The first edition of this year’s rebranded Adidas NextGen Tournament is officially in the books. Mega Mis emerged as the winner of the season’s first qualifier, defeating the NextGen Select Team Istanbul with a commanding score of 86–70. Ognjen Srzentic was named the tournament MVP and earned a spot in the Best Five of the competition, alongside Christos Georgas, Pavle Backo, Jahel Trefle, and Arthur Tsafack.

Mega Mis

The Serbian powerhouse Mega Mis entered the tournament as the favorite to win it all—and they delivered on that expectation. Leading the charge for Mega was Ognjen Srzentic, the team’s go-to player. Standing at 202 cm (6’8”), Srzentic combines exceptional positional size, a strong frame, excellent stride, and elite scoring instincts. He showcased his versatility on the court, averaging an impressive 24.5 points per game on highly efficient shooting splits (60.9% on 2-point attempts from 11.5 shots per game and 44% on 3-point attempts from 6.2 shots per game). Srzentic also contributed 7.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists (against 2.8 turnovers), 2 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. The Serbian guard was nothing short of spectacular, leveraging his stride, quick decision-making, acceleration, and sharp changes of direction to make himself an incredibly tough matchup for defenders.

Another standout for Mega was Pavle Backo, who earned a spot in the Best Five of the tournament. Standing tall at 213 cm (6’12”), Backo was a commanding presence at the center position. While not exceptionally athletic, his excellent understanding of the game and high basketball IQ made him a pivotal player for the team. Backo averaged 14.2 points per game, shooting an efficient 66.7% on 2-point attempts, 40% from three (on 1.25 attempts per game), and an outstanding 91.7% from the free-throw line (on 3 attempts per game). He also added 6.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.8 steals, and 1 block per game. Backo excelled at finishing near the rim, using his size and strength effectively while showing some polished post moves. When left open, he didn’t hesitate to take the occasional three-pointer, converting 2 of his 5 attempts in the tournament.

NextGen Team

The runner-ups of the tournament delivered an impressive performance, with several players distinguishing themselves in their team’s success. Jahel Trefle, who earned a spot in the Best Five of the tournament, was a dominant force at the center position. Compared to his performance at last year’s NextGen Paris, Trefle showcased significant improvement. He averaged 14.2 points per game (50% on 2-point attempts and 56.5% from the free-throw line), along with 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks. Standing at 205 cm (6’9”), Trefle is a mobile and athletic center who excelled in running the floor and contributing on both ends. He proved to be a reliable roller, diving quickly after pick-and-roll actions and demonstrating comfort finishing with both hands, even adjusting mid-air when necessary. Trefle occasionally took mid-range shots in short-roll situations, adding variety to his offensive game. Defensively, he was just as impactful. Trefle emerged as a strong rebounder and rim protector, consistently challenging shot attempts from guards and centers alike. His presence in the paint was pivotal to his team’s defensive efforts.

Issac Guedegbe was the heartbeat of his team, controlling the tempo and making smart decisions throughout the tournament. As a quick and agile point guard with strong acceleration, Guedegbe provided stability and confidence to his teammates. He averaged 13 points per game (48% on 2-point attempts, 42.9% from three, and an excellent 90.9% from the free-throw line), along with 1.8 rebounds, 7 assists (against 3 turnovers), and 0.8 steals. Guedegbe consistently created open looks for his teammates across various scenarios—whether in transition, set plays, pick-and-roll actions, or through precise passes to cutting players. His ability to deliver passes at multiple angles with ease, all while minimizing turnovers, highlighted his maturity and basketball IQ. Offensively, Guedegbe wasn’t hesitant to shoot or attack the rim when the opportunity arose. His quick and smooth shooting mechanics, coupled with confident execution, made him a dual threat both as a scorer and a playmaker.

Stratos Papastavrou stood out for his team with his versatile skill set and ability to impact both ends of the court. Averaging 8.5 points per game (20% on 2-point attempts, 47.4% from three on 4.75 attempts per game, and 75% from the free-throw line), he also contributed 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists (against 1.2 turnovers), and 1.5 steals per game. Standing at 201 cm (6’7”), Papastavrou showcased positional flexibility, comfortably playing as both a shooting guard (SG) and small forward (SF). His solid frame, decent athleticism, and potential to become an elite shooter were evident. Papastavrou excelled both on and off the ball, navigating screens effectively and executing rapid, fluid shots with strong mechanics. His ability to draw defensive attention—forcing defenders to stick to him and avoid providing help—created valuable space for his teammates. He also demonstrated a good understanding of pick-and-roll actions, whether as a secondary ball handler making quick reads or as a screener in small-ball lineups. When playing as a power forward, he popped out to the perimeter and shot efficiently, adding a new dimension to his team’s offense. Defensively, Papastavrou stood out with his on-ball pressure and ability to guard both guards and forwards. His improved lateral speed and defensive awareness were key factors in his strong performance.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria finished 3rd in this qualifier, featuring some really intriguing players. Arthur Tsafack was the best player for Gran Canaria, earning a spot in the Best Five of the tournament. Tsafack was one of the strongest players in the tournament—a true force of power. Standing at 200 cm (6’7”), with a strong frame and broad shoulders, he averaged 15.5 points per game (60.5% 2P, 62.5% FT), 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He used his size effectively, excelling at rebounding on both ends of the court and driving aggressively and efficiently to the basket. However, he needs to improve his ball-handling skills to avoid easy turnovers.

The 2008 generation was represented by two intriguing prospects. Mervedi Miteo (Center, 208 cm/6’10, Congo) had a solid tournament, averaging 11.8 points per game (44.1% 2P, 100% 3P on three attempts, 57.1% FT), 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. With a strong frame, good positional size, and impressive leaping ability, Miteo showcased his athleticism. He used his physical traits effectively to finish at the basket while providing decent rim protection. Another intriguing prospect was Code Mbengue (Forward, 208 cm/6’10, Senegal), who arrived at the tournament on the day of the event. Signed only two months ago, he faced challenges with his visa and made it to Istanbul just hours before tip-off. Despite these obstacles, Mbengue displayed an excellent level of adaptability. A lengthy and relatively raw player, he ran the floor well and showed flashes of his potential. With a high motor, strong defensive presence, and solid fundamentals, he contributed on both ends of the court.

Moussa Coulibaly was exciting to watch. The 2009-born center from Mali (205 cm/6’9”) showed great flashes of potential. Agile with a long stride and a raw but promising physique, Coulibaly excelled at finishing efficiently close to the rim, particularly in face-up situations. Last but not least, Joaquin Taboada also had a good tournament, making notable contributions to Gran Canaria’s performance. While not as prominent as some of his teammates, Taboada’s consistency and versatility added depth to the team’s rotation.

Panathinaikos

The green powerhouse finished 4th in the tournament, with Christos Georgas earning a spot in the Best Five. Georgas had an impressive showing, leading the tournament in both steals (2.8 per game) and blocks (2.2 per game). He also averaged 15 points (53.3% 2P, 27.8% 3P, 68.4% FT), 9.2 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. A versatile player with a still-developing physique, Georgas combines length with a high level of athleticism. His dynamic playstyle centers on driving to the basket at a high rate, where he can finish effectively with either hand. He also possesses a decent mid-range shot, which he utilizes frequently. Georgas contributes on both ends of the court, with his defensive instincts standing out. He has a strong understanding of defensive situations, active hands, and excellent shot-blocking ability, whether in chase-down scenarios or as a help defender. Capable of guarding both on- and off-ball situations, he combines lateral quickness with the burst needed to close out on shooters. Georgas also emerged as Panathinaikos’ leading rebounder, averaging 9.2 rebounds per game.

Georgios-Angelos Tsakiris was one of the best shooters in the tournament, averaging 3 made three-pointers per game on 8.5 attempts. Most of these shots were contested or taken under less-than-ideal balance. Despite this, Tsakiris navigated screens effectively and showcased fluid shooting mechanics and impressive range. Iasonas Binis also had a strong showing for Panathinaikos, demonstrating his versatility. Binis averaged 9.5 points (57.1% 2P), 6.8 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. A true team player, he provided effective screens and hand-offs for his teammates, showing proficiency as a roller in pick-and-roll situations. Binis displayed flashes of finishing ability after rolling to the basket and showed potential as a passer, even though it wasn’t fully reflected in his assist numbers.

Fenerbahce

Omer Ziyaettin (Guard, 188 cm/6’2, 2008, Turkey) was the go-to player for Fenerbahce. He averaged 18.2 points per game (38.1% 2P, 46.9% 3P on 8 attempts per game, 75% FT), along with 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists (against 3.2 turnovers), and 1.5 steals. Ziyaettin was one of the best shooters in the tournament, displaying smooth shooting mechanics, quick decision-making, and efficient execution from beyond the arc. He attempted a total of 32 three-pointers compared to just 21 two-pointers, showcasing a clear preference for shooting from distance rather than attacking the rim. His ability to make an impact as a long-range shooter was a significant asset for his team.

Deniz Ulas Urunlu also had a strong showing for Fenerbahce, averaging 13.5 points per game (35% 2P, 40% 3P, 50% FT), along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Standing at 203 cm (6’8”), Urunlu possesses good positional size for a wing. He demonstrated the ability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc, supported by fluid shooting mechanics, and showed potential as a shot creator capable of generating his own opportunities.

Anadolou Efes

Anadolu Efes fielded a relatively young team featuring several promising players from the 2009 Generation, which will covered further on the next paragraph. Aldin Turkoglu (C, 210cm/6’11, 2007) emerged as the standout performer, nearly averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. Turkoglu recorded 13.2 points per game (54% 2P, 33% 3P – 1/3 attempts, 77% FT), 8.5 rebounds (including an impressive 5.5 offensive rebounds), 1 assist, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Standing at 210 cm (6’11”), Turkoglu boasts excellent positional size and displayed flashes of shooting potential. However, his greatest strength was on the offensive boards, where he dominated with his rebounding ability.

Mert Kocagozoglu (Guard, 198 cm/6’6, 2007) was the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 12.5 points per game (42.3% 2P, 33.3% 3P, 62.5% FT), along with 3.5 assists (against just 1 turnover) and 4 rebounds. Kocagozoglu demonstrated his playmaking and shot-creation skills throughout the tournament, showcasing potential as a reliable secondary creator. Additionally, his solid defensive performance highlighted his versatility on both ends of the court. Two players from the 2009 Generation particularly stood out for Anadolu Efes. Darius Carutasu (G/F, 201 cm/6’7, 2009) averaged 9.2 points per game (39% 2P, 35% 3P, 63% FT), 3.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.8 steals. A guard/forward with excellent positional size, Carutasu moves well on the court and exhibits a versatile playstyle. He drives to the basket with ease, finishing effectively with both hands, while also displaying potential as a perimeter shooter. Defensively, his active hands were a key asset, leading to numerous deflections. Demir Ozturk (Forward, 202 cm/6’8, 2009) also emerged as an intriguing prospect. He averaged 10.8 points per game (50% 2P, 27.8% 3P, 100% FT), along with 4 rebounds, 2.2 assists (against 2.2 turnovers), and 1.5 steals. Ozturk contributed across multiple facets of the game, showing great court vision and consistently creating open looks for his teammates. A lefty with a unique shooting mechanic that begins relatively low, Ozturk appears confident in his shot and was unafraid to take on scoring opportunities.

Reyer Venezia

Francesco Eramo (Guard/Forward, 193 cm/6’7, 2007) emerged as one of the standout players for the Italian team. Eramo averaged 17.2 points per game (46% 2P, 29% 3P, 65% FT), along with 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists (against 1.2 turnovers), and 2.2 steals. Despite lacking ideal positional size, Eramo contributed across multiple facets of the game. Offensively, he excelled off the ball, cutting to the basket effectively and at a high frequency. He showed comfort with mid-range shots, which he used frequently, although he was less efficient from beyond the arc, with a relatively low volume (2.5 attempts per game) for a high-usage player. Defensively, Eramo was active and impactful, leveraging his quick hands to generate steals while also contributing as a strong rebounder. His ability to lead transitions after securing defensive rebounds was a key asset for his team.

Andrea Macri (Center, 200 cm/6’7, 2007) also had a notable showing, despite being undersized for his position. He compensated for this with a high motor, displaying exceptional toughness and energy on every play. Macri averaged 8.2 points per game (57% 2P, 75% FT), 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists (against 1.2 turnovers), and 1.2 steals. Macri showcased flashes of effective finishing close to the rim and was reliable from the free-throw line, shooting 75% on limited attempts (9/12). However, adding a perimeter shot to his arsenal would further enhance his game and open up more opportunities in the future. Another player that an all around contribution was Edoardo Bonivento (F, 192cm/6’4, 2007) averaging 7.8 ppg (54.2% 2P), 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists (for 1.5 turnovers), 1.2 assists.

Bahcesehir

Yavuz Selim Kara (Forward, 207 cm/6’9, 2007) was the most intriguing player for Bahcesehir during the NextGen Euroleague. Kara averaged 14.5 points per game (55% 2P, 44% 3P, 38% FT – 3/8), 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks. With exceptional positional size, Kara used his physical attributes effectively on both ends of the court, particularly on defense. His rebounding instincts and active hands allowed him to contribute significantly on the defensive end. Offensively, Kara showcased his potential as a stretch-four, shooting an impressive 44% from beyond the arc on 6.25 attempts per game, signaling his capability for volume shooting.

Kara teamed up in the frontcourt with Ahmed Arda Aydin (Center, 205 cm/6’9), who was the tournament’s best rebounder and the only player to average double figures in rebounds. Aydin posted 13.2 points per game (37% 2P, 50% FT), 12 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1 block. Despite being slightly undersized for a center, he excelled through his strong sense of positioning and effective box-outs. Aydin also displayed flashes of post moves combined with decent footwork, although he struggled to finish effectively against stronger opponents like Backo (going 4/16 against Mega).

Kartal Bora Simsek (Guard, 194 cm/6’4, 2009) represented the 2009 generation for Bahcesehir. The young guard averaged 28 minutes per game and posted 8.2 points (50% 2P, 10% 3P, 73% FT), 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists (against 3.5 turnovers), and 1 steal. Despite playing against older opponents, Simsek displayed flashes of his current abilities. He was able to drive to the rim effectively at times, drawing fouls and converting his free throws at a respectable percentage.