Asia's Top 5 men and women U18 players in 2018

BEIRUT (FIBA Asia) - The second half of 2018 saw the continent's two biggest U18 events being held in the men's and women's sections. The men's event was in Thailand in August, followed by the women's in India in October-November. 

Numerous promising young talents stood out with incredible performances on both ends of the floor, stepping up for their teams in decisive moments right through their U18 Asian Championship campaigns.

With 2019 scheduled to see two major senior Asian events (FIBA Women's Asia Cup and the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers), there are multiple rising stars we saw in 2018 ready to graduate to the senior ranks. 

Here are 2018's top 5 junior players of Asia/Oceania in both the women and men divisions:

Women 

#1 Yuan Li (CHN) 

The best players reserve their best for when it matters. Point guard Yuan Li was solid through the group phases of the FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship. But in the finals she absolutely blew Japan away, putting up 28 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds. In a sense, Li is already a "senior", having represented China at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, and even leading her team in assists! So it should come as no surprise that the 170cm / 5'7" floor general dominated at the U18 level as well, dishing out an overall best 7.5 apg.

#2 Mingling Chen (CHN)

The 6ft 4'' center was China's most consistent performer at #FIBAU18Asia, averaging a highly impressive 15.2 points and 14.5 rebounds. At +24.8, Chen was also the most efficient player in the tournament, and was the key reason China won its fifth straight U18 Asian Championship title.

#3 Isobel Anstey (AUS)

Australia's fortunes dipped in the decisive stages of the Championship, and the side could only finish third. But the Gems'  6ft 3'' center stayed consistent throughout, averaging 11.5 ppg and 9 rpg.

#4 Jihyun Park (KOR)

The only member on the U18 Korean side who also participated in the senior women's World Cup earlier this year, Park has showcased her experience and talent to the fullest. At the #FIBAU18Asia, Park was second overall in points per game (16 ppg) and efficiency (+18), while also averaging a solid 7.6 rebounds per game.

#5 Charlisse Leger-Walker (NZL)

In New Zealand's maiden appearance in the U18 Women's Asian Championship, the Oceania side heavily relied on "do it all" point guard Leger-Walker. One of the best rebounding point guards in the Championship, Leger-Walker averaged a hugely impressive 9.4 rpg and 13.6 ppg.

Notable mentions:  

Nanako Todo (JPN): Arguably the quickest small forward at #FIBAU18Asia, Todo was unstoppable with her 14 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. She was also third overall in efficiency (+17.2).

Miela Goodchild (AUS): The shooting guard led all players in points (averaging 17.6 ppg in under 29 mpg). Two of her three 20+ games came in the semifinals and 3rd place match, showing her ability to step up when it matters. Alongwith Anstey, Goodchild is one of the big reasons Australia finished among the medals. 

Men

#1 Kai Zachary Sotto (PHI)

It might not be an exaggeration to say that Kai Sotto was Asia's most talked about basketball player, regardless of age group. He started the year dominating the U16 Asian Championship, continued his stellar play at the U17 Basketball World Cup, and just kept rolling right through the FIBA U18 Asian Championship.

Despite playing in an older age group, Sotto was able to put up 12.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.5 BPG to help the Philippines advance to the U19 Basketball World Cup next year. He's already consistently training with the senior national team and it shouldn't be long before we see him take the court at the highest level.

That's a lot to go through in just one year for a SIXTEEN YEARS OLD, but that's just what Sotto has done and he's passed with flying colors.

#2 Tamuri Wigness (AUS)

Tamuri Wigness had a similarly busy year just like Sotto, also going through the U16, U17, and U18 events. His performances left everyone with a very good impression where they are already pegging him as a player with a chance at the NBA in his future. Again, the 5'10" guard is just 16 right now which say a lot about how well he has been doing this year.

Wigness and Australia collected the U16 Asian championship, 5th place at the U18 Basketball World Cup, before wrapping up the year with another title at the U18 Asian Championship. With quick shifty handles and a strong frame for his age, Wigness finished the U18 tournament with a solid 7.3 points and 4.3 assists.

Australia rarely needed him to play in long stretches with only 19.7 minutes per game, but he was an electrifying joy to watch whenever he was on the floor.

#3 Wang Quanze (CHN)

Wang is not your typical Chinese top prospect, having been groomed in the high school basketball system of in the United States of America and will continue to star in the NCAA this season with the University of Pennsylvania. The unconventional path did not stop Wang from being an unstoppable force at the FIBA U18 Asian Championship for 3rd place China with monster averages of 20.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

Though he was already playing at an elite level throughout the tournament, Wang saved the best for last in the Bronze Medal game with a 27-point, 14-rebound masterpiece on 63.6% shooting to beat the Philippines.

China has a slew of talented big men lined up in their senior men's roster, but Wang should be able to crack into consideration soon at this rate.

#4 Lee Hyunjung (KOR)

Prior to the U18 Asian Championship, Lee was already regarded as a promising prospect to look out for in the future and was spending his time developing in Australia. But once he took court, it was evident that everyone might have underestimated just how "promising" he actually was.

The 6'7" forward did everything for Korea, leading the tournament in points (26.0 PPG), assists (6.0 APG), steals (3.3 APG), and Player Efficiency (31.0). He was also 5th in rebounding with 10.3 RPG as well just because he could. His shooting averages of 51-39-79 also notes that he wasn't just putting up gaudy numbers, but doing so efficiently.

#5 Samson Froling (AUS) 

Australia's main big man didn't have any marquee performance's at the U18 Asian Championship, but Froling was superb throughout the duration of the competition.

Aside from putting up 14.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks, Australia could always trust Froling to get points on the board with an sky-high field goal percentage of 65.4%. Froling also displayed nice shooting touch, whether it was from long range (5-7) or from the free throw line (12-17)

Froling has a great future ahead of him and is now playing in the NCAA Division 1 with Creighton, so he should probably be in line to crack the senior men's National Team some time in the near future as well.

Notable mentions:  

AJ Edu (PHI): The highly-touted Philippines prospect shined in his first tournament with the youth national team with 14.2 points, 11.5 boards, and 2.8 blocks (!!!) per contest. Edu proved himself worthy of all the hype coming in and has even garnder more anticipation for whenever he can suit up for the senior team.

Chikara Tanaka (JPN): 16-year-old Tanaka missed out on playing in the U18 Asian Championship with an injury, but the promise he displayed at the U16 Asian Championship certainly deserves a mention in this list. His 15.2 points and 4.5 rebounds were impressive, but it was more so about how much potential he had heading into the bright future of Japan basketball. There's still plenty of time for Tanaka to develop, but it's going to be an exciting couple of years ahead watching him go through that process.

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