BRNO (Czechia - The waiting is almost over for the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 and there are a handful of nations who are out in front when it comes to being the most likely winners of the famous competition.
That means the MVP honor looks destined for someone who is stepping out with the likes of USA, France, Canada, Australia or Spain - all expected to make deep runs and challenge for the podium.
Of course upsets happen and especially in the women's game. Meanwhile the last winner Iyana Martin didn't even get her hands on a gold medal but was rewarded for her sparkling efforts on home soil as Spain settled for silver.
But to tip us off with our first ladder and before we get any performances logged, here are some of the leading contenders. Although expect many other faces to climb the ladder as the tournament unfolds.
10. Monique Bobongie - Australia
Bobongie looks destined to emerge as the new standout leader for the Gems. She has the mentality and composure to ensure they have a tilt at the podium. Signed by the Canberra Capitals, she has gained precious experience in the WNBL - as well as putting up big numbers in the NBL in her homeland. The guard has an eye-catching all-around skill set and should shine from the first jump-ball.
9. Ines Sotelo - Spain
The Michigan State center looks ready to turn up the dial for her country at this event and to drop anchor in the paint at both ends of the floor. With their main duo from last year's success at U18 unavailable, Spain need Sotelo to be a go-to player and she can potentially deliver on this. She will be hunting down double-doubles under the basket and will be one of the ballers looking to set the tone defensively by blocking shots.
8. Tea Cleante - France
While there are multiple options for France when it comes to who might be their star baller at this tournament, it is always worth having Cleante in the mix. That's because she has scoring power and if she finds some rhythm early, the guard could possibly end up as their main offensive threat. She has harvested a double-digit scoring return at her last three FIBA youth tournaments.
7. Jerzy Robinson - USA
The FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 MVP, Robinson has already shown her quality on the global stage and while going back-to-back for the ultimate individual honor would be a huge ask, don't rule it out totally. The way she racked up more than 20 points per outing last year in Mexico and also added almost 7 boards as well speaks volumes about her likely impact in Brno.
6. Ainhoa Risacher - France
Once Risacher landed MVP honors two years ago at U16 level, she has been on the radar in a big way. Following it up with an All-Star slot at U17 last year, her trajectory has been a sharp upwards curve. Never about huge numbers, it's the guard's all-around influence that often catches the eye and her defense is always prominent due to her athleticism and wing span. Super smart offensively too, she's a class act.
5. Jazzy Davidson - USA
Davidson makes basketball look effortless at times with her quality, skills and versatility. Currently blowing up Stateside, the USC recruit has been named number 1 in ESPN's Class of 2025. A gold medal winner at the 2024 FIBA 3x3 U18 Women's World Cup she's already excelled on the global stage. Now she could be ready to do great things for USA in Brno.
4. Jasmine Bascoe - Canada
The Villanova baller has been putting up big scoring displays in College and poured in more than 16 points per game for the Wildcats. She showed per potential at U18 last year with Canada, making the All-Star Five. Now the guard looks destined to show her improvement in the last 12 months. Strong getting downhill or able to make pull-up jumpers, she also reads the game well and will impact this competition for sure.
3. Syla Swords - Canada
There will a sense of deja vu, since Swords is another Canadian player averaging 16 points per game in the NCAA - having impressed with Michigan. But the added sense of deja vu for fans of U19 hoops is that this will be the second time the guard has appeared. Last time she helped Canada to bronze with a big display in Madrid and also made the All-Second Team at the tournament. She will be even better this time around.
2. Nell Angloma - France
The versatile guard-forward was crowned U18 MVP last year as France conquered Europe and it was her mix of height, ball handling, inside-outside presence and finishing that really did pace their title success. He has also gained super experience playing in EuroCup Women with BLMA in this past year. Scoring more than 12 points per game in 12 games is superb. She will be even more impactful for France at this event.
1. Sienna Betts - USA
Said to love the play of Nikola Jokic, you can see why. Betts does the usual roaming in the paint, dominating in the post and also gets up and down the court rim-running with the best of the tall ballers. But she also spaces the floor brilliantly and has such a nice passing vision and IQ. Her U18 All-Star Five spot last year is likely to be repeated and potentially with an MVP accolade. She will be USA's go-to in so many big moments.
*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