28 Jun
    6 Jul 2025

    Quarter-Finals Top Performers: Who did it best?

    Short Read
    Smrekar was as fantastic as he's been for Slovenia in Lausanne

    With just four teams left standing, these five stars stepped up when it mattered most. Who's your pick?

    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.

    Let us know what you think and vote:

    Who will be crowned U19 World Cup 2025 champions?

    Let us know what you think and vote:

    Who will be named FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 TISSOT MVP?

    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.

    Read more about Germany's Semi-Finals win here:

    Back among the best: Germany’s 38-year Semi-Final wait ends

    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.

    Read more about Slovenia's Semi-Finals win here:

    Magic in motion: Slovenia’s Semi-Final dream lives on

    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.

    Read more about the instant classic between USA and Canada here:

    USA beat Canada in a must-watch classic

    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.

    Read more about New Zealand's Quarter-Finals win here:

    New Zealand standing tall in first ever U19WC Semis

    FIBA

    Latest News

    Unstoppable Germany punch their ticket to the final

    All-time assist record broken again, China's Yi Yang delivers flawless 17 dimes

    Saved by the Bel: Cameroon make history with first-ever win

    U19 FBWC Official Fan Store

    Browse our collection