MUNICH (Germany) - As the first miles on the road to FIBA EuroBasket 2029 continue, these players will aim to keep their paths going.
With several teams unbeaten and some still searching for that first win, here are the six aiming to make a splash.
Harald Frey - Norway
GUARD
Birth Date: May 27, 1997 (28 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Team: Surne Bilbao Basket (ESP)
Harald Frey is undoubtedly Norway's key player, having averaged 19.7 points and 4.4 assists in their last international competition, the World Cup Pre-Qualifiers. In the first window, he led the Norwegians with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists in their win over Armenia, and his all-around ability to influence a game will be vital to his side's progression.
Tomas Pavelka - Slovakia
CENTER
Birth Date: Sep 22, 2000 (25 years old) Height: 214 cm / 7'0" Team: BC Slovan Bratislava (SVK)
The highly skilled seven-foot big man, Tomas Pavelka will make his debut in these Qualifiers for Slovakia as they aim to get two wins in this upcoming window and establish their advantage in Group C. Pavelka averaged 13.5 points and 8.3 rebounds on an impressive 73 percent shooting during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers, with a high of 25 points and 9 rebounds against the Ukraine.
CJ Fulton - Ireland
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: Jun 24, 2002 (23 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Team: Iowa Wolves (USA)
CJ Fulton will be relishing putting on an Ireland jersey for the first time since August 2023, when he stepped out for the national side during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers. Fulton averaged 10.5 points per game but will look to raise his averages while stepping into a leadership role for an Irish side currently 0-2 in Group A having played in the NBA G League.
Clancy Rugg - Luxembourg
FORWARD
Birth Date: Sep 22, 1991 (34 years old) Height: 203 cm / 6'8" Team: Basket Esch (LUX)
Clancy Rugg was a key figure in Luxembourg's unbeaten start to the Pre-Qualifiers - averaging 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in their two games. A matchup nightmare for opposing teams, Rugg can attack the basket and finish inside, or he can effortlessly execute from outside. He shot 47 percent from the field during the first window and 66 percent from three-point land.
Andrej Jakimovski - North Macedonia
FORWARD
Birth Date: Mar 18, 2001 (24 years old) Height: 200 cm / 6'6" Team: Aquila Basket Trento (ITA)
Andrej Jakimovski dominated for North Macedonia during the first window of the Pre-Qualifiers, averaging 25.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as his side recorded two wins from two games against Azerbaijan and Ireland. His versatility and soft touch around the basket will be needed if the North Macedonians are to maintain their unbeaten run.
Wesley Van Beck - Azerbaijan
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: Jan 22, 1996 Height: 193 cm / 6'4" Team: La Laguna Tenerife (ESP)
A skilled point guard that can put points on the board in a flash, Wesley Van Beck will aim to get Azerbaijan off the board in Group A, where he made a good personal start but ultimately came up short in his side's first two games. Van Beck averaged 19.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in Azerbaijan's first two games during the Pre-Qualifiers.
FIBA