2025 FIBA U19 World Cup: The Standout Prospects
With the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup quarter- and semifinals underway, these are the 34 prospects who have made the biggest impact and should have scouts' attention as the competition comes to a close.
As the FIBA U19 World Cup nears its conclusion, the medal games on Sunday will mark more than just the end of a tournament—they’ll offer one last chance for rising stars to leave an impression on scouts and fans alike before going their separate ways outside of international competition.
Whether competing for gold or playing for pride in the consolation bracket, certain players have already set themselves apart. Organized by bracket and then by country, this list spotlights the most promising prospects to emerge from this year’s competition who could be among the top names in the 2026 NBA Draft, and a few who could define the next in 2027.
Consolation Bracket Standouts
Argentina
Tyler Kropp | 6’8”, Combo Forward
Tyler Kropp has been one of the most productive big men in the tournament, averaging a 20-point double-double across four games. Committed to Northwestern, Kropp looks like a potential gem in the 2026 cycle who may be flying under the radar. He boasts a developed frame and plays with physicality around the rim, thriving on put-backs and interior touches. His budding jumper suggests upside as a three-level scorer, though his athletic limitations may hinder his long-term projection unless his shooting remains consistent. He strikes me as 3/4 tweener for better and worse, but regardless, Kropp should be a strong college contributor with potential to grow into a more serious prospect.
Felipe Minzer | 6’6”, Wing
Felipe Minzer offers intriguing offensive versatility as a dribble-pass-shoot wing, who’s posted an impressive 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio while shooting 47% from three through four games. He still needs to add strength and improve his finishing and midrange pull-up, but his offensive feel at his size makes him an interesting long-term watch. Defensively, Minzer is more of a defensive playmaker than a lockdown wing stopper, yet it's his offensive upside—particularly if he finds consistency—that makes him a name to remember.
Cameroon
Franck Belibi | 6’4”, Shooting Guard
Franck Belibi, currently at Colorado Prep, made an immediate splash at the tournament, opening with 29 points against Australia. Though his production tapered off in subsequent games, Belibi remains one of the most exciting 17-year-olds at the event. Playing up two years, he’s showcased scoring upside and a promising frame that could blossom as he gains experience and polish.
Gedeon Basson | 6’1”, Guard
Gedeon Besson, listed at just 6’1”, plays with a level of physicality that belies his height. He attacks downhill relentlessly, can finish above the rim, and rebounds like a much bigger player—averaging five boards per game in five games. However, nearly four turnovers per game highlight his need to improve as a decision-maker and playmaker. Regardless, his energy and aggression make him a fun watch.
Amadou Seini | 7’1”, Center
Amadou Seini brings NBA big man length and size at 7’1” and currently leads the tournament in rebounding (13.8 per game) after four games. A dominant rebounder during AfroBasket as well, Seini has great hands and a mature frame for his age. Though still raw in terms of skill development, the physical tools are already there. And yes, evaluators can forgive the accidental dunk on his own basket—he’s still among the most intriguing long-term bigs in the field.
China
Boyuan Zhang | 6’8”, Wing/Forward
Boyuan Zhang, a recent Nike Hoop Summit participant, drew early intrigue with his shot-creation potential. While his three-point efficiency specifically has dipped compared to previous international events, he remains a fascinating prospect if he can put together more consistent performances on both ends. With plus size on the wing and some “3-and-D” traits, Zhang will need to rebound better and fill out his frame to truly pop.
Sinan Huan | 7’1”, Center
Sinan Huan stands out as one of the tournament’s best shot blockers, averaging 5.3 blocks per game—including a wildly impressive 8-block performance against Canada. At 7’1”, he clearly has pro size, but his rebounding (just 5.2 in 25 minutes per game) and scoring efficiency lag behind. That said, he holds multiple NCAA D1 offers and could be a long-term developmental big worth tracking closely.
Dominican Republic
Lucas Morillo | 6’7”, Wing/Guard
Lucas Morillo has solidified his status as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. A top-50 recruit in the 2026 class, the 6’7” wing is averaging 20.4 points per game—second-best in the field—while displaying NBA-level size, strong ball-handling for his position, and equally impressive passing chops. He excels attacking the rim, but unlocking his full upside will require continuing making strides as a playmaker and, even more importantly, a three-point shooter. Continued physical development and athletic improvement will also be key.
Fernando de los Santos | 6’4”, Guard
Fernando de los Santos has arguably been the biggest pleasant surprise of the tournament. At 6’4”, he is the third-best scorer in the tournament only behind his teammate Morillo (20 points per game), and within the top 15 in rebounding, averaging 46% from the field and 39% from three while pulling down 6.4 boards per game. His best outing came against Israel, where he posted 25 points and 9 rebounds. Though not a dynamic athlete and a bit stiff in movement, his efficiency and consistent effort make him a sleeper to monitor.
France
Marc Owen Fodzo-Dada | 6’3”, Guard
Marc Owen Fodzo-Dada has been France’s most impactful all-around performer outside of a quiet showing against Australia. At 6’3” with a reported 6’10” wingspan, he’s a twitchy athlete who brings defensive disruption and two-way energy. A recent MVP in France’s U21 Espoirs league, Fodzo-Dada has shades of Deuce McBride in his game, especially as an off-ball disruptor. While he’ll need to improve his three-point shooting, his flashes—like a standout performance against China—should leave scouts optimistic.
Talis Soulhac | 6’2”, Guard
Talis Soulhac had a down game versus China, but showed earlier in the tournament that he can be an efficient scoring guard. Like Fodzo-Dada, he’s a smaller guard with good burst, though his shooting touch may be slightly more convincing at this stage. Soulhac also has the edge in playmaking and decision-making, keeping turnovers low and showing poise under pressure—traits that could serve him well as he matures.
Mali
Youssouf Traore | 6’10”, Center
At 6’10”, Youssouf Traore is slightly undersized for an NBA center, but his tools could lend him a case for the NBA if he continues his upward trajectory. He’s been a steady contributor for Mali in the World Cup, averaging 14.8 points per game on decent efficiency, while also ranking eighth in rebounds across all tournament participants with 8.2 per game. What has set him apart at his position so far is his playmaking acumen, dishing out 2.6 assists per game. To gain traction as a true NBA prospect, Traore will need to continue leaning into his offensive tools, especially given the lack of rim protection he’s shown thus far.
Serbia
Savo Drezgic | 6’4”, Point Guard
After a quiet freshman year at Georgia, Savo Drezgic is set to join Mega in the ABA League—a move that should give him a better runway to develop. Through the FIBA U19 World Cup, Drezgic has been one of Serbia’s standout performers, ranking top 10 in both scoring (17.6 PPG) and assists (5.8 APG). His signature performance came against Germany, where he dropped 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists with just one turnover—a stat line that showcases both production and control. When Drezgic is given the freedom to play aggressively and confidently, his NBA potential becomes much more evident.
Nikola Dzepina | 6’9”, Forward
Nikola Dzepina helped Serbia avoid an early stumble with a clutch 20-point, 7-rebound outing against Mali, and he’s continued to perform at a high level since. The 6’9” forward is averaging 17.2 points per game—among the top 10 scorers in the tournament—while shooting 54% from the field and 35% from three. He also gets to the line with frequency, converting just under 70% of his attempts. Set to join Valencia in Spain next season, Dzepina is a prospect worth watching thanks to his size, scoring efficiency, and developing perimeter game.
Championship Bracket Standouts
Australia
Jacob Furphy | 6’4”, Combo Guard
Jacob Furphy has emerged as one of the most polished and productive guards in the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. Committed to UConn, Furphy projects more as a multi-year college contributor than a one-and-done, but he’s making a clear case as an NBA prospect with his play in this tournament. He ranks fifth in scoring at 19.6 points per game, has maintained a near 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and looks completely comfortable running the offense in the half court. Perhaps most impressive is his efficiency from deep—he’s shooting 40% from three on 8 attempts per game, making him one of the top perimeter threats in the event.
Roman Siulepa | 6’5”, Forward
Roman Siulepa brings a unique blend of athleticism and power to Australia’s frontcourt, which isn’t surprising given his rugby background. He plays downhill with force, bulldozing defenders in transition and finishing through contact around the rim. At just 6’5”, Siulepa is also a strong rebounder, averaging 8.8 boards per game—a testament to his physicality and effort. His combination of motor, frame, and scoring touch around the basket makes him an interesting prospect at the very least.
Dash Daniels | 6’5”, Point Guard
Though Dash Daniels hasn’t had a breakout tournament offensively, he remains a name worth noting due to his size, age, and defensive acumen. Standing out as a big guard who won’t turn 18 until October, Daniels is competing well above his age group and has shown flashes of elite defensive potential. He takes care of the ball relatively well, but his offensive game remains a work in progress—his shooting splits of 30/35/53 highlight the inconsistency. Still, the long-term intrigue is very real if the offense eventually catches up to the rest of his tools.
Canada
Efeosa Oliogu | 6’6”, Wing
Spencer Ahrens | 6’6”, Wing
Tristan Beckford | 6’9”, Forward
It’s difficult to narrow down true standouts on the Canadian U19 team because of how much of their success can be attributed to a full-team effort on both ends of the floor. When it comes to the players who’ve made an impact and have somewhat realistic (short- or long-term) NBA upside, though, Efeosa Oliogu, Spencer Ahrens, and Tristan Beckford—committed to Butler, Boise State, and USF, respectively—all have some intrigue. Oliogu, a 6-foot-6 wing, has stood out as one of the most eye-popping athletes in the entire event with an impressive layup and above-the-rim finishing package, and Beckford profiles similarly. Beckford has been the more efficient scorer of the two and has taken better care of the ball through five games. Meanwhile, Ahrens, a 6-foot-9 forward, has been the most efficient scorer of the three (particularly in the team’s first couple of games), has displayed impressive footwork around the mid post.
Germany
Hannes Steinbach | 6’9”, Forward
Hannes Steinbach has established himself as one of the top performers in the entire World Cup. The University of Washington commit is averaging 17.8 points and a staggering 13.6 rebounds per game, pairing his productivity with outstanding efficiency—he's shooting 65% from the field, 35% from three, and 83% from the line. He’s also averaging more than a block per game, reinforcing his impact on both ends. With his size, motor, and skill set, Steinbach looks like a legitimate first-round prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Christian Anderson | 6’2”, Point Guard
Christian Anderson, an incoming sophomore at Texas Tech, has been a steady and increasingly dangerous presence in Germany’s backcourt. After a slow shooting start, he’s found his rhythm and now boasts 43/38/68 splits through five games. His 6.2 assists per game rank fourth among all players, and he’s done a solid job limiting turnovers (3.0 per game) despite his high usage. His recent performance against Australia—18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists while being guarded by Dash Daniels—was a standout effort that highlights why a second NCAA season might boost his draft stock.
Declan Duru | 6’7”, Forward
Declan Duru has quietly become one of the tournament’s most intriguing under-the-radar prospects. Through five games, he’s shooting a highly efficient 56% from the field, 42% from three, and 68% from the free-throw line while contributing over six rebounds per game. Uncommitted as of now, Duru has likely earned serious interest with his performance. His size, low-usage efficiency, and ability to play within a team structure suggest he could be a valuable long-term role player—traits that NBA teams tend to covet.
Israel
Omer Mayer | 6’4”, Point Guard
Omer Mayer has clearly been the engine behind Israel’s strong World Cup showing, even as the team bowed out in the quarterfinals against Slovenia. The 6’4” point guard delivered one of the standout individual performances of the tournament in the Round of 16, torching Cameroon for 33 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds to push Israel into the champion’s bracket. He’ll enter Purdue as a freshman this fall, where he may have the opportunity to be “the guy” on a team projected to sit near the top of early NCAA rankings. Having already logged minutes for Maccabi Tel-Aviv against professional competition, Mayer’s transition to the college game bears watching—particularly whether he can consistently create his own offense without relying heavily on ball screens.
New Zealand
Tama Isaac | 6’2”, Guard
Though a bit undersized by NBA standards, Tama Isaac has been one of the most reliable pure point guards at the U19 World Cup. He’s consistently made smart reads on both ends of the floor, boasting nearly a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio (6.0 assists to 2.2 turnovers per game) while also averaging 1.4 steals. There are clear shades of TJ McConnell in his game—quick, pesky, and always in control of the offense. His poise and ability to set the tempo have helped steady New Zealand through tough matchups.
Hayden Jones | 6’7”, Wing
Jackson Ball | 6’4”, Guard
Hayden Jones and Jackson Ball are grouped together here, as both are committed to Wisconsin in consecutive years. Jones, the older of the two and an incoming freshman, has shown flashes of two-way versatility and recently tallied 4 blocks in a quarterfinal matchup with Switzerland. While it’s not yet clear which specific skill will define him, his all-around game makes him a worthwhile long-term prospect. Ball, meanwhile, is playing a year up and facing the expected growing pains, but his upside is evident. A 40-point game in the New Zealand NBL at his age has turned evaluators’ heads, even if he’s still putting it all together in international play.
Slovenia
Zak Smrekar | 6’7”, Wing
Much like Omer Mayer has been the engine for Israel, Zak Smrekar has emerged as “the guy” for Slovenia’s U19 squad. The 6-foot-7 forward plays a versatile offensive game, serving as an effective off-ball option while also showcasing surprisingly polished playmaking ability for his size. Though his three-point percentage hasn’t popped, his feel for the game and ability to operate as a secondary creator give him a lot of long-term intrigue. His 22-point, 8-rebound, 4-assist performance in Slovenia’s quarterfinal win over Israel was a signature moment—and a strong reminder of the high-level tools he brings to the floor.
Switzerland
Dayan Nessah | 6’7”, Forward
While he’s arguably had more support than players like Zak Smrekar or Omer Mayer, Dayan Nessah has still been the clear focal point for Switzerland’s U19 squad. At 6’7”, he’s one of the few players in the tournament who truly qualifies as a point forward, with the ball-handling, passing vision, and size to fill that role effectively. He ranks in the top 10 in both scoring and rebounding, and isn’t far off in assists—highlighting his well-rounded impact. Nessah has been incredibly efficient from the field (52%) and three-point range (55%), though there’s still room for improvement at the free-throw line and in limiting turnovers (3.6 per game). With his frame, athleticism, and all-around skill set, the George Mason commit looks every bit the part of a legitimate NBA prospect.
Oliver Sassella | 6’5”, Combo Guard
Flying a bit under the radar compared to Nessah, Oliver Sassella has still made a major impact and is more than deserving of attention. The 6’5” combo guard has quietly been one of the most efficient scorers in the tournament with 50/43/75 shooting splits through five games. His poise and production were on full display in Switzerland’s thrilling Round of 16 win over France, where he hit the game-tying shot that sent the contest to overtime. His size and efficiency make him a name to watch moving forward.
USA
Mikel Brown Jr. | 6’2”, Point Guard
Easily the top point guard of the tournament so far, Mikel Brown Jr. has combined volume and efficiency at an elite level. He’s currently posting incredible 48/53/85 shooting splits, while dishing out 6.6 assists per game to just 2.2 turnovers—a pristine 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Simply put, he’s running the show with poise and precision. If he can replicate even a portion of this production as a freshman at Louisville, what is currently viewed as a “top 3” in the 2026 NBA Draft may quickly become a “top 4.”
Koa Peat | 6’8”, Forward
While his quarterfinals performance (7 points, foul trouble) was underwhelming, Koa Peat’s earlier contributions secure his place among the tournament’s standouts. He’s been one of the most productive rebounders in the field and has averaged 13.8 points per game—all without attempting a single three-pointer. That paints a clear picture of his identity: a throwback, physical forward who punishes defenders inside. His long-term upside will hinge on how his skill development complements that old-school strength.
AJ Dybantsa | 6’8”, Wing
Despite being projected as a potential #1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, AJ Dybantsa hasn’t dominated quite like many expected—particularly from beyond the arc. But with a scorching 76% conversion rate inside the three-point line, a positive assist-to-turnover ratio, and some solid defensive contributions, his well-rounded game continues to show through. And after a 22-point, 4-rebound, 3-assist, 3-steal game against Canada in the quarterfinals, he could be on the upturn just in time. No need to panic about his long-term trajectory—he’s still firmly in the elite tier of prospects for 2026, even if Mikel Brown has made a push to be considered the most skilled U19 USA player.
Tyran Stokes | 6’7”, Point Forward
Stokes has had the most uneven playing time of anyone listed here, but made history in his one extended opportunity. In a breakout performance, he became the first player ever to record a triple-double at the FIBA U19 World Cup: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists—and very nearly a quadruple-double with 7 steals to boot. A 6’7” point-forward type with major defensive instincts, Stokes is shaping up to be a can’t-miss prospect for the 2027 NBA Draft cycle.