From June 28 to July 6, 2025, Lausanne’s Vaudoise Area in Switzerland served because the epicenter of males’s FIBA U19 basketball. Over the course of 9 days, the world’s finest younger expertise competed for international supremacy, culminating in america going undefeated and reclaiming their place atop the basketball world. Group USA captured their ninth U19 World Cup title in dominant vogue, rolling previous Germany 109-76 within the championship closing. Under are a few of the high worldwide prospects who stood out throughout the event, with a separate report on the highest USA prospects to comply with.
Hannes Steinbach 6-9 F/C | Germany | School: College of Washington
Steinbach (pictured) was one of many breakout performers on the U19 World Cup, incomes a spot on the All-Match Beginning 5 whereas anchoring Germany’s frontcourt with power and consistency. A high-motor ahead with a robust inside presence, he excelled across the basket utilizing a mixture of put up strikes and face-up drives, primarily ending together with his dominant proper hand. He performed with nice effort on the glass, averaging 13 rebounds per sport, and ran the ground nicely with out the ball to create straightforward scoring possibilities. Defensively, he confirmed stable footwork and the power to defend ball screens in numerous coverages, although he sometimes struggled to shut out on shooters and relied on fouls to get well when switched onto smaller guards. Regardless of these lapses, he was a dependable paint protector and averaged 1.3 blocks per sport. Steinbach’s physicality and motor have been evident, however he’ll have to get stronger and broaden his capturing vary to thrive on the subsequent degree. He hit simply 22.2 % from three within the event and might want to refine his capturing mechanics. With a promising season forward at Washington, he has the instruments to develop right into a productive energy ahead and potential NBA function participant in time.
Christian Anderson 6-2 PG | Germany | School: Texas Tech
Anderson was the clear standout for Germany’s U19 squad on the 2025 FIBA World Cup, incomes a spot on the event’s All-Occasion Beginning 5. He performed with confidence and management all through, flashing his capability to attain in any respect three ranges whereas working the crew with poise. A artistic ball-handler who thrives in isolation, Anderson constantly broke down defenders together with his fast change of tempo and shifty footwork. He was harmful pulling up off the dribble from three or snaking into the lane for finishes with both hand. In transition, he pushed the tempo with pace and imaginative and prescient, delivering well timed passes to cutters, spot-up shooters, and rim-running bigs. Defensively, he introduced good power and anticipation, leaping passing lanes and navigating screens with fast ft. Whereas his dimension and restricted athleticism might pose issues on the NBA degree, significantly when defending larger guards, he confirmed sufficient ability, really feel, and competitiveness to venture as a possible backup level guard if he continues to develop bodily and strengthen his body.
Eric Reibe 7-0 C | Germany | School: College of Connecticut
Reibe performed a key function in Germany’s run to the U19 World Cup closing, offering ability and stability within the paint alongside Hannes Steinbach. A left-handed huge with a sophisticated inside sport, Reibe isn’t essentially the most explosive athlete however makes up for it with footwork, contact, and excessive basketball IQ. He confirmed consolation scoring from each the low put up and in face-up conditions, utilizing persistence and craft to search out angles. He set efficient screens and positioned himself nicely inside the circulation of the offense, ending effectively across the rim and displaying a mushy contact with both hand. He additionally stepped out and knocked down just a few threes, including stretch potential to his profile. Defensively, he held his personal in ball display screen protection and used his dimension to contest with out fouling. To succeed in the subsequent degree, Reibe might want to grow to be extra bodily, add energy, and enhance his rebounding presence. His capturing, particularly from the free throw line at 56 %, additionally wants refinement. Nonetheless, together with his really feel and offensive versatility, his upcoming season at UConn shall be a robust indicator of his long-term upside as a possible professional huge. He averaged 15.4 factors, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 23.7 minutes per sport whereas capturing 66.7 % from two and 33.3 % from three.
Jordan Charles 5-11 PG | Canada | Faculty: Bella Vista Prep
One of many youngest gamers within the event, Charles held his personal as the start line guard for Canada’s U19 crew and confirmed encouraging flashes of long-term upside. A pure playmaker with sturdy courtroom imaginative and prescient, he stored the ball shifting within the halfcourt and created straightforward seems to be in transition by pushing tempo and studying the ground. Offensively, he displayed a stable capturing stroke each from mid-range and past the arc, able to pulling up off the dribble or attacking closeouts to get into the paint. Although most of his finishes got here together with his proper hand, he was capable of take in contact on the rim and play by means of physicality. Defensively, he was lively and disruptive with fast palms and a knack for creating steals. His lack of dimension and energy stays a priority at increased ranges, and his deal with nonetheless wants tightening, however contemplating his age and manufacturing (13.0 factors, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per sport), he confirmed loads of instruments to construct on for the long run
Andrej Kostic 6-6 SG | Serbia | School: Kansas State
Kostic got here into the U19 World Cup with a robust résumé from his time with Crvena Zvezda and a productive mortgage stint at BC Dynamic, and whereas his efficiency fluctuated sport to sport, his long-term upside as a scoring guard stays evident. A clean combo guard with pure scoring instincts, Kostic can put up factors in quite a lot of methods. He has a fast launch from deep and doesn’t want a lot area to get his shot off, connecting on 37.7 % of his threes throughout the event. When defenders shut out laborious, he makes use of a fast first step to get downhill and end by means of contact with both hand. He thrives in transition and isolation, exhibiting creativity and physique management as a driver. Defensively, he nonetheless has work to do, as he might be late on closeouts and lacks the physicality to constantly maintain his floor. Regardless of that, he flashes good timing within the passing lanes and is able to utilizing his size successfully. With a 12 months at Kansas State on deck and a ability set constructed for the trendy sport, Kostic stays a robust candidate to play his approach into the primary spherical of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Mark Padjen 6-6 SG | Slovenia | Group: Ilirija
Padjen confirmed promise as a artistic combo guard for Slovenia, displaying glorious deal with, craft, and shot-making capability. An efficient participant, regardless of a lean body, he was snug working out of choose and roll, delivering passes to a number of ranges, and flattening pictures each off the dribble and recognizing up. He attacked, barely favoring his proper, and frequently earned journeys to the road on aggressive drives. His really feel in transition and skill to go coast to coast made him a troublesome cowl when given area. Whereas he wants to enhance his energy and defensive consistency, his courtroom imaginative and prescient and scoring versatility stood out. He averaged 12.6 factors, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists whereas capturing 46.9 % from two, 34.4 % from three, and 86.1 % from the road in 23.7 minutes per sport. He additionally helped Ilirija earn promotion to the ABA League and lately earned a spot on Slovenia’s senior nationwide crew for EuroBasket 2025.
Tyler Kropp 6-8 PF | Argentina | Excessive Faculty: Northwestern
Kropp emerged because the breakout star for Argentina, main his crew in scoring, rebounding, and effectivity as a flexible stretch 4 with superior polish for his age. Simply 17, he confirmed deep capturing vary, flattening over 57 % from three, and operated confidently from the perimeter or on face-up, ending by means of contact with both hand. He rebounded with objective and confirmed a fantastic really feel for spacing, timing his cuts nicely and staying lively off the ball. On protection, he guarded a number of positions, protected the rim, and used his energy to battle inside. He should proceed to enhance his transition protection and physicality to deal with stronger opponents, however his ability and IQ counsel actual long-term upside. He averaged 21.7 factors, 9.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and three.0 steals per sport whereas capturing 57.0 % from two, 57.1 % from three, and 82.6 % from the road in 33.2 minutes.
Savo Drezgic 6-4 PG | Serbia | Group: Mega Basket
Drezgic had a combined event however flashed elite upside with a dominant 32-point, 11-rebound, 3-assist efficiency towards Germany that reminded scouts why he’s thought of one among Serbia’s high prospects. A robust and aggressive guard who thrives attacking the rim, he completed by means of contact, scored in isolation, and displayed good courtroom imaginative and prescient within the open flooring and halfcourt. He dealt with physicality nicely and performed with confidence, however his consistency and physique language fluctuated, and he generally struggled to defend faster guards. His crew’s ninth-place end fell wanting expectations. If he improves his defensive footwork and stays engaged, his mixture of energy and ability offers him an opportunity to play at a excessive degree. He averaged 16.3 factors, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per sport, capturing 51.1 % from two, 31.7 % from three, and 87.9 % from the road in 28.4 minutes.
City Kroflic 6-6 PG/SG | Slovenia | Group: Mega Basket
Kroflic began each sport for Slovenia’s bronze-medal crew and introduced poise and flexibility to the backcourt. A lefty combo guard with good dimension, he performed with a pure rhythm in choose and roll and flashed mushy contact across the rim, typically utilizing eurosteps to get by defenders. He has a stable stroke from three regardless of common percentages and was practically computerized from the free throw line. His courtroom imaginative and prescient and really feel have been sturdy, however he might want to enhance his defensive footwork and physicality to achieve the subsequent degree. Nonetheless simply 18, Kroflic already has expertise within the ABA League and earned a call-up to Slovenia’s senior crew for EuroBasket 2025. He averaged 12.7 factors, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists whereas capturing 45.5 % from two, 32.5 % from three, and 95.2 % from the road in 27.9 minutes.
Zak Smrekar 6-7 F | Slovenia | Group: Krka Novo Mesto
Smrekar was Slovenia’s most constant participant throughout their bronze medal run, incomes a spot on the event’s Beginning 5 together with his high-energy, and two-way play. A robust open-court athlete with a fast first step, he scored effectively in transition, attacked closeouts with energy, and lower laborious off the ball for simple buckets. Whereas not a quantity shooter from three, he was assured on catch and shoot makes an attempt and contributed throughout the board. Defensively, he used his dimension and energy to change onto a number of positions and made an impression on the glass. His capturing kind and off-the-dribble sport nonetheless want refining, and his deal with is proscribed, however his motor and manufacturing stood out. He averaged 16.1 factors, 4.7 rebounds, and three.7 assists whereas capturing 51.9 % from two, 26.1 % from three, and 74.2 % from the road in 29.6 minutes, and is predicted to hitch Slovenia’s senior nationwide crew for EuroBasket 2025.
Franck Belibi 6’4 Wing | Colorado Prep | 2008 Born | Cameroon
Franck Belibi was one of many youthful and lesser-known worldwide gamers coming into this event. Benefiting from his alternative, his performances undoubtedly gave him a bit shine. Franck’s finest video games got here early within the event versus France and Australia. In these matchups, plus towards Group USA, you noticed an athletic guard with a protracted wingspan, rumored to be roughly 6’10 or 6’11. In these video games he was capable of assault the basket and rating. self-creator, he can deal with opposing strain to search out his spots. Averaging 14.4 factors per sport in a event he might play in once more two years from now, you hope that within the subsequent iteration he is ready to create for others in addition to he created for himself. As well as, his shot choice wants enchancment, as he took two-thirds of his pictures from past the arc, which weighed down his general subject objective share. A extra balanced mix of attacking the rim would almost definitely not solely improve his subject objective share but in addition his three-point share, as he would grow to be extra selective.
Sprint Daniels 6’5 PG/SG | Melbourne United | 2007 Born | Australia
Daniels was a extremely anticipated non-USA NBA prospect for this occasion. Constructed equally to his older NBA brother Dyson Daniels, he’s a tall combo guard (measured on the BWB World All-Star Weekend at 6’5 with a 6’9.75 wingspan) with broad shoulders and athleticism. Coming in, he was considered as a possible draft choose for the 2026 NBA Draft. Sadly, he had a really poor exhibiting and might want to steadily rebuild his draft fairness if he hopes to listen to his identify known as subsequent June. He was extremely inefficient from the ground, lacking finishes across the paint that he sometimes converts, and his jumper, at all times a weak level, was not falling. Usually a tenacious defender, Daniels struggled with foul hassle all through the event and managed simply 7 steals in 6 video games. His tough matchups towards extra athletic groups, significantly his 0-for-7 efficiency towards Group USA, will stand out for the mistaken causes. That mentioned, he did common higher than a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio throughout the occasion, and he’s removed from the primary extremely regarded prospect to underperform at a U19 World Cup. Zaccharie Risacher confronted comparable scrutiny after his struggles on the identical stage and nonetheless grew to become the No. 1 general choose the next June.
Jacob Furphy 6’4 SG | UConn | 2006 Born | Australia
The youthful brother of Pacers wing Johnny Furphy, Jacob measured 6’4.5″ with an 8’6″ standing attain, 6’6″ wingspan, and a 28.5″ max vertical on the 2024 Basketball With out Borders. Headed to UConn, the 2006-born guard was one of many larger names getting into the event. The southpaw is a excessive IQ participant with deep capturing vary who averaged 16.7 factors per sport throughout the occasion. Whereas he shot simply 31 % from three, he did so on excessive quantity, averaging 7.3 makes an attempt per contest. Although barely slow-footed, he used his energy and physique management nicely, even grabbing 7 or extra rebounds in a number of video games regardless of being a smaller guard. Defensively, his consciousness and anticipation stood out. He excelled as a assist defender and frequently jumped passing lanes, averaging over 2 steals per sport.
Noa Kouakou-Heugue 6’10 PF/C | Perth Wildcats | 2007 Born | France
Noa Kouakou-Heugue is a formidable athlete with nice fluidity and mobility for his dimension, making him a standout in transition and movement-based actions. He thrives working the ground, ending quick breaks as a lane-filler or trailer, and brings relentless power on the offensive glass, typically outworking opponents with fixed movement. One in all his signature moments on the U19 World Cup was a highlight-reel dunk over a Group USA defender off a pointy top-of-the-key lower. He exhibits flashes of with the ability to play in each pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions, significantly from midrange, and his motion expertise make him an intriguing long-term prospect. Nevertheless, his impression fades in slower, post-heavy halfcourt settings. Listed between 6’9 and 6’10.5 with a reported 7’0 wingspan and eight’11.5 standing attain, he tasks finest as an influence ahead. His lack of energy and vertical explosiveness limits his capability to complete by means of contact or maintain place towards extra bodily defenders. A comparatively new participant to the game, having picked up basketball in highschool, he’s nonetheless uncooked by way of ball-handling and perimeter creation, and his capturing stays inconsistent. Defensively, he’s more practical as a help-side presence or roaming defender than as a main rim protector in drop protection.
Omer Mayer 6’4 PG/SG | Purdue | 2006 Born | Israel
Omer Mayer is a high-IQ basketball participant who can shoot the leather-based off the ball. A combo guard measuring 6’3.5″ with a 6’6″ wingspan and an 8’3″ standing attain (2025 Nike Hoop Summit measurements), he’s on the shorter aspect for a capturing guard and can possible should be a full-time level guard on the highest degree. He lacks ultimate pace for the place however is extremely adaptable, able to taking part in successfully with or with out the ball. Off the ball, he’s lethal as a catch-and-shoot menace and creates area with pump fakes and sidesteps, capturing 13-of-34 from three (38.2%) regardless of defenses keying in on him with Ben Saraf unavailable because of NBA Summer season League. He missed the final two video games because of a finger damage (not extreme, as he went on to play in FIBA EuroBasket U20) however nonetheless completed because the second-leading scorer of the occasion at 20 factors per sport. In halfcourt units, he wants a stable display screen to get downhill however makes use of his elite capturing capability and alter of tempo to construct momentum towards the rim. He understands angles and conditions nicely and constantly makes the fitting cross inside the offense. As the first ball handler, he might be turnover-prone at occasions however nonetheless recorded a 1.4 assist-to-turnover ratio throughout the occasion. Defensively, he lacks foot pace on the level of assault however is a great crew defender who rotates nicely and anticipates passing lanes, averaging 2 steals per sport. He additionally makes use of his physicality to compete on the glass, contributing on the defensive boards.
Lucas Morillo 6’7 SF | The Newman Faculty | 2007 Born | Dominican Republic
Morillo is a flexible wing who completed because the second-leading scorer of the competitors, averaging 20 factors per sport. A robust rebounder, he additionally averaged 9 rebounds per contest. He has good handles for his dimension and exhibits sturdy playmaking capability, significantly in pick-and-roll conditions. Though he possesses stable courtroom imaginative and prescient, his first and second instincts are to attain. With good peak for a wing at this degree, he disrupts passing lanes and appears for fast steals to ignite quick breaks. Nevertheless, as the extent of competitors will increase, he might want to put higher effort into his protection. In response to the 2025 Basketball With out Borders World measurements, his peak and wingspan are similar, and his standing attain is simply 8’2″, which can restrict his defensive versatility at increased ranges.
Dayan Nessah 6’7 SF | Cleveland State | 2006 Born | Switzerland
Nessah, a flexible ahead, recorded 5 double-doubles in seven video games. Averaging 17.7 factors and 9.3 rebounds per sport for the event, he was a constant offensive menace. He excelled in catch-and-shoot conditions, changing 14 of 27 three-point makes an attempt. A little bit of a tweener, his continued growth as a fringe shooter shall be key as he progresses to increased ranges. Whereas not a lot of a rim protector, he contributes with deflections and occasional steals. He has good handles for his place, however ending effectively across the rim towards taller opponents stays an space for progress. Nessah noticed restricted taking part in time at George Washington final season, which was anticipated after lacking most of his senior 12 months because of damage. Together with his energy and flexibility, he must be a productive and environment friendly contributor at Cleveland State, significantly given the dearth of dimension sometimes discovered on the mid-major degree in comparison with Energy 4 conferences.
Amadou Seini 7’1 C | Varese Academy | 2007 Born | Cameroon
Amadou Seini led the U19 World Cup in rebounding, averaging 15.3 per sport. One of many tallest gamers on the occasion, he lately measured 7’1 with a 7’5 wingspan at Eurocamp in Treviso, making him bodily imposing and a reputable rim protector. Whereas not essentially the most fluid mover at this stage, he’s restricted to drop protection defensively and has some struggles with fast help-side rotations, which can assist clarify why he totaled simply 10 blocks in 10 video games. Offensively, he’s nonetheless very uncooked. He averaged 9.9 factors per sport within the event, with most of his scoring coming off lobs, putbacks, and pick-and-dive alternatives. He exhibits some potential on the block, utilizing his size and underrated energy to carry place towards defenders making an attempt to push him off the put up. His outdoors capturing stays a serious space for enchancment. Nonetheless, given the NBA’s renewed curiosity in gamers with 7’5-plus wingspans, Seini is clearly a long-term prospect NBA scouts will proceed to observe. Growth of his capturing contact would considerably increase his case for the subsequent degree.
Yohann Sissoko 6’5 PG/SG | Florida Atlantic | 2006 Born | France
Sissoko seems to be the a part of a high-major or potential NBA participant. He has good dimension for a guard, a well-built body, and quickness that stands out. With a robust crossover and a fast first step, he constantly beats defenders off the dribble and places strain on the paint. In transition, he’s a blur with the ball and makes glorious choices on the break. Nevertheless, in halfcourt units, his contact across the rim is common and his leap shot stays a piece in progress. School defenders will possible go beneath screens and dare him to shoot till he proves he can constantly knock down pictures from deep. Nonetheless, his athleticism permits him to get to the rim and rating regardless of his capturing limitations. He throws correct lobs in pick-and-dive conditions and exhibits some potential as a main creator, although he wants to enhance his imaginative and prescient and persistence, permitting performs to develop as an alternative of at all times seeking to assault instantly. Defensively, he has the instruments to be a robust point-of-attack defender and is a succesful rebounder for his place. He averaged 9.3 factors, 4.4 rebounds, and a pair of.9 assists within the event.
Roman Siulepa 6’5 PF | College of Pittsburgh | 2006 Born | Australia
Siulepa is at the moment an undersized energy ahead, however his bodily profile and toughness separate him from most friends. A dual-sport athlete, he helped lead his highschool rugby crew to a few straight nationwide titles, and his dedication to rugby finally led to the termination of his contract with the NBL’s Subsequent Star program and the Tasmania JackJumpers. That call introduced him to Pittsburgh, the place his energy and motor ought to translate nicely. Within the first half towards Group USA, he showcased his uncooked energy, bulldozing taller defenders and ending performs with authority. One spotlight was a baseline drive the place he threw down a right-handed dunk by means of contact. Siulepa reportedly weighs over 250 kilos of muscle and makes use of his elite energy to remain balanced and ship forceful finishes. He averaged 18.9 factors and eight.1 rebounds, rating high 10 in each classes for the event. Whereas his physicality is elite, his capturing wants growth. At his peak and with only a 6’9 wingspan, he might want to shoot above 35 % from three to succeed on the professional degree, which he’s not near but. Offensively, he can assault off cuts or straight-line drives utilizing bully ball or a euro step, however he’s not a dependable creator for others. Defensively, he’s a robust rebounder and bodily presence, however his low steal and block numbers increase questions on his long-term match as an influence ahead.
Honorable Point out:
Harouna Sangare 6’1 PG ESSM Le Portel | 2006 Born | Mali
Mohamed Sankhe 6’9 PF/C Vichy | 2006 Born | France
**Eric Guilleminault contributed to this report Discover him on X
