The fourth and last qualifier of the Adidas Next Generation Tournament is in the books, with the Next Gen Team coming away victorious. After Real Madrid, Barcelona and ratiopharm Ulm won the last three qualifiers, this was the first time a select team won the final.

Next Generation Team by António Dias

A consistent performance from the select, which had in Assane Sankare the best player of the team and the whole tournament. At 6’9 and a plus wingspan, he impresses with his physical tools. Quick, mobile, great leaper with outstanding reach, he excelled as a finisher and a defensive stopper. Showed great instincts on the defensive end, reading plays and reacting quickly, finishing with 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. With simple processes on the other side of the floor, he did well as a roller and always tried to go for offensive rebounds – 5.2 through four games. Good finisher as he could soar above defenders, he was a highlight waiting to happen on fast breaks.

Hugo Facorat was one of the most intriguing players for the select team in the first three games.Efficient scorer with confidence, he shot a whopping 82% from two and 44% from three, with some difficult shots behind the arc off his own creation. Thin frame but measuring 6’11, he’s an enticing prospect on the offensive end with some interesting defensive tools (especially his mobility and ability to protect the rim off the ball). One of the most underrated performer in Paris was 6’5 Leon Sifferlin. The Franch guard showed versatility on the offensive end, capable of creating with the ball in his hands but also play off it to shoot off the catch or cut for easy scores. His 6.5 assists, especially hitting rollers when defenses concentrated on him were a great sign. Defensively, he used his size well and was capable of staying in front of quicker guards with high IQ and some physicality. With an uneven tournament, Jahel Trefle showed glimpses of his potential. Measuring 6’9 and with a great wingspan, Trefle played more as a play finisher, showing some touch on mid range attempts. Mobile big that can serve as a rim/paint protector despite his low block numbers. 2008-born Federico Cattapan displayed his outside shooting prowess, shooting 50% on 2.5 attempts per game. Never scared of the moment, he was great off the catch, shooting with consistency.

PFBB INSEP by Michał Słysz

The French team finished second during the tournament in Paris. With a deep rotation, being different every game, INSEP once again proved itself as a tough team to scout. Nevertheless, there were standouts who caught our attention. Firstly, Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, standing at 6’8, performed consistently throughout the tournament. He displayed remarkable maturity in his game, athleticism, and ability to make and read plays. Those factors allowed him to make a significant contribution, both defensively and offensively. Offensively, he was an effective inside scorer, where he capitalized off of his frame and mobility. He was able to get more offensive than defensive rebounds which highlights his instincts and ability to read situations on the court. With a solid 54% 2-point field goal efficiency, Yimga-Moukouri averaged a team-high 14.5 points per game. Additionally, he showcased his shooting side, by averaging 40% from the 3-point line, either from dribble pull-ups or spot-ups. What truly sets Yimga-Moukouri apart is his offensive versatility. He was able to find opportunity to score in all areas of the court. Excelled in slashing and inside scoring but was effective from distance as well. Defensively, he was an outstanding perimeter defender. His lateral quickness, combined with his size and frame make him a nightmare for opposite offenses. He switched efficiently, making it difficult for opponents to attack him. Overall, Hugo Yimga-Moukouri proved himself as an intriguing 2-way player who can bring tremendous impact on both ends.

INSEP also showcased strong performances from other players. Nathan Soliman (6’8) proved himself as one of the biggest talents in Paris, Youngest participant (born in 2009) of the fourth qualifier averaged 10.2 points per game, emerging as a reliable offensive option for the French team. Soliman demonstrated good offensive production both with and without the ball, showing excellent basketball IQ and ability to read the game. He excelled in low-post situations, spot-up shooting and slashing to the basket, both on backdoor cuts or going past his defender. Jonas Boulefaa (6’8) played a pivotal role as an outside shooter for INSEP and overall offensive piece. Tied for a team-high 14.5 point per game with Yimga-Moukouri, he led the INSEP’s offense. The French forward made three 3-Pointers per game, stretching the floor effectively while making some cuts. Interesting player who can bring a lot of impact offensively without the ball in his hands. Talis Soulhac (6’2) was also a very important player for INSEP. Averaged 6.8 assists per game while maintaining a good AST/TO ratio, highlighting him as an offense initiator. He effectively set the flow for his team and contributed with 10.5 points per game. Lacked a little bit of consistency from distance, but was consistent from inside the perimeter, either from mid-range pull-ups or drives where he capitalized off of his speed, vertical, and athleticism.

Gran Canaria by Michał Słysz

Gran Canaria took third place in the Paris ANGT, winning the last game against Joventut Badalona. Even though they didn’t reach the final, Fynn Schott (6’9) was named to the All-tournament Team. The Austrian big led Gran Canaria in scoring with 18 points per game, displaying impressive finishing in the restricted area (60% 2P), along with protecting the glass, bringing 10.5 rebounds every game. Schott showcased his ability to dominate the paint on both ends consistently throughout the tournament. He proved to be a threat in the post, as well as a roller in more dynamic sets. Additionally, he was a defensive anchor for the Spanish team, as he averaged 1.2 blocks per game, which translated into the defensive consistency that Schott was bringing every time he was on the floor.

Lucas Maniema (6’2) had himself a consistent tournament as well. As a mobile guard, Maniema brought impact on both ends of the court. He excelled as a cutter, exhibiting his speed, off-ball movement and ability to finish at the rim, withstanding taller, and stronger players thanks to his great body control. Maniema also demonstrated a feel for outside shooting, hittin 38% of his three-point attempts. He lacked consistency a bit, but his shot selection and mechanics indicate that he has a lot of untapped potential in this area. Luka Lokhmanchuk (6’9) showcased himself as a intriguing 2-way wing with various scoring abilities and defensive tools. He showed a great shot selection that helped him to be among the most efficient players at ANGT in Paris. On defense, he can guard 1-4, thanks to his outstanding frame, linked with decent agility and lateral quickness. Overall, Lokhmanchuk was one of the best 2-way players during the weekend. Mervedi Miteo (6’10) showed impressive physical attributes, that allowed him to be the defensive anchor for the Spanish team, along with Fynn Schott. Miteo displayed impressive scoring in the restricted area, where he capitalized off his size and strength. He is more of a traditional center, occupying the paint and looking for chances on the low-post area, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a productive piece, both defensively and offensively.

Joventut Badalona by António Dias

Underwhelming performance from a Joventut team that was viewed as one of the biggest favorites to win the Paris qualifier. Still, Karim Lopez had a strong showing for the Spanish team. 17.8 points on great efficiency from a 6’8 player who created most of his shots. Got to the basket, shot really well from deep and showed his intriguing potential on the defensive end as well, serving as a secondary rim protector and someone always lurking off the ball. Struggled a bit with some aggressive defense, but it was good to see him trying to figure out coverages and find ways to get his shot off. At 68% from two, he had some tough baskets from mid-range and at the basket as well.

Eric del Castillo impressed with his level of athleticism, which made him a great inside finisher, capable of going above defenders. Kept moving without the ball and was a strong driver attacking closeouts. Low volume outside shooter but with great signs off the catch and also an interesting on-ball defender due to his size and length. Terence Kekenbosch showed his ability to create off the dribble, both getting inside and pulling uo from three. Becoming more comfortable and efficient on his shots is the next step, but this was a really nice showing from the 17-year old, who had a lot of the ball and tried to make plays. Good size, fluid mover and interesting handle make him a player to follow. Adria Dominguez was a problem to stop going downhill. Tried to push up tempo and got free from his defender with a low center of gravity and low dribble to create advantages in the paint. Shot 54% from two despite his 6’1 size, added 7 assists per game to both rollers and outside shooters and was one of the main sources of quick offense creation for Joventut. Gritty guard, had 1.5 steals with his aggressive on-ball defense.

Olympiacos BC by António Dias

The Greek team were not far from second place in the group, but ended up third, winning the 5th place game against rivals Panathinaikos. Veniamin Abosi was one of the biggest winners of the tournament. With a fulcral role on both sides of the court for Olympiacos, the 6’7 wing showed out in great style. Best defender in the tournament, his ability to guard the perimeter and keep his man in check were special. To that, he adds the comfort of guarding the low post and be a secondary rim protector as well. He’s as close to a one-man defensive scheme as you’ll get at his age in Europe. Offensively, the amount of on-ball repetitions and responsibility only helped him. Extraordinary passer, especially to find shooters. Can pass on the move and makes great cross-court reads. Some problems creating off the dribble for himself, looked more comfortable from the post, where he could use his strength and did a good job as a shooter off the catch. Shot 32% from outside (showing growth in this area) on just below five attempts per game.

Great showing from Stefanos Spartalis. Despite being undersized, he was one of the best centers in Paris. 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds, 58% from two for a player that used his virtues well on the offensive end. Quicker than most of his defenders, used his driving ability, got out in transition and was really tough to stop near the basket due to his foot work and upper body strength, plus leaping ability. Finished with four offensive rebounds per game, due to his anticipation on missed shots. Anastasios Rozakeas was one of the main surprises for Olympiacos. A 42% shooter on six attempts per game, able to score off the catch and off movement. Got more offensive duties as the tournament progressed, playing more with the ball in his hands and creating off pick and rolls, which he did superbly. Finished at a 59% from two, using his 6’6 size and frame inside and dishing out 1.8 assists.

Panathinaikos Athens by Michał Słysz

Panathinaikos finished 6th in Paris, losing the fifth place game against Olympiacos. Nevertheless, there was couple of players who put their name on the map. Firstly, Evangelos Adamopoulos (6’10). The Greek big was the second best scorer of the team, displaying offensive versatility on his position. Was able to stretch the floor, but also put in some work in the paint when necessary. He capitalized off his footwork and ability to finish with both hands in the restricted area. Adamopoulos was one of the most efficient players inside the perimeter, averaging 70% from two. He displayed nice off-ball movement and shot selection, that helped him get to his spots on the perimeter, and be a danger there as well – averaged 50% behind the three-point line throughout the whole tournament. Even though he only attempted ten three-point shots, it was the result of his decision-making that, once again, made Adamopoulos one of the most efficient players throughout the whole tournament.

Another player who shined for Panathinaikos was Andreas Koustenis (6’3). He emerged as a mobile guard who can penetrate to the basket, constantly drawing fouls and creating scoring opportunities from the free throw line. His speed and agility allowed him to score away from taller defenders inside the perimeter. Struggled with efficiency from the three-point line, but his usage during the tournament was huge so we need to take it into account. Last but not least, Christoforos Gkolantas (6’4) displayed himself as a guard with ability to get to the basket, using his shoulder to keep defenders away on his drives. Exhibited interesting shooting, despite the low volume. Additionally, had some good looks for his teammates, perhaps showing the other methods of being a productive offensive piece.

Paris Basketball by Michał Słysz

Despite the seventh-place finish, Hugo Nguyen (6’1) proved that he is a name to monitor closely in the future. The French guard averaged 20 points and 7 assists per game, displaying elite shot creation linked with great playmaking. Nguyen showcased intriguing versatility on offense, knocking down threes both off the catch and off the dribble. His quick first step allowed him to drive to the basket at ease, where he always gathered a lot of attention from other defenders. That’s the part where Nguyen caught everyone’s eyes. His decision-making on drives was arguably the best part of his game during the whole tournament. He knew when to score, and when to kick the ball to the open player in the corner. Nguyen was able to score from every spot on the court, proving himself as a reliable three-level scorer. Highly skilled guard with a low center of gravity and elite dribbling tools that allow him to be a lethal backcourt piece.

Ilian Moungalla‘s (6’4) production rised throughout the Adidas Next Generation Tournament. He displayed efficient inside scoring thanks to his size that allowed him to create mismatches on drives against smaller guards. Additionally, he used his frame to finish against taller defenders, with 65% on twos. Moungalla displayed offensive versatility as an offensive initiator during the minutes where Hugo Nguyen was on the bench. During the minutes these two shared floor, Moungalla was efficient as an off-ball guard, providing necessary spacing with his three-point shot, whether off the catch or off the dribble. Pharel Koita was another name to look for. Displayed impressive athleticism, thanks to his verticality and ability to leap off one foot, with great body control and improvisation while in the air. Displayed great decision-making as a closeout attacker on offense. Additionally, he showed an impressive off-ball game where he excelled as a cutter, providing decent impact without the ball in his hands.

AS Monaco by António Dias

An eighth-place finish for a Monaco team that made their first appearance at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament. Raphael Sclear had a great performance considering the difficulties his team faced. Measuring 6’5, he played bigger than his height and was a constant fighter. Started the tournament slow, but picked up the pace in the second game was really consistent from there. A 63% finisher from two, he was really good at finding ways to score at the rim as a roller or cutter, while also creating some offense off the post and attacking the offensive boards. Despite the lack of size compared to other forwards in the tournament, that handicap wasn’t noticeable due to his grit and effort, that he brought on defense as well.

Steady showing from Malone Gros, who acted as Monaco’s main ball handler. 16.0 points and 4.2 assists for a player who was the main – and at times only – source of offense for his team. Got inside to finish or dish it out off his own creation with the dribble, shot when given the space and kept moving. Wasn’t that effective, but that falls on the high level of usage he was forced to take on (shot 56% from two and 31% from three in the first three games). Interesting defender, especially with the way he reads the game off the ball, finishing with 2.2 steals. Playing more from the wing, Sasha Derradji had some great moments off the ball. Finsihed 50% inside on ten attempts per game, coming off screens or cutting behind the defense for some easy scores, exhibitting some ability to drive to the basket at 6’5. Highly active defender on and off the ball.