation of Australian talent.

Key Players:

Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Dante Exum, Matisse Thybulle, Jock Landale - Expected to return and form the core of the team in 2028, bringing a blend of NBA experience and international competition to keep Australia competitive on the world stage.

Potential Players:

Rocco Zikarsky - At just 18 years old, the 7’3” Zikarsky is a projected first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His dominant performance at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, where he earned MVP honors by averaging 18.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game on 73.1% shooting, showcased his immense potential. Zikarsky will play for the Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s NBL this season, providing size, interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection.

Alex Toohey - Formerly committed to Gonzaga, Toohey opted to play for the Sydney Kings in the NBL. The 6’8” combo forward is a versatile player who can stretch the floor, pass, and fill the stat sheet. Toohey has already gained some experience with the senior national team in FIBA competition and is a potential 2025 NBA Draft pick.

Tyrese Proctor - A potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Proctor averaged 10.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds during his sophomore season at Duke. While he was once considered a lead guard, Proctor now seems best suited as a combo guard, offering shotmaking, sound decision-making, and playmaking as a pick-and-roll ball-handler.

Johnny Furphy - Selected 35th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Furphy brings a combination of size (6’9”), shooting, and athleticism to the wing position. He excels in the open floor and provides great energy. Furphy's outside shooting and defensive versatility will be crucial for the Boomers in 2028.

Luke Travers - Recently completed his third Summer League appearance after being drafted 56th overall in 2022, Travers has shown his ability to play and defend both forward spots. However, his outside shooting remains a concern. Travers will need to improve his shooting to secure a significant role in the 2028 Olympics.

Ben Henshall - A rising NBA prospect, Henshall caught the attention of scouts at the G League Fall Invitational in October. Despite the spotlight on other top prospects, Henshall emerged as a legitimate NBA talent, known for his high basketball IQ and shooting ability.

Taran Armstrong - After two standout seasons at Cal Baptist, where he was one of the most exciting playmakers in the country, Armstrong returned to Australia to play in the NBL. At 6’5”, his size and advanced court vision make him a potential difference-maker in the Boomers’ backcourt.

Spain

Spain finds itself in a period of transition as it bids farewell to its golden generation of players like Pau and Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernández, Ricky Rubio, and the Hernangómez brothers. The 2024 Olympics marked the end of an era, with Spain's squad—lacking the star power of past teams—being eliminated in group play after losing two of its three games. Rudy Fernández’s legendary career came to a close as he became the first man to compete in six Olympics, having spent more than half his life representing Spain at the senior level. Now, Spain must regroup and develop a new rotation capable of competing at the highest international level.

Potential Players:

Hugo Gonzalez - A projected lottery pick, Gonzalez is expected to enter the NBA Draft after likely playing his final season with Real Madrid. Gonzalez is a good athlete and a fierce competitor, known for his defensive intensity. He has been touted as Spain’s most promising NBA prospect since Rubio.

Izan Almansa - One of the most decorated youth players in history, Almansa was named MVP of the Under-19 and Under-17 FIBA World Cups in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and also took home MVP honors at the 2022 Under-18 FIBA European Championships. Almansa spent the 2023-24 season with the G League Ignite and will play for the Perth Wildcats in Australia next season. His impact comes from his hustle, energy, and finishing around the rim. His game is heavily reliant on strong playmaking, which he will get from Juan Núñez.

Juan Núñez - A Madrid native who developed in Real Madrid’s system, Juan Núñez was selected 36th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and promptly traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Renowned for his passing, crafty scoring, and pesky defense, Núñez has drawn comparisons to a bigger Tyus Jones and, naturally, Ricky Rubio. He will spend the 2024-25 season with Barcelona after signing a three-year deal and is expected to become Spain’s floor general of the future.

Aday Mara - Standing at 7’3”, Mara entered college basketball as one of the top international prospects but saw limited playing time during his freshman season at UCLA. Despite this, his size, passing instincts, and feel for the game make him an impactful player on both ends of the floor. Mara is projected to be the future center for the Spanish national team.

Baba Miller - One of the more intriguing prospects, Miller possesses great size at 6’11” and the athleticism and fluidity to play and defend multiple positions. Although he has yet to fully realize his potential at the college level, Miller’s skill set—including his ability as a ball handler and transition finisher—keeps him in the mix for Spain’s future national team rosters. He’ll need a strong season at Florida Atlantic to regain his draft buzz, but his blend of size and athleticism ensures his continued relevance.

As the global basketball landscape continues to evolve, many young NBA players and prospects are set to represent their national teams in future competitions, vying for Olympic berths. Below is a list of players, organized by country, followed by a couple of undecided players who have multiple national team options:

Bahamas

• VJ Edgecombe

Belgium

• Ajay Mitchell

• Toumani Camara

Brazil

• Gui Santos

China

• Hansen Yang

Croatia

• Michael Ruzić

• Tomislav Ivišić

• Zvonimir Ivišić

• Karlo Matković

Finland

• Miikka Muurinen

Greece

• Neoklis Avdalas

Italy

• Matteo Spagnolo

• Gabriele Procida

Lithuania

• Kasparas Jakucionis

• Matas Buzelis

• Mantas Rubštavičius

Mexico

• Jaime Jaquez

• Karim Lopez

Poland

• Jeremy Sochan

Puerto Rico

• Julian Strawther

Sweden

• Bobi Klintman

• Pelle Larsson

Switzerland

• Kyshawn George

Turkey

• Berke Buyuktuncel

• Adem Bona

• Alperen Şengün

Undecided

• Andrej Stojaković - Represented Greece at the Nike Hoop Summit. Due to his father Peja's background, Stojaković is eligible to represent Serbia internationally, while due to his mother's background, he is eligible to represent Greece.

• Tristan Vukčević - Currently with the Washington Wizards. Vukčević is eligible to represent Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Serbia due to his father’s background, and Sweden due to his mother’s background. He is also eligible to represent Italy or Spain. According to his father, Vukčević has decided to represent Serbia internationally.

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The U18 EuroBasket 2024 is the premier event for international scouts, media, and draft enthusiasts, renowned for showcasing Europe's top prospects as they transition from junior to senior-level basketball, coinciding with their eligibility for the 2025 NBA draft.

My first live scouting experience at the U18s was in 2019, where I witnessed future NBA players like Alperen Şengün, Santi Aldama, Usman Garuba, Moussa Diabate, and Franz Wagner in Volos, Greece.

This year, French prospects Nolan Traore and Noa Essengue, along with Spain’s Hugo Gonzalez, entered the FIBA U18 EuroBasket in Tampere, Finland, as the most highly-touted NBA prospects in the tournament, with all three ranked as potential lottery picks in the 2025 NBA Draft according to several scouts.

While each had their moments and lived up to expectations, none of them made the All-Star Five, underscoring the high level of talent emerging from the international ranks, which could significantly impact future NBA drafts. Israel’s Ben Saraf emerged as the breakout star of the tournament, posting multiple 40-point performances and likely skyrocketing up draft boards in the coming weeks.

International competitions featuring national teams provide exciting scouting opportunities, yet it's crucial not to overreact to standout or subpar performances. For instance, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, the top two picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged just 7.4 points at last summer’s FIBA U19 World Cup for France, which was led in scoring by Melvin Ajinca’s 19.3 points per game. Ajinca, selected No. 51 by the New York Knicks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks, will spend the 2024-25 season stashed with LDLC ASVEL in France's top league.

Similarly, in 2019, Aleksej Pokusevski averaged 14 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 6 blocks in his first two games, leading NBA scouts to make the long 30-minute trek up and down the mountains between two ridiculously hot gyms to track his every move. Poku rode the wave from his strong performance into the first round of the 2020 draft, but as of today, he is an unsigned free agent looking for his next opportunity after spending the majority of his career in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue and Greensboro Swarm.

Turning our attention back to the present, here are my thoughts on how the top projected NBA prospects fared at the tournament with more insights coming this week on NBA Big Board Global, my new scouting service for college coaches tracking the top international prospects from 2025 and beyond.

Nolan Traore

Traore, projected to be a top 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, aims to become France’s third consecutive lottery pick, following in the footsteps of Victor Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tidjane Saluan. He is expected to continue the trend of French-born prospects invading the top half of the NBA draft, as seen this June when the first two picks and three of the top six picks were from France.

Traore's spring performances solidified his status as a potential top 10 pick in what is expected to be a deep draft next summer. At the Nike Hoop Summit in April, he impressed a crowd of NBA scouts by scoring 18 points, dishing out four assists, and grabbing two rebounds while shooting 8-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.

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