MATOSINHOS (Portugal) - With the first stage in the books and the Round of 16 next in line, there have been several standout performers making their mark at FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket.
Ahead of the knockout phase, here are 10 players who have caught the eye in a big way, as we highlight what they have brought to their respective teams and to the competition.
Daniele Paunksnyte - Lithuania
GUARD
Birth Date: July 21, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 178 cm / 5'10" Tournament Stats: 24.0 EFF, 22.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.3 APG
Leading the tournament in efficiency after the first three games, that was largely down to her record-breaking effort against Israel when she scored a FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket all-time high 43 points.
But her 17-point return against unbeaten Belgium also showed her class too. Paunksnyte has also worked overtime on the glass and passed the rock plenty as well.
Lourdes Da Silva Costa - Sweden
FORWARD
Birth Date: November 1, 2006 (18 years old) Height: 178 cm / 5'10" Tournament Stats: 22.3 EFF, 19.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.3 APG
Showing glimpses of her potential in 2024, the powerhouse has landed on the radar at this edition with brilliant displays for Sweden.
Not least when she posted a performance efficiency valuation of 42 against Latvia with a monumental 36 points and 16 boards. It's not a surprise she's averaging a stellar tournament double-double.
Elif Istanbulluoglu - Türkiye
FORWARD
Birth Date: April 4, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Tournament Stats: 18.7 EFF, 17.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG
Having shown that she was ready to deliver on her potential last year, Istanbulluoglu has continued to rise up with some encouraging displays again at this edition.
She has used her strength to nice effect and had a big say in helping her team stay perfect. Her production has resulted in an eye-catching double-double in the competition.
Marine Dursus - France
GUARD
Birth Date: August 26, 2005 (19 years old) Height: 177 cm / 5'9" Tournament Stats: 18.7 EFF, 16.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG
The awesome leadership of Dursus has been on show once again for the flawless France. The guard's composure and control is exceptional and despite her prominent role, she only turns the ball over once per outing.
Alongside her other numbers and a likely title challenge by France, it shows why she is a serious frontrunner in the MVP race.
Mia-Elle Lieverst - Netherlands
GUARD
Birth Date: May 8, 2009 (16 years old) Height: 183 cm / 6'0" Tournament Stats: 16.3 EFF, 16.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 2.0 SPG
Running the show for this year's surprise package Netherlands who have yet to lose, her role is more impressive taking into account Lieverst is just 16 years old.
Her 27 points in the opener against Czechia put the tournament on notice and she then iced a deal-breaker in the thriller with Italy to show she delivers in the clutch and is a super prospect.
Alicia Courthiau - Belgium
GUARD
Birth Date: December 6, 2005 (19 years old) Height: 178 cm / 5'10" Tournament Stats: 15.7 EFF, 13.7 PPG, 60.9 FG%, 3.3 RPG, 3.3 APG
Courthiau has shot brilliantly for her team and helped the young Cats to go a perfect three of three so far - a win tally that includes the huge scalp of Spain. Deadly on the wing and super smart in her shot selections, she has shown why Belgium's big name team Castors Braine have snapped up her services for the upcoming club season.
Raina Tomasicka - Latvia
GUARD
Birth Date: January 1, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 180 cm / 5'10" Tournament Stats: 18.0 EFF, 18.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.3 APG
After a modest start to the campaign on opening day, Tomasicka has turned the dial up in a big way in her last couple of outings.
With 22 points against Sweden and 29 points versus Iceland, she has shown the offensive firepower she is renowned for. She remains a go-to for Latvia and has also shown her creative side too, with 3.3 dimes per game.
Ajsa Sivka - Slovenia
SMALL FORWARD
Birth Date: May 16, 2007 (19 years old) Height: 192 cm / 6'3" Tournament Stats: 19.7 EFF, 17.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.7 APG
A colossus for Slovenia like always, Sivka has showcased her skills and quality as you would expect from a leading talent of her generation. Leading the way, she has posted a do-it-all effort in the tournament so far.
Her senior level maturity is shining through brightly and she looks like a class act with her inside-outside scoring.
Gal Raviv - Israel
GUARD
Birth Date: December 25, 2006 (18 years old) Height: 178 cm / 5'10" Tournament Stats: 23.0 EFF, 20.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, 4.7 RPG, 3.3 SPG
Continuing on from her record-breaking efforts at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025, Raviv has not missed a beat since stepping out in Portugal. Her numbers are sensational and across many different facets.
Her amazing scoring ability is not her only upside - evidence by 6.0 assists per outing and more than 3 steals too.
Cristina Osazuwa - Italy
CENTER
Birth Date: January 13, 2005 (20 years old) Height: 190cm / 6'3" Tournament Stats: 22.0 EFF, 20.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Osazuwa has been sensational since the first jump-ball when she posted a double-double against Poland. Overall she has poured in more than 20.0 points per game and terrorized defenses with her intense and powerful style. Physically dominant and having made huge strides since 2024, all eyes are on how she now grows moving forward.
FIBA