Za 4 dana počinje U17 svjetsko prvenstvo.

Glavni favoriti: USA (posebna kategorija, pogotovo dok su u ovom uzrastu, šanse za iznenadjenje su minorne), Canada, Serbia, France, Australija........

 

NBA Draft Point je napravio detaljnu analizu pa cu je kopirati ovdje, pa ko ima volje neka prodje.

[QUOTE]

 

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.

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.

Share

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.