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.
Here are prospects 20-11.
20. Jean-Philippe Oka - Côte d’Ivoire
Oka led the way for Côte d'Ivoire at the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 to win the title and took home the Most Valuable Player award. The wing spent the past season in the United States and excelled thanks to his athleticism and high-flying game.
Oka is fearless going to the basket and relentless on the offensive glass. He also is very active on the defensive end, both on the wing and protecting the rim.
19. Gabrielius Buivydas - Lithuania
Buivydas was named to the All-Star Five of the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025 after guiding Lithuania to second place last summer. The guard is an advanced shot creator who doesn't fear the big moment. He has good size and solid length and also can handle the ball and playmake.
Buivydas can get to the lane and finish with both hands and plays at his pace.
18. Tawhiri Cate - New Zealand
Cate was awarded a spot on the All-Star Five of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 as New Zealand took third place. The point guard is a true leader and playmaker, doing an excellent job controlling the tempo and keeping his team flowing offensively. Cate does not force things and takes high percentage shots with his high basketball IQ.
Defensively he competes and excels in anticipating passing lanes.
17. Aaron Towo-Nansi - France
Towo-Nansi played two FIBA U16 EuroBaskets and now gets a chance to shine on the big stage in Istanbul. The point guard will benefit greatly from having Tony Parker as his head coach. Towo-Nansi played the entire 2025-26 season in France's top flight with Cholet with his very mature game.
While lacking a bit in size, Towo-Nansi shows no fear at either end. He can run the show on offense and also does not shy away from big shots. Defensively he is a menace for opposing guards and wears his emotions on his sleeve.
16. Simone Ventura - Italy
Ventura helped Italy grab fourth place at FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025 to get to the U17 World Cup for a second straight edition. Ventura is a polished, mature guard who has good size and versatility. There is a certain smoothness to his game, which also includes strong ball handling as well as true offensive instincts.
Ventura also has great basketball IQ and strong defensive instincts - also for shot-blocking from the guard spot.
15. Lun Jarc - Slovenia
Jarc received a spot on the All-Star Five at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025 in leading Slovenia to third place. The wing has an intriguing all around game that makes him one of Slovenia's next top star talents. Jarc has excellent size and length and can handle the ball and playmake.
But he excels in scoring from any area on the court, including getting out on the break and finishing above the rim. Jarc uses his length and instincts well on defense.
14. DJ Gaines - Puerto Rico
Gaines grabbed a spot on the All-Star Five of the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2025 as Puerto Rico finished fourth. Gaines is an elite scorer, topping the tournament in points per game while shooting 39 percent from long range.
Gaines has a strong frame but great speed and toughness. He also can playmake - exhibiting a flair for the dramatics with his passing - while also being able to rebound well for his size. The guard is a tremendous defender thanks to his athleticism and strength.
13. Omer Kutluay - Türkiye
Kutluay played at two FIBA U16 EuroBaskets, being the lead man for the Turkish team that finished seventh last summer. The guard led the tournament in scoring (24.1 ppg) and was second in assists (6.0 apg). The son of former Turkish legend Ibrahim Kutluay, Omer has a great basketball IQ and is mature beyond his years.
He is an elite playmaker who thrives in pick-and-roll situations. But he is just as strong a scorer, possessing the ability to get to the rim whenever he wants. Defensively, Kutluay is solid, especially because of his understanding of the game.
12. Petar Bjelica - Serbia
Bjelica was captain of the Serbian team that won the title at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025 and he garnered a spot on the All-Star Five being the only player in the top 10 in points, rebounds and assists. He is a talented big man with soft hands and great touch around the basket as well as excellent footwork.
Bjelica, whose father played volleyball internationally for Serbia, is patient in the paint and uses his skillset to finish plays. He also is an excellent passer as a big man and also can shoot from the outside.
11. Jeremy Gohier - Canada
Gohier is a mountain of a main, standing at 7ft 6in / 2.29m - yes, another Canadian giant. Gohier, who will not turn 16 until November, looks like a serious basketball prospect, not just because of his size. In addition to his shot-blocking, he also dominates the glass.
But Gohier can dribble the ball a bit and even has flashed a bit of a long range shot. Sure, there is plenty of room to improve but Gohier will have fans shaking their heads for what he does in Istanbul.
Stay tuned for Prospects 10-1 coming soon.
*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