MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Youth EuroBaskets have long provided the perfect launch-pad for Europe's leading young talent to showcase their skills.
Looking back at the roll of honor at each of the events, you'll find a trail of names who went on to shine on some of basketball's biggest stages.
Every summer, one player rises above the rest – the MVP, a standout talent who defines the tournament. For some, it's a springboard to stardom; for others, it's a high point in a still-evolving journey. Either way, it's a moment that puts them on the map.
So, what happened to the most recent winners?
Here's a look at the last five MVPs, how they performed at FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket, Division B and where the game has taken them since.
2024: Ioana-Vanessa Velcea (ROM)
Then: Leading her nation to the title, the point guard played her role to perfection. Able to score consistently while also getting teammates involved, she averaged 18.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Now: Velcea has continued her development at club level as a member of CSM Alexandria in her homeland.
2023: Clara Bielefeld (GER)
Then: Germany were the winners of the competition, with Bielefeld starring as she claimed a near tournament double-double of 9.9 points and 9.1 boards per outing - as well as 4.9 assists.
Now: Having starred at U16 level, Bielefeld then impressed at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 and has also made a name for herself in the German league while stepping out with Herner TC.
2022: Lana Maric (SRB)
Then: Serbia stormed to the title and promotion with an unbeaten 7-0 campaign, with Maric at the heart of it. The forward averaged an excellent 13.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Now: Maric has enhanced her game playing in the highly competitive Hungarian league with Darazsak Sportakademia.
2019: Mojca Jelenc (SLO)
Then: Jelenc was the central pillar of Slovenia's promotion to the top tier as they won all eight games. The forward stood out with 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Now: She played at U20 level and has since went on to play for the senior Slovenia team in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers. At club level she made a EuroLeague Women debut in 2024-25 with Valencia Basket Club.
2018: Ionna Chatzileonti (GRE)
Then: The forward was on fire and helped Greece to take second spot and clinch promotion. Chatzileonti was handed MVP after accumulating 13.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per outing.
Now: Chatzileonti continued to light it up in FIBA youth tournaments with big numbers at U18 and U20 level. She has also played senior games in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers. She graduated from the NCAA and the University of Pittsburgh and has played in EuroCup Women with Panathinaikos.
FIBA