Another ANGT season is in the books, with the Finals held in Berlin crowning Real Madrid once again as champions after a thrilling game against PFBB INSEP. The Spanish powerhouse secured back-to-back titles in the ANGT Finals by defeating INSEP 85-84 in overtime. This victory marks Real Madrid’s fifth trophy in the tournament.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid defended their title and once again came out on top in a thrilling game they were close to losing, before the tournament’s MVP, Hugo Gonzalez, forced overtime with a huge 3-pointer in the final seconds. During the tournament, Gonzalez shone with averages of 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.3 steals, and 2.0 blocks, resulting in a PIR of 22.3. He contributed significantly on both ends of the court, showing great energy and defensive activity, effectively navigating through screens. Offensively, he continued to improve his off-ball movement and three-point shooting. Gonzalez also showcased his elite driving ability, explosive first step, and fearless, strong finishes.

Egor Demin also delivered strong performances, standing out as one of Real Madrid’s best players and a key initiator with his all-around playstyle. He contributed in all facets of the game, demonstrating great size, versatility, and the ability to both create for his teammates with creative passing and score in multiple ways, utilizing his explosiveness and excellent slashing ability to provide open looks for teammates. Mitar Bosnjakovic came up big for the Spaniards in crucial moments, particularly in the game against Mega and in the final. A mentally and physically tough player with a great understanding of the game, he made mostly correct decisions and was not afraid of contact. Bosnjakovic showed his ability to post up, craftily slash to the basket, and shoot from deep, with a 36% shooting percentage during the season and 42% in the Finals.

Ismaila Diagne was another significant player for Real Madrid, offering interior defense and protection by challenging shots and securing rebounds. He also finished well close to the rim and showed glimpses of his passing ability by finding cutting teammates with good reads. The powerful and strong German forward Declan Duru contributed with his size, athleticism, mobility, and defensive instincts, averaging 4.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.6 blocks, along with his 7.1 points per game.

PFBB INSEP Paris

PFBB INSEP Paris reached the final after going undefeated in the group phase against Overtime Elite, Barcelona, and Alba Berlin. Nolan Traore was the go-to player for the French team, averaging 24.8 points (shooting 60.5% on 2-pointers, 31.6% on 3-pointers, and 80.6% from the free-throw line), 3.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists (with 3.8 turnovers), and 1.5 steals, for a PIR of 25.8. Traore excelled with his slashing ability and explosive first step, driving to the basket with ease and putting pressure on the opponents’ defense. He effortlessly blew past opposing guards, showing creativity in passing when driving or out of pick-and-rolls. His advanced court vision and exceptional passing precision provided open looks for his teammates.

Jonas Boulefaa had a strong tournament in Berlin, continuing to shine with his game. He has good positional size and is a tough, strong forward with decent mobility who can space the floor effectively (shooting 50% in the season through 8 games with approximately 5 three-point attempts per game). Boulefaa has a high understanding of the game and a quick, high shooting release. He contributes on both ends, showing a good feel for the game and the ability to grab rebounds. Hugo Yimga Moukouri proved once again that he can evolve into a great two-way player. Strong with a good size and frame, he had some good finishes off drives, cuts, and offensive rebounds at good rates, demonstrating offensive versatility. His shot did not fall this time, but he definitely has the potential to improve it. Moukouri can defend both on and off the ball, excelling especially as a perimeter defender due to his active hands and lateral quickness.

Nathan Soliman was outstanding once again, proving his high ceiling. Despite his young age (born in 2009), he averaged 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1 steal, and 0.8 blocks for a PIR of 13. Soliman is lengthy, athletic, and mobile, capable of defending multiple positions and finishing strong close to the rim. His high awareness and recognition level for his age highlight his immense potential. Talis Soulhac stepped back in this tournament due to the addition of Nolan Traore, who became the go-to player for PFBB INSEP Paris. Soulhac has a good frame combined with decent athleticism and speed. He had good moments offensively, averaging 8.8 points, though with less impressive shooting splits (41.8% on 2-pointers, 16.7% on 3-pointers, and 71.4% from the free-throw line), along with 3.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists (with 2.4 turnovers). He was a decent initiator in the offense, setting up his teammates and providing open looks.

FC Barcelona

Barcelona faced two tough losses, falling short of the final of the ANGT. Kasparas Jakucionis was honored with a spot on the All-Tournament Five team. The new Illinois commit averaged a double-double in points and assists. Through three games, he recorded 19 points, 4.7 rebounds, 12.7 assists (with 3.7 turnovers), and 3.7 steals for an average PIR of 30.3. His exceptional playmaking ability orchestrated the pace at a high level. A gifted passer with excellent court vision and high basketball IQ, Jakucionis was able to involve his teammates effectively, providing open looks. Offensively, he brings three-level scoring ability, with good shooting splits except for inconsistent three-point shooting.

Dame Sarr emerged as the leading scorer for Barcelona, averaging 20 points along with 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks. Despite his shooting splits not being efficient, Sarr utilized his size well on both ends and put pressure on the rim. He did not hesitate to shoot from behind the arc, showcasing glimpses of his elite scoring ability. However, his decision-making still needs improvement, as he tends to take overly difficult shots. Sayon Keita (born in 2008) shined in the ANGT Finals in Berlin. He has good positional size for a center, combined with fluidity and mobility, providing rim and paint protection. Keita averaged 17 points (66.7% on 2-pointers and 73% from the free-throw line), 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. He was able to finish efficiently close to the rim, draw fouls at a good rate, and convert free throws. Keita is a good roller and lob threat and feels comfortable with the ball when needed to dribble for a short roll or play in the post.

Arturas Butajevas had a strong showing with excellent shooting splits. His shift to the power forward position is going well, as he starts to showcase his stretch potential and improve his three-point shot. Butajevas excelled as a rebounder, averaging 9.3 per game. Mohamed Dabone, the 2011-born center from Burkina Faso, received some decent playing time. He averaged 11.3 points (61.9% on 2-pointers, 100% on 3-pointers – with 1/1, and 71.4% from the free-throw line), 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 13:40 minutes per game. This playing time was enough for Dabone to impress with his athletic prowess and physical tools, especially considering his young age. He is fluid, strong, and mobile, with good offensive positioning and finishes, and he challenged shots effectively as a rim protector.

Mega MIS Belgrade

Mega fell short only to Real Madrid in the group stage, thus missing the final. The Serbian team, led by their reinforcement Jack Kayil, once again had a strong showing in the tournament’s finals. Kayil himself earned a spot on the All-Tournament Five team, averaging 13.7 points (38.9% on 2-pointers, 23.5% on 3-pointers, 78.9% from the free-throw line), 4.7 rebounds, 8 assists (with 3.3 turnovers), 2.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks for a PIR of 19.7. Kayil continues to improve and evolve his game, greatly benefiting from his season with Rasta Vechta II in Pro A in Germany. Despite his short time with the team, he displayed excellent playmaking ability during the tournament, always involving his teammates and providing open looks. He perfectly orchestrated the pace of the game and put pressure on the rim, feeling comfortable with the ball in his hands and able to both create for his teammates and score in pick-and-roll situations. He did not force shots, despite not having the best shooting splits.

Abdramane Siby was crucial for Mega in the ANGT Finals as well as in the qualifier in Belgrade. He averaged 11 points (52% on 2-pointers, 42% from the free-throw line), 11.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals for a PIR of 19.7. Siby had a dominant presence in the paint on both ends, combined with good leaping ability. He was strong and powerful around the basket, offering rim protection, interior defense, and rebounding on the defensive end, while finishing well as a receiver when cutting or in semi-transition plays. Ognjen Nikolic displayed great size and mobility as a forward and showed good cooperation with Siby in the frontcourt. He had two really good games, demonstrating his scoring and rebounding ability. Nikolic moved and cut actively without the ball, scoring efficiently as he did in the qualifiers.

Aleksandar Vojinovic was exceptional behind the arc, shooting 62% (8/13) from three-point range on 4.3 attempts per game, but struggled with his 2-point shooting, making just 24% (4/17). Urban Kroflic made his ANGT debut for the season after missing the qualifier. He has great size for a guard and interesting scoring instincts. His three-point shooting was lethal, hitting 50% (10/20) on 6.3 attempts per game. He also averaged 3.7 rebounds and 3 assists (with 3 turnovers). Kroflic attacked the basket, but his finishes were not always successful. He still needs to improve his decision-making in several situations.

Olimpia Milano

Once again, Denis Badalau had a strong showing for the Italian team after first shining during the ANGT qualifier. Badalau finished the ANGT Finals averaging 16.7 points (64% on 2-pointers, 22% on 3-pointers, 83.3% from the free-throw line), 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists (with 2.3 turnovers), and 2.3 steals for a PIR of 22. He is highly athletic with good motor and leaping ability, and he has a strong frame. Badalau attacked the rim frequently in closeout or transition situations, displaying efficient and effective finishes.

Diego Garavaglia showcased his all-around game once again, averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2 assists (with 2.6 turnovers), 2 steals, and 3 blocks. He has a great athletic and strong frame for an Italian wing. Although he struggled with his outside shooting, Garavaglia displayed good inside finishing. He is versatile in his play and had a strong defensive showing, putting pressure on and off the ball, challenging shots, and disrupting passing lanes.

Samuele Miccoli tried to find his teammates and involve them in the game, although his assist-to-turnover ratio (3 assists for 3 turnovers) doesn’t reflect it. He scored by driving to the basket and confidently shooting from behind the arc. Luigi Suigo showed glimpses of his potential on the court. Standing at 7’1”, Suigo had some good finishes close to the rim when posting up and also displayed some outside shooting. He converted 2/3 from beyond the arc in the game against Real Madrid. Additionally, he averaged 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks.

Ratiopharm Ulm

Neither the ANGT Dubai champions nor Noa Essengue had the best showing. Despite not having his best tournament, Essengue distinguished himself as the best player on his team, displaying his immense potential. He averaged a double-double with 11.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals. However, his shooting splits were not as impressive, as he struggled to finish at the basket and with his shooting from behind the arc and the free-throw line. His mobility, athleticism, and leaping ability are exceptional, and he maximizes his stride when driving, thriving as a slasher. Defensively, he utilized his physical tools excellently, securing many rebounds, guarding guards and forwards effectively when switching, and blocking multiple attempts.

Joel Cwik, who had an excellent showing in the ANGT qualifier in Dubai, played in just one game in Berlin and was not able to perform at his usual level, scoring 9 points on good shooting splits against Mega. Endurance Aiyamenkhue showed a lot of potential on both ends. With great positional size, he can protect the rim, has a good sense for blocks (averaging 1.6) and rebounds (5.6). However, he struggled with foul trouble in the tournament, getting fouled out of two games. He showed glimpses of his upside with some good finishes but still needs to work on and improve this aspect of his game.

Overtime Elite

For the first time ever, a team from outside the USA participated in the ANGT, with Overtime Elite (OTE) delivering impressive performances. Parker Robinson was the go-to player for OTE, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. He averaged 20.7 points on remarkable shooting splits: 64% on 2-pointers, 59% on 3-pointers, and 82% from the free-throw line, along with 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals, for a PIR of 21.3. Robinson kept improving throughout the tournament. He was lethal behind the arc, shooting 13/22 on 7.3 attempts per game, with good range and a quick shooting motion from catch to execution. Dynamic and fearless when driving, he never hesitated to find a path to the basket.

Adam Oumiddoch had his best game in the upset win against Barcelona, scoring 26 points (9/17 on 2-pointers, 2/3 on 3-pointers, and 2/2 from the free-throw line), along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Standing at 6’5”, Oumiddoch has good positional size and is a strong driver to the rim, capable of finishing in various ways. He is a tough and active defender, putting pressure on the ball. Marcis Ponder made a notable appearance despite averaging only 16 minutes of playing time per game. He averaged 6.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks for a PIR of 11. Ponder was a force in the paint, causing trouble for opponents with his strength. He showed good footwork to get into position and finished with dunks whenever possible.

Alba Berlin

Despite not impressing in the ANGT Finals, Alba Berlin showcased some intriguing prospects on the big stage. Amon Dörries averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1 steal. Despite his size, Dörries excels in driving from the perimeter. He feels comfortable dribbling and can easily surpass defenders. Dörries is mobile and agile for his size, capable of finishing with dunks or euro steps. He demonstrated good and stable footwork in the post, finding space to execute close to the rim without losing his balance. He shot 38% from behind the arc on two attempts per game and can definitely improve his shot, having a quick shooting motion. Dörries also showed glimpses of his passing ability, reading and reacting well to opponents’ defenses.

Nevio Bennefeld, a 6’10” thin-framed center with good mobility, finished the tournament with his best performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and blocking 4 shots, displaying some of his potential. Bennefeld can shoot mid-range shots with a relatively high release and fast motion, and he also scores from cuts, showcasing good finishes. He provides rim protection and feels comfortable in the paint. It was a positive surprise to see Anton Kemmer (born 2008) getting significant minutes. Kemmer played an important role for Alba Berlin’s JBBL team, which reached the final. In his first-ever appearance in the ANGT, Kemmer averaged 10.3 points (42% on 2-pointers, 36% on 3-pointers, and 64% from the free-throw line), 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists for a PIR of 10.3. He showed aspects of his game, being efficient in his shooting and not hesitant to take shots when given the opportunity. Kemmer has a quick shooting motion and is an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on.