MIES (Switzerland) - Teams will start arriving in Istanbul in the coming days for their final preparations for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026. The biggest stars are getting revved up in anticipation of leading their teams on the big stage.
We looked through the rosters and picked the Top 20 prospects - players you should keep an eye on in Türkiye as well as for the future.
10. AJ Williams - USA
Williams is one of six players back from the USA team won the title at the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025, averaging 13.5 points and 7.8 rebounds. The forward is ranked No. 1 in his US high school class as he can do some of everything - and all of it at a high level. Williams has good size to play inside or outside with the handle to get into the lane when he wants to and play through traffic and contact. He can shoot from the outside and also has excellent court vision and passing skills to playmake at times. Defensively, he uses his athleticism to attack passing lanes and has enough quickness to keep his strong frame in front of opponents.
9. Darius Karutasu - Türkiye
Karutasu was one of the main leaders for Türkiye at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025. The forward has great size and length, which give him a real advantage given his excellent playmaking skills. Karutasu, who comes from a family full of basketball and volleyball players and coaches, has an excellent game understanding and sees the court well. He uses his height well to rebound - also crashing the offensive glass. Defensively, he takes advantage of his length and athleticism to cause opponents' turnovers.
8. Luke Paul - Australia
Paul was the star of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, leading Australia to the championship and taking home Most Valuable Player honors. Paul has great size for a point guard to go with great passing and high basketball IQ while also using his size advantage over opposing playmakers. He can drive to the rim at will and can finish himself or find cutting teammates. Paul has good speed, tempo and athleticism to help him defend forwards on switches. He also has quick hands to get steals.
7. Beckham Black - USA
Black returns from the USA team that won the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025 where he shined as an elite playmaker. The younger brother of Anthony Black from the Orlando Magic, Beckham has tremendous court vision and leads his teammates into open spaces with great passing skills. Black also can drive to the basket when needed and can finish at the rim also through contact. Black possesses great speed and quickness as well as quick hands, all of which makes him a menace on defense.
6. Messi Yangala - France
Yangala helped France snatch a fifth placed finish at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025 to secure a spot at the FIBA U17 World Cup. The forward had his best game in the fifth placed game with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Yangala has great length and athleticism and is very active. He can cut, finish at and above the rim and excels in the open court. Yangala can have a major impact on the defensive end of the court with quick hands and excellent instincts for the passing lanes as well as good rim protection.
5. CJ Rosser - USA
Rosser ranked second on efficiency on the USA team that won the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025. The forward has a great basketball body with good length and smooth athleticism. Rosser oozes potential at both ends of the court, an inside presence who can also shoot from the outside and function very well in the pick-and-roll. Defensively, Rosser is a menace with his wingspan and timing. He alters shots around the basket but also has the agility to defend on the perimeter over stretches. Rosser has a great motor and loves to get out on the run.
4. Isaiah Hamilton - Canada
Hamilton was named to the All-Star Five as Canada reached the Final of the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025 - though the wing could not play in the title game due to an injury. Hamilton has explosive athleticism which allows him to score in multiple ways. He excels in transition and can finish above the rim with some spectacular dunks. He also has a good basketball IQ and feel for the game to get others involved as well. Hamilton uses his energy and aggressiveness to his advantage on the defensive end.
3. Nathan Soliman - France
Soliman will be appearing in his second FIBA U17 World Cup after experiencing France's disappointing 9th place finish two summers ago. The star talent was named to the All-Star Five of the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025. Soliman is one of the top 2009-born players in the world. He is a highly skilled forward who has good size and great touch and skills. Soliman has continued to take his game to the next step and is doing a better job making decisions at both ends of the court. He has become a threat from the outside and can playmake for stretches as well. Soliman also has the basketball IQ to defend well, thanks also to his length and quickness.
2. Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje - USA
Boumtje Boumtje will be making his FIBA debut as the first USA player at the FIBA U17 World Cup to have played abroad when selected. The Florida native played the last three seasons in Spain with Barcelona and continues to impress observers with his all-around game. He can play inside like a big man at both ends but he can also handle the ball and excels shooting the ball from the outside. Boumtje Boumtje, the son of former NBA player Ruben Boumtje Boumtje, also can attack the rim on the dribble and has very good passing skills. Defensively, he takes advantage of his high basketball understanding, solid athleticism and length and strong body.
1. Nikola Kusturica - Serbia
Kusturica was the Most Valuable Player of the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025 in helping Serbia win the title. The wing ranks as one of the top talents in the world as he already made his Spanish top league debut this season with Barcelona. Kusturica can do it all at both ends thanks to his great size and length. He can handle the ball, pass it, drive and shoot while beating teams inside and outside. Kusturica defensively can guard multiple positions thanks to his great athleticism - creating havoc for opposing wings on the perimeter but also with the ability to protect the rim.
*The Top 20 prospects are entirely subjective and are in no way a true and accurate FIBA ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author and the purpose is to entertain the fans.
FIBA