MUNICH (Germany) - The stars were out in the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers and that once again included the younger generation shining bright.

It has been a common theme throughout the Qualifiers format across all regions with young players emerging into key contributors for their national teams and stepping up on the big stage.

We have picked out five players to take a closer look at with players born in 2001 or later considered from the First Round final window's action.

RATI ANDRONIKASHVILI - Georgia

POINT GUARD

Birth date: March 19, 2001 (21 years old)
Height: 194cm / 6'4"
School: Creighton University (USA-NCAA)

June/July Stats: 10.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 SPG in 19.4 minutes per game.

Andronikashvili played a major role in helping Georgia to a memorable win over Spain in the opening of their new arena in Tbilisi ahead of co-hosting FIBA EuroBasket 2022 in September.The all-action guard was back with the national team after a redshirt freshman year at Creighton University and netted 17 points in the six-point overtime triumph having stepped up with a couple of important three-pointers in the extra period.

ANDREJ JAKIMOVSKI - North Macedonia

FORWARD

Birth date: March 18, 2001 (21 years old)
Height: 200cm / 6'7"
School: Washington State University (USA-NCAA)

June/July Stats: 15.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.0 APG in 34.4 minutes per game.

Another player fresh from a year in college at NCAA Division 1 level, Jakimovski was one of North Macedonia's standouts in the window with a team best 15.5 points per game as their World Cup Qualifiers campaign came to an end. Jakimovski scored 14 points against Spain before putting up 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in an ensuing defeat to Ukraine, but a promising outlook of what's to come for the 21-year-old.

THEO MALEDON - France

POINT GUARD

Birth date: June 12, 2001 (21 years old)
Height: 191cm / 6'3"
Club: Oklahoma City Thunder (USA)

June/July Stats: 15.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG in 19.8 minutes per game.

Maledon was also back in national team colors having last representing France during the last World Cup European Qualifiers. The 21-year-old led Les Bleus in scoring with 15.5 points per game across two appearances with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a tough loss to Montenegro to open the window. Maledon then contributed 15 points in just 19 minutes in a dominant win over Hungary and has been included in the initial roster for FIBA EuroBasket 2022 with a chance to play a big role in the backcourt.

JAIME PRADILLA - Spain

CENTER

Birth date: January 3, 2001 (21 years old)
Height: 205cm / 6'9"
Club: Valencia Basket (ESP)

June/July Stats: 7.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 SPG in 26.3 minutes per game.

The young Valencia product continues to grow his reputation with the Spanish national team after another solid window of performances. Pradilla was an efficient scoring contributor to a balanced offense; posting 8 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in a win over North Macedonia and scoring 7 points along with 2 blocks against Ukraine as Spain rotated well with their blend of youth and experience to finish with a 5-1 record.

ROKO PRKACIN - Croatia

POWER FORWARD

Birth date: November 26, 2002 (19 years old)
Height: 201cm / 6'7"
Club: KK Cibona (CRO)

June/July Stats: 4.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 APG in 21.5 minutes per game.

Ultimately disappointment for Croatia in the final window as they missed out on the Second Round, but Prkacin is set to be a big part of their future. Still only 19, the forward shows no fear on the senior international stage and produced one of the plays of the window against Finland. Prkacin was held scoreless in just 9 minutes of action in the heavy loss to Slovenia, but then finished with 8 points and 9 rebounds in 34 minutes as Croatia had looked on course to advance.

Honorable mentions:

Montenegro looked to their future with 18-year-old talent Fedor Zugic netting six points against France, while Rubin Stefanov was the youngest player, at 17, to step onto the court in the final window after appearing for North Macedonia against Spain. Finland's teenager Miro Little scored 5 points in the crucial win over Croatia and there were a number of 2000-born players becoming increasing established for their national teams.

FIBA