LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - The pressure was sky-high, the lights were brighter, and the stakes couldn’t have been bigger. The Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 delivered thrilling battles, historic breakthroughs, and individual brilliance.
Here are the five players who stole the show in the elite eight.
Christian Anderson was cool under pressure as Germany fended off a fierce rally from Australia to return to the Semi-Finals after a 38-year wait. The German point guard controlled the tempo, scored when needed, and provided stability when the game tightened late.
Hayden Jones was sensational in powering New Zealand into their first-ever U19 World Cup Semi-Finals. He did it all - scoring inside and out, crashing the boards, distributing, and even swatting shots. The Junior Tall Blacks are making history, and Jones is leading the charge.
Zak Smrekar was the engine for Slovenia as they reached their first-ever U19 World Cup Semi-Finals. He took over during a pivotal second-quarter run and kept Israel at bay the rest of the way. His poise and toughness made the difference.
In what some are calling the game of the tournament, AJ Dybantsa proved why he's one of the most hyped players in the world. He delivered in crunch time against Canada, calmly converting 12-of-13 free throws and providing the late-game spark to seal the win.
Oscar Goodman's double-double performance wasn't just about the stats - it was about energy, leadership, and grit. His presence on both ends helped shut the door on Switzerland's Cinderella run along with the play of the aforementioned Jones. New Zealand's rise continues, and Goodman's fingerprints are all over it.
FIBA