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 U20 Women's EuroBasket, Division B and where the game has taken them since.
2024: Nastja Claessens (BEL)
Then: The forward was on fire throughout the competition and a driving force for Belgium who finished second to gain promotion. She averaged 17.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.6 assist per game in the tournament.
Now: Having signed off at youth level, Claessens firstly had the disappointment of not squeezing onto the senior Cats' roster for Paris 2024. However, she had an unexpected second chance when an injury to Julie Allemand led to a late call up and an Olympics debut. Club-wise, she played last season in EuroCup Women with IDK Euskotren.
2023: Frieda Buhner (GER)
Then: The rising star was a tour de force for Germany who finished second to secure their promotion to Division A. She averaged a superb near tournament double-double of 14.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per outing.
Now: Buhner returned to U20 level in 2024 and landed another All-Star Five spot. She then had the thrill of being called up for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on her country's amazing debut and posted a brilliant first major competition. She's also played in Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers and in EuroCup Women with Estudiantes last season.
2022: Marija Lekovic (MNE)
Then: The heartbeat of an unbeaten Montenegro side that roared their way to the top step of the podium and promotion, Lekovic averaged 14.6 points and 4.4 assists per game for the champions.
Now: Incredibly, 12 months before her MVP show she had already appeared for her country at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket and she made it two editions in 2023. Meanwhile, she was a SuperCup Women winner with Fenerbahce, also playing for them in EuroLeague Women, as well as with Perfumerias Avenida last season in Spain.
2019: Lotta Vehka-Aho (FIN)
Then: The guard was unstoppable for Finland as they finished second and celebrated their promotion to the top tier. She top-scored for her team with 18.5 points per game, along with 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Now: Vehka-Ako featured briefly for the senior national Finland team in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers. She has since won silverware in her homeland with Peli-Karhut, having also stepped out in the NCAA D1 with Florida Atlantic.
2018: Veronika Vorackova (CZE)
Then: Vorackova was the leader of a Czechia team that never tasted defeat as they won the competiton with a 7-0 record en-route to Division A. She averaged 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in the tournament.
Now: Already on the radar having played at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2017, Vorackova went on to play further editions in 2019, 2021 and 2023. She also carved out a reputation as one of the best young ballers in EuroLeague Women with ZVVZ USK Praha where she was crowned a champion earlier this year at the first ever Final Six.
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