MIES (Switzerland) - The countdown to the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 is set to expire and that means the quest for silverware will get underway, along with the race to be crowned MVP of the competition.
Before the action tips off in Brno, let's look at which players have the best chances of winning the Most Valuable Player award at the closing ceremony on Sunday July 19.
Who will follow in the footsteps of USA standout Jerzy Robinson, who carried her nation to the title in 2024?
We're focusing on the nations who have the best chance to land on the podium at the event and here are 10 potential candidates to take the prestigious honor.
10. Miya Takeuchi - Japan
It's a long shot that Japan will take a medal, but if they do, it could be through the brilliance of their star baller. A scoring machine, Takeuchi was crowned FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup MVP and will be chasing another accolade.
Although it's maybe unlikely, she's the type of player who could catch fire and post a tournament for the ages.
9. Claudia Lostal - Spain
As U16 Women's EuroBasket winners, Spain are highly fancied to impress in Brno and their inside anchor will likely be the always impressive Lostal.
The frontourt ace will play many minutes, lead her team on the court. and be a defensive power in the paint. She will also be a go-to option inside offensively, run opponents off the floor and have a big say in Spain's title bid.
8. Veronika Ferjancic - Slovenia
Could Slovenia make history with a first ever podium finish on the global youth stage? The signs are good after they grabbed their first U16 medal last year - largely due to the exceptional displays of Ferjancic.
Super talented and a top prospect, she looks like being an absolute lock as the driving force of any success that Slovenia attains.
7. Isabel Smith - Australia
Australia could end up being the closest challengers to USA and we'll get a quick assessment as they meet in the Group phase. Smith could take the Sapphires deep in Brno and her guard play will be a feature of the campaign.
If she finds her range to add to her smarts and skills getting downhill, she's going to be an MVP contender for sure.
6. Avery Arije - Canada
Arije already knows what it feels like to have U17 success and will join a relatively exclusive club of ballers with two appearances on their career resume.
Last time the dangerous shooting guard was part of history when Canada made their first Final. Now, two years on, she's blossomed into the team's leader and is ready to put on a big show.
5. Micah Ojo - USA
A super talent, if USA retain their title like everyone expects them to do, Ojo could be in the mix for MVP. She is always impacting games at both ends of the floor.
A defensive menace who uses her length to contest shots, the small forward is a do-it-all influence on offense and it's no wonder she has been labelled as one of the top prospects around.
4. Madison Ryan - Australia
If Australia do deliver, then Ryan could be at the front of the queue for MVP.
This will not only be her second edition of the U17 Worlds, but she played as the youngest player at the U19 Worlds last year, also in Brno.
That experience and a combo of maturity, composure, skills and clutch ability mean 'Madi Magic' might transform into 'Madi MVP'.
3. Isabel Hernandez - Spain
A class act and arriving for this global debut as the reigning FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket MVP, there's no doubt Spain is likely to be paced by her scoring ability and appetite to deliver in the biggest moments.
With her team so tough collectively on defense, this gives Hernandez the wings to fly and make the most of her offensive instincts.
2. Eve Long - USA
A five star power forward who could be the dominant force that carries USA to a seventh title, Long has all the attributes to be crowned MVP.
She will be given the opportunity as a leader to make a significant mark on the tournament. She'll use her strength and rebounding presence, her evolving post-play and ability to finish under contact around the rim to shine.
1. Ivanna Wilson Manyacka - USA
The U16 Women's AmeriCup MVP is looking to add another individual honor to her resume and also lands in Brno in search of a second U17 title. She took 2024 gold as USA's youngest player but will have a bigger impact this time.
The multi-talented Wilson Manyacka can kill you inside or outside and is one of the toughest players of her generation to guard and somehow slow down. She oozes quality and is the favorite for MVP honors.
*The MVP Ladder rankings 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