LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - Hundreds of players have used the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup as a springboard to eventually make the NBA and have a successful career. Every junior global showcase sees stars shine in front of fans from around the world. And the 2025 edition in Lausanne promises to have plenty of more future NBA stars.
We went through the rosters of the 16 teams to come up with a Top 20 of prospects for the tournament and came up with this list.
Hopefully this list gets you excited about the up-coming tournament starting on June 28.
10. Hannes Steinbach - Germany
Hannes Steinbach was a real force for his German club Würzburg in the German league playoffs, averaging 13.8 points on 58% shooting, 12.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in the Semi-Finals. The power forward only turned 19 in early May and was one of the best German U22 players in the country this past season. Steinbach dominates around the paint, both offensively with an array of moves - both face up or back to the basket - and defensively with good shotblocking instincts and quick hands.
Steinbach can also shoot from the outside and has really good game understanding, which allows him to be a good passer.
9. Tyler Kropp - Argentina
Tyler Kropp is an excellent player around the basket. The big man can finish with a variety of moves and tremendous footwork. He also does a really good rebounding and puts himself in good position on the offensive glass for putbacks and tip-ins. Kropp doesn't really have much of an outside game, but he can take his defender off the dribble and get to the paint.
He doesn't do a lot of passing and really isn't an impact in terms of steals or blocks.
8. Talis Soulhac - France
Talis Soulhac will be in charge of point guard duties for France and he played well this past season in his first campaign in the French second division. Soulhac can really get to the basket with his strong ball-handling, good first step and tempo.
His good game understanding allows him to playmake for others and he can shoot a bit from the outside. Soulhac also has active hands and quickness on defense.
7. Mikel Brown - USA
Mikel Brown is a dynamic point guard who can really score the ball as well. Not only does he have the handle to get to the basket but he can also finish around the rim. Brown has some serious range on the three-pointer as well, and he has good playmaking instincts.
Defensively, he uses his quickness and active hands to force opposing teams into mistakes.
6. Eric Reibe - Germany
Eric Reibe can hurt teams a lot of ways. The German center has a variety of moves around the basket and can put the ball on the floor a bit as well. Reibe also can hit the three-pointer, which makes it hard for defenses to defend the pick-and-roll.
He uses his 7-foot frame to rebound the ball well at both ends and he can be a shotblocking force.
5. Tyran Stokes - USA
Tyran Stokes is a true scorer, who loves to run the floor and finish above the rim. The wing also can really drive to the basket and uses his great bounce to convert after offensive rebounds. His relentless scoring ability takes away a bit from his excellent playmaking with both court vision and passing skills.
Defensively he relies on his long frame and athleticism for steals and blocks.
4. Savo Drezgic - Serbia
Savo Drezgic is an excellent all-around talent who did not get a lot of playing time this past season. Still he is a triple-double waiting to happen. He can really score the ball with his offensive instincts and he possesses good size and a strong frame to rebound the ball at both ends.
Drezgic also can pass the ball with his good court vision. He works hard defending on the perimeter and has good hands to get to the passing lane.
3. Dash Daniels - Australia
Dash Daniels can hurt opposing teams at both ends. The guard has good quickness on his drive to the basket and can finish above the rim.
He also can take over the playmaking duties at times and excels also at the defensive end with his quick hands.
2. Christian Anderson - Germany
Christian Anderson is just a true leader at the point guard spot. He can fly by his defenders thanks to his great speed and quickness and also can finish around the rim. Anderson has an excellent understanding of the game and reads it well. He knows how to find his teammates and put them in scoring position.
Defensively, Anderson is a menace with his on-ball tenacity and quick hands - creating a fast break machine just waiting to happen.
1. AJ Dybantsa - USA
AJ Dybantsa is just a scoring machine who is impossible to slow down thanks to his ball-handling, athleticism and size. He can easily get to the basket and finish above the rim - often with spectacular dunks. He also has good range on his outside shot.
Dybantsa's electric dribbling aids his playmaking that much more. He uses his good size to rebound well and also is tough on opposition at the defensive end, thanks to his athleticism and good instincts.
This selection is entirely subjective and is 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.
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