Scouting FIBA U19 World Cup
It's time for the FIBA summer circuit! Let's start by giving a brief introduction to the must-follow prospects competing in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Introduction
It's time for the FIBA summer circuit! Let's start by giving a brief introduction to the must-follow prospects competing in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The event has already started and will be held from 28 June to 6 July 2025. All games can be watched live via the FIBA YouTube Channel.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you must know, divided by the four groups:
Group A
Argentina
Mali
New Zealand
Serbia
Group B
Canada
China
Germany
Slovenia
Group C
Dominican Republic
Israel
Jordan
Switzerland
Group D
Australia
Cameroon
France
United States
Analysis
Group A
For the Argentinians, US-born Tyler Kropp (6’8” | 2007) is the main guy to watch. He’s Northwestern-bound and will be one of the better four-year players in the Big Ten. His toughness and rebounding form the base for his success. He’s a crafty scorer with good coordination and touch around the rim. I expect a productive tournament from him.
Mali is the most physical team in this group. Their star guard Sekou Bagayoko (6’3” | 2008) is a name that caught my attention lately. He has tight handles and shows creativity as a scorer. His speed and toughness make him a constant threat to get downhill while showing an improved jumper. He’s a legitimate prospect for the 2027 NBA Draft as he still needs to continue to grow into his body.
Michigan-bound Oscar Goodman (6’7” | 2007) is my favorite player in this group. He’s a hyper-athletic forward with a fast-translatable game for college. He should be on many NBA radars. He’ll likely be the most productive player for his team, given the athletic advantage.
However, don’t overlook Andrej Kostic (6’6” | 2006). He’s a direct-impact player in the Big 12, as he committed to Kansas State. The skilled and shifty ball handler adds intrigue with his great athleticism and footwork. We see Serbians often beating their European peers in the fundamental race, and Kostic is this group’s main reason why. ESPN already has him classified as a potential first-rounder.
Group B
Canada brings the most depth to this event. They have plus-sized athletes in all positions, and so far that’s a team I must dive deeper into. Efeosa Oliogu (6’6” | 2006) already shows his NBA potential at Overtime Elite, but I must learn more about the others on their roster.
Team China is led by Jacob Zhu (6’0” | 2007), an Atlanta, GA-born shifty and creative scoring guard. He’ll be their leading factor alongside physical forward Boyuan Zhang (6’8” | 2007), who’ll be their most productive player alongside Sinan Huan (7’1” | 2007), who should be on many high-major radars for the 2026-27 season.
This is Germany’s group to win. I’ve been very high on Hannes Steinbach (6’9” | 2006) for two years now. He’ll join the Big Ten as he signed with Washington. The skilled long forward has a versatile game where his footwork and passing stand out. He’s a master in creating and benefitting from his angles. However, his role must scale down to be successful at the next level. Christian Anderson, Jr. (6’0” | 2006) is already one of the best underclassmen scorers in college, as he represents Texas Tech. I expect him to be the leading scorer in this tournament.
Slovenia brings skilled forward Vit Hrabar (6’7” 2006), who logged over twenty games on loan from Baslonia. He’s their main weapon and will bring length and much-needed shooting versatility. However, Urban Kroflic (6’6” | 2006) is the main prize, as the ultra-productive natural guard brings productivity and rim pressure, all on craft and reads. He’s a great playmaker as well. The Mega Basket star should post serious minutes in the ABA League this season.
Group C
This group will be dominated by the athletic Dominicans who’ll trust their two main scorers, Danny Carbuccia (6’1” | 2006), who’s a shifty and tight-handled point guard who gets downhill easily. The natural scorer committed to UMass and will be one of the standout freshmen in the A-10 this season. He’ll be a great combo weapon with their forward Lucas Murillo (6’7” | 2007, who’ll be a highly-touted prospect after this tournament as one of the better prospects in the New England high school scene.
Everyone thinks of Ben Saraf’s insane summer when thinking of Israel. But Omer Mayer (6’3” | 2006) will be their leading scorer. He’s a crafty scoring guard who’ll up his slashing duties to being their on-ball creator and lead-initator and passer. Other than him, it’s a group full of unknown players for me, regardless it's a fun one to monitor during the tournament.
This group might lack quality players compared to the rest of the tournament, but this doesn’t take away anything from the fun. Jordan is group full of unknown players for me. Saif Al-Deen Saleh (6’5” | 2006) is their star on paper. He’s based in New-Jersey and brings natural toughness to the floor. That’s visible in his rebounding numbers. On top of that, some of the footage shows creativity as a scorer around the rim while he’s using brute force to force his way to the rim. Looking at the competition in this group, I won’t be shocked if he scores over twenty points per game.
Dayan Nessah (6’8” | 2006)! Switzerland’s next NBA prospect. After seeing his countryman, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, getting drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, basketball will become the next big thing after hockey and football. The 6’8” wing is a tremendous rebounder and has great touch around the basket. His three-point jumper is natural and fluid and that’s his M.O. in the tournament to prove.
Group D
An insanely competitive group. Australia is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Their depth is tantalizing and a testimony to the number of high-major prospects finding their way to the NBA and high-major basketball. After being listed as a top-ten pick, Dash Daniels (6’6” | 2007) is the main name. However, I am looking forward to seeing Jacob Furphy (6’7” | 2006) as well. He’s a fluid athlete who fits well at Connecticut, as he brings a great feel for the game and a reliable shooting touch. But he’s not my main target. That’s Roman Siulepa’s insanely high level of skill is another name to keep an eye on. He’s not the most popular name, but no doubt the most naturally talented player on this roster.
The Cameroonians have a fairly unknown team. But looking at my notes from the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, their five-man Amadou Seini (7’1” | 2007) immediately drew my attention. He’s a fantastic rebounder, both in positioning and brute strength in boxouts. He’s fairly raw on the offensive end but is decent at creating angles to duck inside the paint. He’s tough but struggles with his coordination as he’s still filling his frame. He’s facing top NBA prospects in every game, so this tournament should help him skyrocket his stock as a high-major prospect.
France continues to bring prototypical NBA wing prospects with insane length. Florida State signee Thomas Bassong (6’8” | 2006) is my main target on this team. The OTE alumni has great athleticism and a good feel for the game. The defensive potential is off the charts, and that’s where the Seminoles can help him speed up his development. However, if you’re into shifty and creative guards as leading passers, Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada (5’11” | 2006) is a name to monitor as well. Depth is not an issue on this team.
There’s no need to overanalyze Team USA. With AJ Dybantsa (6’9” | 2007), Koa Peat (6’8” | 2007), and Mikel Brown, Jr. (6’4” | 2006) they are the clear favorites to win this group and the tournament. The production won’t have much value for me, but I am looking forward to seeing how some of the stars handle a smaller role in a bigger collective. That’ll be a good test for Kentucky-bound, Jasper Johnson (6’4” | 2006).
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