MIES (Switzerland) - Several players earned their maiden national team appearances for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, and many made a statement with solid performances.
But who had the standout debut? Vote for your favorite in the poll below.
Matas Buzelis - Lithuania
FORWARD
Birth Date: Oct 13, 2004 (21 years old) Height: 208cm / 6’10” Team: Chicago Bulls (USA) Statistics: 8 EFF; 12 PTS; 2 REBS
It was an efficient debut for Matas Buzelis, who found numerous ways to score and used his size and strength to overpower the Great Britain defense inside. In 22 minutes on the floor, the Chicago Bulls big man had 12 points and 2 rebounds, threw down a highlight two-handed slam in transition, and, most importantly, helped Lithuania to an impressive 105-85 triumph that secured their qualification to the Second Round.
Kasparas Jakucionis - Lithuania
GUARD
Birth Date: May 29, 2006 (20 years old) Height: 196cm / 6'5" Team: Milwaukee Bucks (USA) Statistics: 22 EFF; 16 PTS; 7 REBS; 6 AST
While he couldn't get his outside shot to get going, it was the only blip in an otherwise excellent showing from Lithuania's Kasparas Jakucionis, who did what great players do, and that is find other ways to score and get involved. The 20-year-old finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, going 4-for-8 from the floor in the win over Great Britain.
Yogi Ferrell - Montenegro
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: May 9, 1993 (33 years old) Height: 183cm / 6'0" Team: KK Buducnost (MNE) Statistics: 16 EFF: 14 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL
He might be 33 years old, but Montenegro debutant Yogi Ferrell took Portugal to school in a 72-68 road win. The skilled point guard shot 50 percent from the field, and helped himself to 14 points. He also dished out 5 assists and got 2 steals in a crucial win that takes qualification from Group B to the final gameday.
Flynn Boardman-Raffet - Great Britain
GUARD
Birth Date: Feb 26, 2002 (24 years old) Height: 193cm / 6'4" Team: Leicester Riders (GBR) Statistics: 12 EFF: 13 PTS, 4 AST
It was a night to forget for Great Britain in Klaipeda, but one of their bright spots was the performance of Flynn Boardman-Raffet, who made his presence felt on the floor and on the international stage. The guard competed seamlessly against taller, more physical opposition and finished with 13 points and 4 assists. GB will need more of that from him in their must-win game against Iceland on Sunday.
Maxime Raynaud - France
CENTER
Birth Date: Apr 7, 2003 (23 years old) Height: 216cm / 7'1" Team: Sacramento Kings (USA) Statistics: 12 EFF: 10 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST
On a France team littered with talent at every position, Maxime Raynaud stood out with his terrific execution around the rim. The seven-footer finished with a spotless 4-for-4 from two-point range and 4-for-5 overall for 10 points and 4 rebounds in France's 80-72 victory over Belgium in Antwerp.
Frederik Jellum - Denmark
FORWARD
Birth Date: Mar 13, 2005 (21 years old) Height: 204 cm / 6'8" Team: Duquesne University (USA) Statistics: 9 EFF: 12 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL
Despite a heavy 109-81 loss to Spain in Madrid, Denmark found a gem in Frederik Jellum, who was energetic and fearless against talented opposition. The Duquesne man hit two three-pointers for 12 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal and didn't look out of place on the international stage.
Dimitri Clerc - Switzerland
CENTER
Birth Date: Feb 20, 2003 (23 years old) Height: 202 cm / 6'7" Team: Bella Vista College (USA) Statistics: 12 EFF: 8 PTS, 3 REB, 1 STL
Against a Serbia team that had arguably the best big man on the planet, Nikola Jokic, Switzerland's Dimitri Clerc took the challenge head-on, and despite the 97-73 loss, thrilled the home crowd in Fribourg by going a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor for 8 points, along with 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Certainly one to watch.
Nico Zeleznik - Austria
GUARD
Birth Date: Oct 5, 2006 (20 years old) Height: 192 cm / 6'3" Team: BK Klosterneuburg (AUT) Statistics: 11 EFF: 14 PTS, 3 AST
Despite the heavy loss against Poland, Austria's Nico Zeleznik made the most of his 13 minutes on the floor. He shot 5-for-9 from the field, finishing with a team-high 14 points in the 123-77 loss. The young 6'3" guard also dished out 3 assists in his haul.
Bobi Klintman - Sweden
FORWARD
Birth Date: Mar 6, 2003 (23 years old) Height: 206 cm / 6'9" Team: Virtus Bologna (ITA) Statistics: 20 EFF: 18 PTS, 12 REB
A double-double on your maiden international voyage is always memorable, but to cap it all off with an 87-76 win over an established opponent is an even better feeling. That's what Bobi Klintman will be feeling, as he led Sweden with 18 points and 12 rebounds in what was a pivotal victory over Czechia that takes Group H to the final Gameday.
Aubin Gateretse - Belgium
CENTER
Birth Date: Aug 16, 2001 (24 years old) Height: 205 cm / 6'8" Team: Hubo Limburg United (BEL) Statistics: 14 EFF: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 1 STL
While it wasn't meant to be for Belgium against a star-studded France side on the night, the Lions battled, and Aubin Gateretse was at the heart of it all. The 24 year old big man posted 13 points and 4 rebounds, going a solid 4-for-6 from the field, and he managed to get to the foul line as well, ending up 5-for-6 from the charity stripe.
FIBA