FIBA U19WC MVP Ladder, volume 2: Unexpected guests

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    We have reached the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U19 World Cup, meaning only eight teams can still hoist the trophy. Let's re-examine the MVP Ladder.

    LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - And then there were eight teams left in the running for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 as we have reached the Quarter-Finals stage. That is the perfect time to re-examine who are the leading candidates for the Most Valuable Player.

    Who will follow in the footsteps of Izan Almansa, who was named the top player at the 2023 edition after guiding Spain to the title? We looked at the eight Quarter-Finals teams in Lausanne and ranked the players who are most likely to leave Lausanne with the MVP award.

    But before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight - this tournament has delivered. Surprises, upsets, drama… the FIBA U19 World Cup has had it all. And amid the chaos, new heroes have emerged. In fact, eight players in this edition of the MVP Ladder weren’t even on the radar in Volume 1. That’s right - fresh faces are shaking things up, and the race for MVP is suddenly wide open. Let’s get into it.

    You may also want to read this:

    FIBA U19WC MVP Ladder: Who will guide their country to the title?

    Honorable mention - Koa Peat - USA

    Koa Peat has been a force for USA

    With the balance of the USA team, it's hard to pick just one star. And the way Koa Peat has played, it's hard to not include him in a list of players who are dominating the competition. The forward is USA's leading scorer at 15.5 points while also contributing 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

    #10 Zak Smrekar - Slovenia

    Zak Smrekar has done some of everything for Slovenia

    Slovenia are back in the top eight of the world for the first time since 2003 and Zak Smrekar is a big reason for that. The forward is the team's leading scorer with 14.8 points and he is also contributing 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per contest.

    #9 Jordan Charles - Canada

    Jordan Charles has helped Canada back into another Quarter-Finals

    Canada just keep reaching the Quarter-Finals - this is their 7th straight appearance in the top eight - and Jordan Charles has been a major reason for that happening in Lausanne. The guard ranks second on the team in scoring with 12.5 points while leading the Americas side with 4.8 assists and chipping in 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.

    #8 Dayan Nessah - Switzerland

    Dayan Nessah is making history with Switzerland

    Who would have thought that Switzerland would be playing in the Quarter-Finals of their first ever U19 World Cup? Crucial to the host country's fairytale run has been Dayan Nessah, who leads the team in scoring (17.3 points per game) and rebounds (9.3 per game) and is second in assists with 4.3 per contest.

    #7 Tama Isaac - New Zealand

    Tama Isaac is running the show for New Zealand

    New Zealand are into the Quarter-Finals for the first time in history and that is in large part to the masterful work of Tama Isaac. The point guard leads New Zealand with 14.8 points per game and is second in rebounds with 6.5 boards per contest. Isaac's 6.8 assists on average ties him for first with all players in the tournament and he also had grabbed 1.8 steals per game.

    #6 Omer Mayer - Israel

    Omer Mayer has been lighting it up for Israel

    Omer Mayer has played heroic for the debutants Israel, who have moved into the Quarter-Finals in their maiden appearance in the tournament. The guard leads the competition in scoring with 23.7 points per game, including scoring a tournament-best 33 points against Cameroon in the Round of 16. Mayer also has picked up 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals per contest.

    Let us know what you think and vote:

    Who will be named FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 TISSOT MVP?

    #5 Jacob Furphy - Australia

    Jacob Furphy has been the leader for Australia

    Australia have ended their drought of finishes outside the top eight and reached the Quarter-Finals for the first time since 2015. Jacob Furphy has been outstanding for the Emus as he leads the team with 21.3 points to go with 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

    #4 AJ Dybantsa - USA

    AJ Dybantsa has been spectacular whenever he is on the court

    Those expecting AJ Dybantsa to completely dominate the competition may think he is having a disappointing tournament but the player projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has been fantastic in his role within the team concept. He is averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game... in just 14 minutes of action.

    #3 Christian Anderson - Germany

    Christian Anderson has been the conductor for the German orchestra

    Christian Anderson has struggled at times scoring the ball - shooting just 40 percent from the field - but he is clearly the main man running the show for Germany. The point guard is still averaging 14.5 points to go with 4.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game, which is tied for the most in the competition. Anderson also has swiped 1.3 steals per game.

    #2 Hannes Steinbach - Germany

    Hannes Steinbach has been unstoppable in Lausanne

    This is more about Hannes Steinbach playing incredible basketball than his Germany teammate Christian Anderson falling behind him. Steinbach leads all players in the competition in efficiency at 29.5 per game while he is ranked ninth with 18.3 points and second with 13.0 rebounds per game. The power forward also has contributed 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 71 percent from the field.

    #1 Mikel Brown Jr - USA

    Mikel Brown Jr has been lethal in all facets for USA

    Mikel Brown Jr. has done a great job running things for USA as the guard ranks first on the team in assists with 6.3 per game. He also is second on scoring with 15.3 points to go with 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals.

    Let us know what you think and vote:

    Who will be crowned U19 World Cup 2025 champions?

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