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 and where the game has taken them since.
2024: Kathy-Emma Otto (FRA)
Then: Otto took the honor of being crowned MVP despite France missing a three-peat and settling for silver. The power forward averaged 10.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Now: She has continued her evolution at club level with the elite Centre Federale program, competing in the second tier in France.
2023: Ainhoa Risacher (FRA)
Then: Winning all seven games in the tournament, France retained their cherished title and did so off the back of Risacher's mature displays. Her all-action efforts returned 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
Now: Risacher played at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup last year and made the All-Star Five, also playing in EuroLeague and EuroCup Women with LDLC ASVEL Feminin.
2022: Iyana Martin (ESP)
Then: Spain were just pipped to the title by neighbours France, but Martin could barely have done more to land her country gold. She averaged 17.1 points and 3.9 assists per outing in the competition.
Now: The guard went on to star at U18 level and being named MVP. She was also crowned MVP of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup. Spain have utilized her in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers and at club level she was terrific for Perfumerias Avenida and has been named EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year.
2019: Anastasiia Kosu (RUS)
Then: Just 14 years old when taking the MVP crown, the Russian prodigy carried her nation to victory with a string of super displays. Kosu ended up averaging an eye-popping 17.0 points and 14.1 boards per game.
Now: Underlining her massive talent, Kosu returned a double-digit tournament at the FIBA U19 Women;s Basketball World Cup 2021. She has also played EuroLeague Women with Dynamo Kursk and since won a stack of domestic titles with UMMC Ekaterinburg.
2018: Caterina Gilli (ITA)
Then: The frontcourt star showed out with 10.3 points and 9.1 boards per game for her country as they claimed the top step of the podium without tasting defeat in the tournament.
Now: Gilli continued her great work at U18 and U20 level with Italy and has also been in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers squad. She recently represented San Martino in the Italian league.
FIBA