Who have been the top performers so far at the U16 Asian Championship?

DOHA (Qatar) - The stars of tomorrow are already in action today, at least here at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2022. With the Group Phase concluded, we’re starting to see signs of Asia and Oceania’s next big names coming into their own.

We have compiled here a list of Top Performers from the past few days to not only give a preview of which players to focus on, not only in the upcoming days but also in the future competitions.

Mohammad Amini (Iran)

Averages: 31.5 EFF, 27.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 5.5 steals, 13.0 free-throw attempts per game

The high-flying wing has been one of the most electrifying players in the tournament and it’s has a positive impact on Iran who are now directly placed in the Quarter-Finals.

More than only the thunderous dunks, Amini has impressed with his ability to draw contact and draw fouls to get to the free-throw line. At the charity stripe, the 1.99M (6’6”) shooting guard has done well to convert as well, knocking down 76.9 percent of his free-throws.

Julius Halaifonua (New Zealand)

Averages: 29.5 EFF, 19.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game and 81.0 field goal percentage

As Kazakhstan and Korea found out in their games against New Zealand, it’s not easy to stop a seven-footer like Halaifonua.

The 16-year-old center was nearly perfect from the field in his first two games and gobbled up almost every single rebound that came his way for New Zealand. An overtime loss to Korea seems to be the only smudge in Halaifonua’s resume at the U16 Asian Championship so far and we’ll get to see how he and the junior Tall Blacks rebound in their next game.

Rocco Zikarsky (Australia)

Averages: 26.0 EFF, 14.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game and 68.8 field goal percentage

Zikarsky has been the talk of the town concerning talents in Doha and right fully so. He’s only been playing 18.0 minutes per game as the Crocs spread out playing time in big wins, but has been very impressive in those minutes.

The tallest player in the tournament at 2.17M (7’1”) will only turn 16 next month but has been able to easily record a double-double along with at least 2 blocks in each game with much ease.

Yuto Kawashima (Japan)

Averages: 26.0 EFF, 20.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game and 51.7 field goal percentage

It might only be two games, but the counting numbers and the eye test seem good enough to say that Yuto Kawashima could be Japan’s next star to rise out of the U16 Asian Championship.

Kawashima has been doing a little bit of everything for the young Akatsuki Five and it’s been fun to watch him operate and excel in so many aspects of the game.

Ko Chan You (Korea)

Averages: 15.5 EFF, 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 5.0 steals per game

Ko went through quite the emotional roller coaster in Korea’s game against New Zealand. After missing the potential game-winning free-throws at the end of regulation, he stepped up in the overtime period to help deliver a win for Korea that would place them directly in the Quarter-Finals.

The 1.89M (6’2”) guard has excelled in getting steals with 5.0 per game so far, which is key for Korea as forcing turnovers from their opponents has been a big part of their success.