The historic basketball city of Belgrade was the stage for the annual U18 European Championships. With no U19 World Cup seeding implications like last year in Helsinki (a tournament that counted with NBA draftees Noa Essengue, Ben Saraf, Hugo Gonzalez, Nolan Traore and others) but with the usual high level of talent, Spain recovered from their worst finish ever to regain the European crowd, in a thrilling final against France. Among a talented bunch, I put together a list of some of the ones to keep an eye on, sorted by my evaluation of their perfomance in the tournament and their overall potential.

Ian PLATTEEUW

Spain | 7’0 | Center | Per Game Stats: 10.0 pts, 6.9 rebs, 3.4 asts

The MVP of the tournament and the best big man prospect out of Spain in quite some time. Platteeuw dazzled those in attendance with his quick processing, playmaking and ability to handle the ball as a 7-footer. The Joventut Badalona product finished in the top 20 in assists as a big man, having Spain’s offense go through him for most of the tournament, leading his team to a win in the final. A good rebounder who didn’t hesitate to push the ball up the court, his comfort with the rock in his hands puts him in a great tier of bigs coming out of Europe in the last few years.

Why you should keep an eye on him: a 57.1% finisher at the rim who produced 1.43 points per possession (PPP) on drives according to Instat, Platteeuw is a tremendous option as a versatile big, who will attend Davidson next season.

Jonas BOULEFAA

Credit: FIBA

France | 6’9 | Forward | Per Game Stats: 12.0 pts, 4.6 rebs, 9.7 asts

Basketball is a simple game. The hard part is keeping it simple and still get production off of that. Jonas Boulefaa does that at a great level. With great efficiency inside and out (67.6% from two, 36.7% from three on similar volume), Boulefaa doesn’t need much of the ball but knows what to do when he gets it. More of a play finisher, his perimeter defense and ability to stay in front of smaller players popped more than usual. But it’s the ability to shoot quickly off a set position or popping out after the pick that define Boulefaa’s chances to succeed at the next level

Why you should keep an eye on him: Boulefaa shot 70.8% at the rim and had 1.31 points per possession on catch and shoot plays at the U18 Euros. He is heading to ADA Blois in the French 2nd tier, after spending his youth years with INSEP.

Mathieu GRUJICIC

Germany | 6’5 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 24.6 pts, 8.9 rebs, 3.9 asts

Grujicic’s season has been nothing short of impressive: MVP at the Ulm Euroleague NextGen qualifier, debut for FC Barcelona senior team in Liga Endesa and Euroleague and top scorer at the U18 EuroBasket. The 6’5 guard has put his talent together to become one of the main ball handlers of his generation in Europe right now, with great 3-level scoring and decelerations and changes of speed that make you think that you’re watching a much more experienced player. To add to the scoring title, he was the 2nd best rebounder (yes, in the whole tournament) and the 11th in the assists rankings, showing why he’s one of the best all-around players in the continent. Not to forget the constant movement and activity on the defensive end.

Why you should keep an eye on him: Grujicic won’t stay in Europe for long, having committed to Ohio State for the 2025/26 season. In Belgrade, he finished with efficiency inside (61.8% at the rim), especially in transition where he provided 1.50 PPP.

Diego GARAVAGLIA

Italy | 6’6 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 14.3 pts, 7.6 rebs, 2.6 asts

Diego Garavaglia provided not only his usual lockdown defense on the wing, but was efficient on the offensive end, especially as a shooter. The young Milan product has been developing on the offensive side for quite a few years now and seems to be ready for the next level as a capable off-ball wing who can shoot, pass and dribble. Finished 12th in scoring and 5th in rebounds, playing much bigger than his actual size.

Why you should keep an eye on him: 1.36 points per possession on catch and shoot 3s and an overall 42.1% from three for the new ratiopharm Ulm prospect, who’ll join the German side after having already debuted in the Italian Serie A and Euroleague.

Maxence LEMOINE

France | 6’2 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 14.6 pts, 2.7 rebs, 5.1 asts

Finishing 9th in scoring and 2nd in assists, Lemoine was tasked with having more of the ball and making the decisions for his team, especially after Adam Atamna’s injury, and that’s exactly what he did. The point guard has a knack to get inside off his own creation and find ways to the free-throw line with a tight handle that’s difficult to disrupt (0.6 turnovers/game). Took great care of the responsibility of being France’s main guard and gained a lot of stock at the U18 EuroBasket.

Why you should keep an eye on him: will play in France’s second division next year for Stade Rochelais, after three years with Strasbourg Espoirs (played 22 games for Stransbourg pro team). Was a 57.1% finisher at the rim, with a 55.7 free-throw rate at the U18 Euros.

Guillermo DEL PINO

Credit: FIBA

Spain | 6’4 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 11.6 pts, 2.3 rebs, 2.3 asts

You heard about it, you saw the highlights. Del Pino’s 9-2 scoring run in the final 30 seconds of the final to give Spain the tile will be remembered for years. But his contribution goes much beyond that. The guard’s ability to handle the ball in tight spaces and get to a pull up mid-range shouldn’t be overlooked and neither should the way he gets inside and takes defenders out of his way with quick ballet-like moves to finish inside. The finishing part is what he’ll have to develop (as well as the consistency of his shot), but both his Munich NextGen Euroleague qualifier and U18 EuroBasket performances leave a lot of intrigue.

Why you should keep an eye on him: committed to Maryland in one of the best deals of the summer. In Belgrade, he went for 1.11 PPP on pull-up jumpers, both off pick and rolls or in isolation.

Hugo YIMGA-MOUKOURI

France | 6’8 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 10.4 pts, 5.4 rebs, 1.1 asts

Yimga-Moukouri’s size and strength as a wing continues to be productive and a hard thing for opponents to deal with. In constant movement off the ball, looking to find open ways inside off cuts or quick off-catch attacks. Born in 2008, he still has one year to play at this level but he seems to be playing at this level forever. Tremendous rebounder and versatile defender who can cover a lot of ground and play many different roles for his team.

Why you should keep an eye on him: signed a professional contract with Nanterre in the French Elite League. In Belgrade, he finished at a 79.4% rate at the basket, including 1.82 points per possession on cuts.

Achille LONATI

Italy | 6’5 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 13.8 pts, 3.2 rebs, 3.2 asts

Yet another display of incredible shotmaking from one of the best Italian prospects of the last few years. Lonati wasn’t especially efficient as we’ve seen in events past, but the inate ability to put the ball in the basket and the way he gets to scoring positions off the catch was still there. Was much more of an outside shooter, with more than 57% of his tries coming from behind the arc. The assists numbers, considering he was never Italy’s main ball handler and the tasks he performs on a basketball court, left great hope for his development as a playmaker.

Why you should keep an eye on him: collected 1.25 PPP on catch and shoot 3s and added 1.21 PPP as a pick and roll handler. Will be heading to St. Bonaventure next season.

Stefan JOKSIMOVIC

Slovenia | 6’7 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 13.6 pts, 4.9 rebs, 2.9 asts

Joksimovic was a top 35 player in points, rebounds and assists (the only other players in this list to accomplish that are Mathieu Grujicic, Nikola Janicic and Dovydas Buika). Oh, and he’s still three months away from turning 17. The Baskonia guard was the engine of Slovenia, initiating offense and getting the ball to teammates in the best position possible. Not afraid of experimenting and trying different things, he had a steady hand as a scorer inside and out.

Why you should keep an eye on him: he put together 1.29 points per possession on pull-up jumpers and 1.44 PPP in transition. SHould continue to be one of Baskonia’s main names in their youth system.

Pavle BACKO

Serbia | 6’11 | Center | Per Game Stats: 16.7 pts, 5.8 rebs, 0.5 asts

Big, strong, and with magnificent footwork, Backo keeps in line with the Serbian big men we’re accustomed to. The Mega Basket product was the 6th best scorer with incredible efficiency inside and out. Never rushed, he makes great use of his shoulder to gain position and is always on point with his left-handed finishes. Always able to read plays quickly and work in the low post off his pivot foot, he’s really difficult to get off-balance and uses that to his advantage, combined with great touch inside.

Why you should keep an eye on him: 67.5% at the rim and 1.25 points per possession on post ups for one of the best bigs in Belgrade. Should make the transition from Mega’s youth system to the main squad.

Dominykas DAUBARIS

Lithuania | 6’10 | Forward/Center | Per Game Stats: 11.2 pts, 6.2 rebs, 1.7 asts

The kind of performance we were expecting from Daubaris has finally arrived. The mobile big was efficient inside and out, didn’t hesitate when he had an open opportunity and provided the type of display scouts were waiting for. Playing with someone by his side or as the lone big, he looked great as a rebounder, got in the mix as a rim protector, but it was his ability to put the rock in the hole that differentiated this tournament from some of his past appearances. A hopeful outing for a high-potential player.

Why you should keep an eye on him: spent the past season with Zalgiris’ 2nd team and could still be developing there, as a full-time jump to the pro team may prove to be too much right now. Went for 1.33 PPP on catch and shoot and pick and pops combined at the U18 Euros, providing 70.0% rim finishing efficiency.

Nikola JANICIC

North Macedonia | 6’5 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 15.0 pts, 5.0 rebs, 3.4 asts

Janicic was once again the main man for North Macedonia, after guiding them to promotion last year as the MVP of the U18 EuroBasket – Division B. This time around with less luck at the end, his shot creation and smooth handling was still a big positive, especially with the attention given to him by opponents. Makes great use of his size, knows how to put defenders behind him and keep them there and isn’t afraid of the long ball – and I mean long. Finished as the 8th best scorer and 18th in assists with a high usage.

Why you should keep an eye on him: produced 1.18 PPP in isolation on three levels. Will continue his journey in the United States, now moving to Spire Academy.

Mark MORANO MAHMUTOVIC

Credit: FIBA

Slovenia | 6’6 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 20.1 pts, 2.4 rebs, 1.6 asts

A straight bucket. There’s no other way that better defines Morano’s game. The second best scorer in Belgrade was effective and on target with his shots, being given the freedom to find his shots and hitting a big part of them. Some of them are tougher than they need to be and he isn’t quite adept of contact inside, going for more pull ups, but his talent as a scorer is undeniable, with him continuing to develop his self-creation.

Why you should keep an eye on him: 1.31 PPP as a handler in pick and rolls, 79.4% at the rim and 48.9% from three on over 6 attempts per game at the U18 Euros for the player who signed a professional contract with Cedevita earlier this year, where he’ll play in the ABA League.

Dovydas BUIKA

Lithuania | 6’5 | Guard/Wing | Per Game Stats: 12.0 pts, 5.9 rebs, 4.9 asts

One of those players whose ability to score you may not notice. Not because it doesn’t exist, but because it comes so easy and all of a sudden, you’re looking at a 20-point game without even noticing. In Belgrade, Buika divided his time between being Zalgiris’ floor general or the one they were looking for at the end of shot clock when nothing else worked out. He’s the steady hand everyone looks for in times of need, a player with an impressive ability to get inside through contact and find his spots independent of what the defense gives him, while also putting teammates in great positions to score.

Why you should keep an eye on him: one of the most recognizable names in Zalgiris’ youth system who may spend another year there. A 68.4% finisher a the rim and a 70% in the last 7 seconds of the shot clock in Belgrade. Added a 47.6 free-throw rate

Andy HUELVES

Spain | 6’3 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 9.4 pts, 4.4 rebs, 2.9 asts

The signs were there when he helped guide Dubai’s team to a respectable performance at the NextGen Euroleague Finals and he confirmed that yet again for Spain, even coming off the bench for the totality of the tournament. Tasked with finding ways to score, he was a consistent presence at the basket or on the perimeter, but also found the time to be Spain’s 2nd best passer. With a low dribble next to his body, he finds ways to discard of his defender by going for two or three quick moves, but can also provide off the catch shooting.

Why you should keep an eye on him: scored 1.88 PPP on catch and shoot 3s and added 1.11 PPP off drives at the rim. Will pay for CB Tizona Burgos in Spain’s 2nd division next season.

Ognjen SRZENTIC

Serbia | 6’8 | Wing | Per Game Stats: 11.1 pts, 4.7 rebs, 2.1 asts

Not as exhuberant and incisive as in past events, but the steady hands of Ognjen Srzentic were still a great weapon for hosts Serbia. Had a more mixed type of offense, ranging from self-creation in pick and rolls and isoltation to off-catch attempts. Looked more comfortable attacking after the catch than creating space by himself and wasn’t particularly efficient as a finisher anywhere on the court.

Why you should keep an eye on him: should continue with Mega, where he has already debuted in the ABA League. At the U18 EuroBasket, he put up 1.09 PPP off drives and 56.5% at the basket.

Valdis VALTERS

Latvia | 6’2 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 14.4 pts, 1.7 rebs, 4.0 asts

Valdis Valters had a solid although seemingly off the radar group phase, in which they finished 4th without a single win. Then came the round of 16 and a 26-point game against Lithuania. Or an 18-point outing and the game-winner in the quarter-finals against Germany. And all of a sudden, Latvia were in the top 4 of the U18 EuroBasket after facing down the barrel of relegation. One of the biggest contributors was Valdis Valters, who caught fire in the elimination stage with his ball handling ability in tight corners and constant rim attacks, where he was spectacularly efficient. That earned him a spot on the All Tournament Five and a lot of interest on him from now on.

Why you should keep an eye on him: finished with 1.78 PPP on catch and drives and an 80.8% efficiency at the basket. Has been playing in Latvia with RBS Rigas.

Aaron ONA EMBO

Belgium | 5’10 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 14.0 pts, 1.5 rebs, 2.2 asts

The youngest player in the whole tournament certainly didn’t look like it. Confident with the ball in his hands, with a certain swag to his game and extreme confidence in his shot, both inside and out. The 13th best scorer in Belgrade, he didn’t turn out any challenge, offering Belgium some irreverence throughout the games when they needed a bucket. Either as a shot creator or more off the catch, he doesn’t back down and always looks to find ways to score or get a teammate involved. And not to forget his activity and aggressiveness as a defender, despite his height.

Why you should keep an eye on him: 1.60 points per possession on catch and shoots, 1.17 PPP in isolation and 61.1% at the rim are pretty self-explanatory numbers of his influence in different sections of the offense. Part of the Real Madrid youth system for the last three years, should continue to develop there as he’s still U16.

Mattia CECCATO

Italy | 6’4 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 10.6 pts, 2.1 rebs, 3.9 asts

Responsible for organizing his teammates on the floor, what jumped out with Ceccato was the 50% from three on more than three attempts per game. And the way they came: off screens, pulling up off pick and rolls or off the catch, there wasn’t an outside shot Ceccato didn’t like and the efficiency speaks for itself. Finishing 11th in assists for the whole tournament, the guard proved his worth as an initiator and floor general and was the catalyst for much of the Italian offense.

Why you should keep an eye on him: the plan for him is expected to be to stay in Milan as of now. At the U18 Euros, he produced 1.20 points per possession off pick and rolls (both as a scorer and passer).

Cengiz COSKUN

Credit: FIBA

Turkiye | 6’5 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 14.4 pts, 1.8 rebs, 2.4 asts

The outside shooting, although nothing special int erms of efficiency, was big enough of a threat to open up avenues for Coskun to get inside. Turkiye always looked more dangerous offensively with him on the floor (got injured in the quarter-finals) and provided shot creation when things would get a bit stuck offensively. Good size, capable of getting past defenders with his dribble and a bit trigger-happy with his outside shot, but not one to force too much, being able to actually look to find a good opportunity.

Why you should keep an eye on him: good finisher at the rim at 68.4%, looking better from outside off the catch than pulling up – 1.20 PPP on catch and shoot threes. Looking to break into the first team at Bahcesehir, where he has already debuted.

Adrians ANDZEVS

Latvia | 6’3 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 12.3 pts, 2.3 rebs, 4.0 asts

Andzevs was the table-setter for Latvia as he continues to find ways to be productive, even if the efficiency didn’t match it. A big threat in pick and roll sets, the ball always found its way back to his hands when Latvia needed a well designed play. Some risk in his play as you want your main shot creator to be able to provide, even at the cost of some possessions. The rim attacks were intriguing and provide a glimpse of a more efficient plater as he steadies his game at this and the next level.

Why you should keep an eye on him: 1.10 PPP off drives going equally to his right or left hand (but finishing better with his right). 1.23 PPP on pick and rolls for the young guard who’ll represent VEF Riga in Latvia, after spending the last few years in Real Madrid’s youth system.

Fynn LASTRING

Germany | 6’10 | Center | Per Game Stats: 12.6 pts, 7.9 rebs, 2.6 asts

A seemingly slow-footed big who has incredible vision and shooting potential, Lastring improved his stock with the way he played in Belgrade. Capable of hitting cutters or outside shooters as soon as the defense threatens a double-team, he has a respectable low-post game to go along with the most intriguing part of his game: the shooting. Be it off the catch or on pick and pops, Lastring shows significant development in this area and a clear pathway to be a versatile big on the offensive end.

Why you should keep an eye on him: signed by Rasta Vechta last year, he has spent time with the 2nd in the German Pro A, but is bound for a jump in a team that’s been doing a great job developing bigs. In Belgrade, he was a 38.7% outside shooter on above 4 attempts while being one of the highest-assisting bigs.

Rrezon ELEZAY

Turkiye | 7’2 | Center | Per Game Stats: 5.4 pts, 5.4 rebs, 0.7 asts

They say you can’t teach size and Elezay has that going for him. But providing a roadmap on how to use that size would probably give bigs like him a better chance to succeed early on. Elezay’s numbers are nothing special and you wouldn’t look twice at them in a spreadsheet. But, as you watch him play, there’s something there. The size, the fluidity, the promise of a tremendous rim protector who won’t be targeted at every opportunity and a lob threat. There’s a long way to go in order for him to put it all together, but the tools and flashes are so intriguing.

Why you should keep an eye on him: finished at a 51.9% rate at the basket and collected 2 blocked shots per game. Part of Besiktas youth system, has a place he can grow in his home country.

Kaloyan BALKANDZHIEV

Bulgaria | 6’9 | Forward | Per Game Stats: 12.4 pts, 6.9 rebs, 1.3 asts

An heroic performance in the last game, allowing Bulgaria to stay in DIvision A may have catapulted Balkandzhiev to a new level of attention from everyone watching. The long although slim frame with impressive movement and potential clearly pops out, but the inconsistency continues to be a problem. With performances like the last one, where he scored 31 points with 8 rebounds, he’ll certainly be closer realizing the potential his physical profile and ability to handle, space the floor and move overall lets predict.

Why you should keep an eye on him: Was the 8th best rebounder while finishing at 58.7% at the basket. Will be joining CATS Academy in the US before trying the college route, after spending the last few years with Baskonia, in Spain.

Panagiotis LEFAS

Greece | 6’5 | Guard/Wing | Per Game Stats: 19.1 pts, 2.4 rebs, 1.6 asts

There’s a sense of calm and tranquility when watching Lefas, like the simplicity of his processes make you feel safer, doesn’t matter how difficult the situation your team might be. He was the third best scorer at the U18 EuroBasket, but he didn’t do that by forcing the issue. If the shot was there, he took it. If not, a teammate by his side was as good an option as his own shot. And that’s what made his performance so intriguing and worthy of another look. A spectacular shooter with some on-ball skills and a mature offensive game.

Why you should keep an eye on him: collected 1.80 points per possession on catch and shoot 3s on great volume. Spent last season with PAOK, having played scarce minutes for the pro team.

Peja STROBL

Austria | 6’3 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 13.7 pts, 1.7 rebs, 1.0 asts

Saw less of the ball as an initiator than what I was expecting, but still made the most of his game off the catch, helping Austria stay in Division A. Never turned down an open shot, tried to stay ready and was a great release valve when his team needed it. Had some opportunities to handle in the open court, but his game really consisted of the off-catch stuff on the offensive end.

Why you should keep an eye on him: produced 1.32 points per possession on off the catch 3s. Playing with Rasta Vechta’s 2nd and 3rd team last season, the next step is still unclear for the NBA Academy product.

Jaroslavs PIHTOVS

Credit: FIBA

Latvia | 6’9 | Center | Per Game Stats: 10.1 pts, 7.4 rebs, 0.7 asts

Showed good instincts as a play finisher and rebounder (6th overall), demonstrating tremendous synergy in pick and rolls with the team’s ball handlers. Good timing on cuts and rolls, knows how to follow the handler and keep an open passing lane. Strong screener and quick to react to lobs being thown his way. Was the leader in blocked shots due to his quick processing and underrated lift.

Why you should keep an eye on him: Currently at Archbishop Riordan High School. His finishing numbers in Belgrade were impressive: 1.54 PPP as a roller in pick and rolls, 1.43 PPP on cuts and an overall 61.5% at the rim.

Gabriel ARTMENKO

Israel | 6’9 | Center | Per Game Stats: 11.0 pts, 6.7 rebs, 1.3 asts

In the absence of a true go-to-guy like we’ve seen in other editions, Gabriel Artmenko was the most intriguing name with his rebounding acumen, grit and free-throw line area development. The 10th best rebounder in Belgrade wasn’t particularly incisive offensively (with 1.1 offensive boards) but rarely lost a battle on the defensive end. Mobile and smart, he collected 2.4 stocks per game and was a good option for the Israeli guard on the offensive end. Good mid-range display and evolution, with a keen eye to find opening as a roller and cutter.

Why you should keep an eye on him: 1.44 points per possession as the roller in pick and rolls. Has committed to Clarendon College to play JUCO after leaving Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Nikolas SERMPEZIS

Greece | 6’5 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 12.7 pts, 3.9 rebs, 1.1 asts

With Sermpezis, you get an irreverent player who may not always make the best decision with the ball in his hands, but a player who’ll look to add to his team. The scoring comes in bunches and seemingly out of nowhere, but he can put the ball in the basket in all 3-levels and be a spark plug his team needs at times. At the U18 EuroBasket, he was a lot of times the one having to maake plays, which seemed to improve some of his decision making, by adding volume to that part of his game and having to discover, in high-pressure scenarios, the best way to find a scoring opportunity for his team.

Why you should keep an eye on him: one of Bayern Munich’s crown jewels, has been with the German side for a while and should continue his journey there, in the 2nd team. 58.5% at the rim and 38.9% from three in this tournament is a good development on his part.

Lukas NOVAKOVIC

Sweden | 6’4 | Guard | Per Game Stats: 16.9 pts, 3.0 rebs, 1.6 asts

It wasn’t an easy outing for Sweden, winning only one game in the group stage. That didn’t stop Lukas Novakovic, who will be able to play next year at the u18 level still, from becoming a top 5 scorer overall and the most important piece for Sweden. Mainly with his outside shot, Novakovic was always able to find a way to get his team going offensively. He was kind of the lighthouse they were looking for time and time again, both as a scorer but also as someone who could pause the game for a bit. Secure at times, a bit rushed in other occasions, something that’s common for players of his age who are still growing into their body. But he certainly made a name for himself.

Why you should keep an eye on him: scored an incredible 1.30 PPP on catch and shoot 3s, shooting better from the perimeter than inside the arc. Will continue playing for Sodertalje in Sweden, where he already participated in 25 games this season. Holds an offer from St. Bonaventure.