ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - The Group Phase of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Record-breaking scoring, near triple-doubles, defensive masterclasses and unforgettable clutch performances helped set the stage for an exciting first few days of the competition.
Now it's your turn to decide. Check out some of the standout individual performances from the opening days of competition and vote for the one you think was the most impressive.
Cast your vote below!
Who had the best individual game?
Jokubas Kukta (Lithuania) vs Canada - June 27
29 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals (38 EFF)
Kukta nearly opened the tournament with a triple-double in the very first game of the competition. The Lithuanian playmaker controlled the tempo from start to finish, leading his team to a 103-89 victory over Canada while stuffing every column of the stat sheet.
Darius Karutasu (Türkiye) vs New Zealand - June 27
37 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals (37 EFF)
One of the most dramatic games of the tournament produced one of its greatest performances. Türkiye erased a 25-point deficit before Karutasu took over in overtime, knocking down the go-ahead three-pointer that sparked the comeback victory. His 37-point, 11-rebound effort powered the hosts to a thrilling 112-100 double-overtime win.
Jayden Cecil (New Zealand) vs Türkiye - June 27
42 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals (25 EFF)
Although New Zealand fell just short, Cecil produced one of the greatest scoring displays in tournament history. His 42 points remain the highest total of the 2026 edition and rank as the third-most points ever scored in a single game at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup.
Omer Kutluay (Türkiye) vs Slovenia - June 28
26 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists (36 EFF)
Kutluay flirted with a triple-double while putting together one of the most efficient performances of the tournament. He shot 7-of-11 from the field, made all 11 free throws he attempted and orchestrated Türkiye's offense throughout, helping his team seize control with a dominant second-quarter run.
Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (USA) vs Japan - June 28
16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 blocks (27 EFF)
Defense can take over a game, and Boumtje Boumtje proved exactly that. The USA big man swatted away seven shots, establishing a new USA single-game record at the tournament and finishing just two blocks shy of the all-time competition record of nine.
Luke Paul (Australia) vs Côte d'Ivoire - June 28
18 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks (27 EFF)
Paul delivered an all-around performance when Australia needed it most. After trailing by 10 points, the Australians stormed back behind Paul's outstanding play in crunch time, where he contributed key baskets, rebounds and playmaking without missing a shot or committing a turnover.
DJ Gaines (Puerto Rico) vs Slovenia - June 27
32 points, 2 rebounds, 6 steals (26 EFF)
Gaines combined explosive scoring with relentless defensive intensity. He scored 32 points and collected six steals, including an 11-point burst across the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth that helped Puerto Rico pull away for victory.
Omer Kutluay (Türkiye) vs Puerto Rico - June 30
32 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists (39 EFF)
Kutluay returned with another spectacular all-around display to close the Group Phase. He came close to another triple-double while matching the third-highest assist total ever recorded in a FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup game with 12 dimes, once again showcasing why he has been one of the tournament's biggest stars.
FIBA