Europe’s Next Generation: Istanbul ANGE Qualifier
Scouting notes on some of the best prospects from the first round of Adidas NextGen EuroLeague
In today’s basketball landscape, it’s rare to find a high-level European player who didn’t participate in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament as a prospect. Just last year, participants included first round NBA Draft prospects Egor Demin, Kasparas Jakucionis, Nolan Traore, Noa Essengue, Hugo Gonzalez, and Joan Beringer.
Some notable alumni of the competition include NBA players Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Vasilije Micic, Nikola Mirotic, or Bogdan Bogdanovic.
This year, Adidas changed the name slightly to Adidas NextGen EuroLeague (ANGE), but the tournament’s goal remains the same: to give a global stage to some of the best under-18 clubs and prospects in Europe.
Here, we break down some of the standout prospects who have a chance at turning into big time players at the international, NCAA, and NBA levels, as well as the teams in the first ANGE qualifier held in Istanbul, Turkey.
1st Place: Mega MIS
The Serbian powerhouse Mega MIS entered the tournament as the clear favorite—and they lived up to the hype.
Ognjen Srzentic | 6’8” | Guard | 2007 | Serbia
Ognjen Srzentic was the team’s standout performer and tournament MVP. Srzentic blends impressive size for his position with a strong build, fluid strides, and top-tier scoring instincts. He demonstrated his all-around offensive prowess, averaging a remarkable 24.5 points per game while maintaining excellent efficiency. His shooting splits included 60.9% on 2-point attempts (11.5 attempts per game) and 44% from beyond the arc (6.2 attempts per game). Additionally, he contributed 7.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists (against 2.8 turnovers), 2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.
The Serbian guard proved to be a dynamic offensive force, utilizing his long strides, quick decision-making, explosive acceleration, and sharp directional changes to consistently challenge defenders and create mismatches.
Pavle Backo | 7’0” | Center | 2007 | Serbia
Backo earned a well-deserved spot in the All-Tournament Team. He was a dominant figure in the paint. Although not particularly athletic, his high basketball IQ and excellent feel for the game made him a crucial asset for the team. He averaged 14.2 points per game, showcasing his efficiency shooting 66.7% from 2-point range, 40% accuracy three (on 1.25 attempts per game), and an exceptional 91.7% from the free-throw line (on 3 attempts per game). He also added 6.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.8 steals, and 1 block per game.
Backo excelled as a finisher near the basket, utilizing his size and strength to great effect while displaying some refined post moves. He also demonstrated confidence in his outside shot, making 2 of his 5 three-point attempts during the tournament.
Petar Ostojic | 7’1” | Center | 2007 | Serbia
Ostojic made valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. He showcased his impact in limited minutes, averaging 8 points per game on an efficient 56% shooting from 2-point range, along with 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals in just 18:40 of playing time.
Nikola Karalic | 6’8” | Forward | 2008 | Serbia
Karalic also proved to be a versatile contributor, averaging 7.5 points per game on 47.1% shooting from 2-point range, 30% from beyond the arc, and 62.5% from the free-throw line. He added 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists (with only 0.8 turnovers), 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 23:05 of playing time. Their combined efforts further solidified Mega’s dominance in the tournament.
2nd Place: Next Gen Team (NGT) Istanbul
The tournament's runner-up team delivered a commendable performance, with several players playing pivotal roles in their success.
Jahel Trefle | 6’9” | Center | 2007 | France
Trefle, who was named to the All-Tournament Team here in Istanbul, was a dominant force at center, demonstrating significant growth since last year’s NextGen Paris. The 6’9” big man averaged 14.2 points (50% 2P, 56.5% FT), 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. His athleticism and mobility made him effective in transition and pick-and-roll plays, finishing adeptly with either hand and occasionally stepping out for mid-range shots. Defensively, he was a reliable rim protector and rebounder, anchoring his team’s paint defense.
Isaac Guedegbe | 5’10” | Point Guard | 2007 | France
Guedegbe commanded the game as the team’s floor general. A quick and agile point guard, he averaged 13 points (48% 2P, 42.9% 3P, 90.9% FT), 7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. His sharp decision-making and passing created scoring opportunities for teammates in various situations, while his confident shooting and ability to attack the rim made him a dual threat offensively.
Stratos Papastavrou | 6’7” | Guard | 2007 | Greece
Papastavrou showcased his versatility and sharpshooting throughout the tournament, averaging 8.5 points on a scorching hot 47.4% 3P, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Standing at 6’7” and with a solid frame, good athleticism, and elite shooting potential, he effectively played both guard and forward roles. Papastavrou excelled in both on-ball and off-ball situations, navigating screens with precision and delivering smooth, quick shots with strong mechanics. His ability to draw defensive attention and create space for teammates was instrumental to his team’s offensive strategy.
Additionally, he displayed a strong grasp of pick-and-roll dynamics, operating as a secondary ball handler with quick decision-making or as a screener in small-ball lineups. When deployed as a power forward, Papastavrou added a valuable perimeter shooting element to the offense, consistently converting open looks. Defensively, his improved lateral quickness and ability to guard multiple positions, from guards to forwards, made him a key asset on both ends of the court.
3rd Place: Gran Canaria
An ambitious roster with the most international players outside of the NGT team, Gran Canaria competed hard for one of Istanbul’s top spots.
Arthur Tsafack | 6’7” | Forward | 2007 | Cameroon
Though listed as a center, Tsafack thrived as a combo forward who got downhill at will. His length and strength made him impossible to stop in the paint, converting 60.5% of his two point attempts, and his production and efficiency led him to a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Though he moves and defends well enough to expand his game, he’ll need to prove it by showing he can make mid- and long-range jump shots.
Mervedi Miteo | 6’10” | Center | 2008 | Democratic Republic of Congo
At 15 years old, Miteo was one of the youngest players participating, while also being one of the most productive. He nearly averaged a double-double (12 PPG, 9.6 RPG) and was very solid on defense with 2.4 stocks per game. He showed encouraging flashes of connective playmaking and shooting as well.
Codé Mbengue | 6’10” | Center | 2008 | Senegal
Mbengue’s raw stats aren’t impressive in and of themselves, but the context of this being his first time meeting his teammates and not sleeping on the flight from Senegal to Turkey makes him very intriguing. In limited minutes, he showed dominant flashes on the glass, in the post and on defense. His length and agility stood out, but added strength will make him even more interesting as a prospect.
Moussa Coulibaly | 6’9” | Center | 2009 | Mali
Coulibaly showed great flashes of potential. Agile with long strides and a raw but promising physique, Coulibaly excelled at finishing efficiently close to the rim, particularly in face-up situations.
4th Place: Panathinaikos
Although they finished in the top half of the group of teams, there was a clear separation between this tournament’s top three teams and Panathinaikos. Despite this, they showed plenty of individual potential.
Christos Georgas | 6’5” | Guard | 2007 | Greece
Georgas was a stat-sheet stuffer, positively impacting the game on both sides of the ball, but mainly on the defensive end. The slashing wing made the All-Tournament Team and led the tournament in blocks (2.3 BPG) and steals (2.8 SPG), while being the second-best in rebounds (9.3 RPG) and player index rating (21.5). He slithered his way past and through defenders for tough finishes. Defensive versatility and instincts powered his game as he defended well in transition, the halfcourt and across multiple positions.
Evangelos Bousmpouras | 6’2” | Point Guard | 2007 | Greece
Bousmpouras is a steady game manager who gets others involved, keeps the team’s pace and generally makes plays with the ball. His instincts and vision made him the best passer of the tournament, as he found passing windows that didn’t always seem apparent, and led the competition in assists. A more potent scoring game will help him stand out as a prospect.
Georgios-Angelos Tsakiris | 6’3” | Guard | 2007 | Greece
Tsakiris was one of the best shooters in the tournament, averaging 3 made three-pointers per game on 8.5 attempts. Most of these shots were contested or taken under less-than-ideal balance. Despite this, Tsakiris navigated screens effectively and showcased fluid shooting mechanics and impressive range.
Iasonas Binis | 6’11” | Center | 2007 | Greece
Binis had a strong showing for Panathinaikos, demonstrating his versatility. The 6’11 C averaged 9.5 points (57.1% 2P), 6.8 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. A true team player, he provided effective screens and hand-offs for his teammates, showing proficiency as a roller in pick-and-roll situations. Binis displayed flashes of finishing ability after rolling to the basket and showed potential as a passer, even though it wasn’t fully reflected in his assist numbers.
5th Place: Umana Reyer Venezia
Francesco Eramo | 6’4” | Guard/Forward | 2007 | Italy
Eramo stood out for the Italian team, averaging 17.2 points (46% 2P, 29% 3P, 65% FT), 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists (1.2 turnovers), and 2.2 steals per game. Despite lacking ideal size, he excelled off the ball with frequent basket cuts and a reliable mid-range game, though his three-point shooting remained a weakness. Defensively, his quick hands generated steals, and his rebounding fueled effective transition plays.
Andrea Macri | 6’7” | Center | 2007 | Italy
Macri impressed with his high energy and toughness, averaging 8.2 points (57% 2P, 75% FT), 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists (1.2 turnovers), and 1.2 steals. While effective around the rim and at the free-throw line, adding a perimeter shot could expand his offensive impact.
Edoardo Bonivento | 6’4” | Forward | 2007 | Italy
Bonivento offered balanced contributions, averaging 7.8 points (54.2% 2P), 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists (1.5 turnovers), and 1.2 steals, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
6th Place: Anadolu Efes
One of the premier clubs in Turkey, Efes is routinely a hub for some of Turkey’s brightest young talent. Though not a favorite for this tournament generally, Efes entered this competition with potential to be the top Turkish club present.
Aldin Turkoglu | 6’11” | Center | 2007 | Turkey
Dangerous on the block and as a roll man, Turkoglu showed good touch near the basket as well as on mid- and long-range jumpshots. He showed some mobility, moving well into and out of screens and reacting after reading his defender. Turkoglu was also a top five rebounder of the tournament with 8.5 per game. Attention to detail on the defensive end leading to a bigger impact on that side could solidify him as a top prospect.
Mert Kocagozoglu | 6’6” | Guard | 2007 | Turkey
Kocagozoglu had a productive outing for Efes, efficiently putting up above average scoring, rebounding and assist numbers. He was deceptive, getting to his spots and also getting defenders in the air before scoring attempts. Creative off the dribble, he also showed good range and an ability to knock down shots despite good contests. He also finished through contact routinely. Generally, Kocagozoglu proved to be a good on-ball decision-maker, balancing scoring and getting others involved.
Darius Carutasu | 6’7 | Guard/Forward | 2009 | Turkey
Carutasu averaged 9.2 points per game (39% 2P, 35% 3P, 63% FT), 3.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.8 steals. A guard/forward with excellent positional size, Carutasu moves well on the court and exhibits a versatile playstyle. He drives to the basket with ease, finishing effectively with both hands, while also displaying potential as a perimeter shooter. Defensively, his active hands were a key asset, leading to numerous deflections.
Demir Ozturk | 6’8” | Forward | 2009 | Turkey
Ozturk also emerged as an intriguing prospect. He averaged 10.8 points per game (50% 2P, 27.8% 3P, 100% FT), along with 4 rebounds, 2.2 assists (against 2.2 turnovers), and 1.5 steals. Ozturk contributed across multiple facets of the game, showing great court vision and consistently creating open looks for his teammates. A lefty with a unique shooting mechanic that begins relatively low, Ozturk appears confident in his shot and was unafraid to take on scoring opportunities.
Berk Catalan | 6’11” | Center | 2008 | Turkey
An unconventional 3-and-D prospect, Catalan’s mobility at his size and youth are intriguing. The fluidity in his jump shot make the stretch big a player to monitor as he continues to progress and his defensive timing is a ceiling raiser. As he adds strength to his frame, his stock could improve drastically if able to maintain long range efficiency.
7th Place: Fenerbahce BEKO
Omer Ziyaettin | 6’2” | Guard | 2008 | Turkey
Ziyaettin emerged as the focal point for Fenerbahce, leading the team with 18.2 points per game. He shot 38.1% on 2-pointers, an impressive 46.9% from three-point range (on 8 attempts per game), and 75% from the free-throw line. Ziyaettin stood out as one of the tournament’s most proficient shooters, combining smooth mechanics with quick decisions and consistent accuracy from deep.
His preference for perimeter play was evident, as he attempted 32 shots from beyond the arc compared to only 21 inside the paint, emphasizing his role as a long-range threat. His sharpshooting was a critical element in Fenerbahce’s offensive strategy, allowing him to consistently stretch opposing defenses out.
Deniz Ulas Urunlu | 6’8” | Forward | 2007 | Turkey
Ulrunlu was another key contributor for Fenerbahce, averaging 13.5 points per game while shooting 35% on 2-pointers, 40% from three-point range, and 50% from the free-throw line. At 6’8”, Urunlu brought valuable size and versatility as a wing. He demonstrated a reliable outside shot with fluid form and showed flashes of creating his own scoring opportunities, making him a promising offensive option for the team.
8th Place: Bahcesehir College
Yavuz Kara | 6’9” | Forward | 2007 | Turkey
One of the most productive individuals of the tournament, Kara finished top five in rebounds (8.8 RPG), made three pointers (2.8 3PM), and steals (2.5 SPG). The forward’s activity and decisiveness were a bright spot for the last place team and he showed a balanced inside-out attack, while producing on defense with his energy and anticipation. Kara’s high release allowed him to shoot over contests, further opening up the lane for him too.
Kartal Simsek | 6’4” | Guard | 2009 | Turkey
Simsek has the making of a crafty playmaker on the ball. Not overly creative with his ballhandling, he shifts defenses more with his body positioning and eyes, finding creases to attack and make passes for others. The young guard played confidently among competition up to two years older than him.
Ahmed Arda Aydin | 6’9” | Center | 2007 | Turkey
Aydin was the tournament’s best rebounder and the only player to average double figures in rebounds. Aydin posted 13.2 points per game (37% 2P, 50% FT), 12 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1 block. Despite being slightly undersized for a center, he excelled through his strong sense of positioning and effective box-outs. Aydin also displayed flashes of post moves combined with decent footwork, although he struggled to finish effectively against stronger opponents like Backo (going 4/16 against Mega).