Who will make the biggest impact at #FIBAU16Europe in Izmir?

IZMIR (Turkey) - The FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2023, in Izmir, will see a number of rising stars stepping out in a bid to highlight their potential and catapult their respective teams to glory. 

Here are just some of the names to put on your watchlist ahead of the tournament which tips off on Friday 11 August.

You can also use the fan vote below to tell us which player you think will make the biggest splash at the event. 

Lena Bilic - Croatia

An exciting prospect for Croatia, Bilic showed great signs last summer in Matosinhos that she will be a big factor in 2023. Bilic was the team's second top scorer and harvested more than 12 points per game, but you can fully expect that return to be increased on her second appearance at the event. A tall and multi-skilled winger, she has been pouring in the points during the warm-up games. 

Nicole Ogun - Finland

A powerful player, Ogun will be the go-to option for Finland and has already shown she could be a walking double-double in Izmir after impressing during preparations. Finishing in the top three for rebounds at the previous edition with 11 per game, she will be a bigger threat this time around offensively having honed her skills in the past 12 months. If Ogun makes smart shooting choices, she will shine.

Jovana Popovic - Serbia

The fact that this is a third outing at U16 level speaks volumes about the maturity and potential of Popovic. The guard stepped out in the 2021 Challengers and then at the main event last year, impressed with her play as Serbia were crowned Division B champions. Popovic pulled the strings so well, handing out almost 5 assists per game and finishing with a performance efficiency valuation of 17.1.

Maja Uranker - Slovenia

Uranker will carry the bulk of her team's hopes having been an influential figure in 2022 which contributed to Slovenia retaining their place in the top tier. A leader on the court, the guard showed she can score and create after netting almost 13 points per game in Matosinhos and handing out almost 4 assists per outing. With more efficiency this time and fewer turnovers, she could really shine. 

Zhen Verburgt - Belgium

Belgium will turn to Verburgt for inspiration as she looks a lock to finish this competition as her team's leading light and scorer. Her contributions last summer were eye-catching as she posted just short of 13 points per outing. So far in preparations, Verburgt has been the dominant player and having led in scoring and rebounding last year, the forward will look to occupy the same in her team's charts this time. 

Kinga Josepovits - Hungary

One of the most intriguing prospects of her generation, it is expected the near two meter tall baller will play the second of what could be three appearances at the event since she is 2008 born. Josepovits will be a real handful for her opponents due to her height, size and length. She's worked hard on her post moves and has good mobility and will score, rebound and block shots nicely for her team.

FIBA