By Pietro Cristofori
This U16 EuroBasket edition was one of the most competitive in recent years, showcasing high-level talent both physically and technically. Many participants are likely to become NCAA Division I players. Serbia, arguably the most talented and physically prepared team, captured the title. The 2009 generation is particularly intriguing across Europe, especially in Serbia, where FC Barcelona standout Nikola Kusturica leads a deep pool of top prospects.
The 6’8” forward earned MVP honors after posting an impressive stat line of 20.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 3.4 APG throughout the tournament, masterfully assisted by a talented supporting roster that helped Serbia qualify for the U17 World Cup for the first time since 2021.
The other four teams securing spots for next year’s World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, are Lithuania, Slovenia, Italy, and France, alongside the Turkish hosts. Instead, on the low-end of the tournament, Estonia, Finland and Switzerland will make their way back to Division in 2026.
Overall, the event showcased a very high level of competition, with many players impressing in Georgia. We’ve highlighted the most intriguing prospects and added a few key talking points worth noting.
Six Standouts
Nikola Kusturica - 2009 - 6’8” - Forward - Serbia - FC Barcelona (ESP)
Nikola Kusturica was extremely difficult to guard in the event, thanks to his length and impressive standing reach, making him highly effective in pull-up situations, where he went 8/19 from three during the event. The spin has to be fixed, but this should improve over time since his body is still developing and changing. He thrives in ISO offense, takes responsibility, and frequently runs his team, delivering high-level performances.
Defensively, the 6’8” forward shows excellent instincts, with active hands, remarkable wingspan, and the ability to anticipate plays; he was the only 6’7”+ player averaging at least 3.7 stocks per game, impacting the game both on-ball and from the weak side.
In terms of vision, Kusturica increased his assist production throughout the tournament, recording 8 in the final against Lithuania, showing strong timing on passes out of double-teams in the low post and a natural feel for the game. He keeps it simple and makes the right reads. What catches the eye in Nikola Kusturica’s game is the elegance of his moves. He has exceptional coordination and verticality, making everything look extremely easy, almost effortless. Not many players show this kind of characteristic at that age.
Nathan Soliman - 2009 - 6’10” - Power Forward - France - INSEP (FRA)
Soliman has proved why he has been the most highly touted prospect of his generation for the last few years. Despite being eliminated by Italy in the quarter-finals, the 6’10” power forward was dominant for large parts of the event and averaged 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
What impresses the most about his game is his decision-making and poise, which are very uncommon for a player of his age. His athleticism is not flashy, but it’s good enough to compete at the highest level. His skill and basketball IQ are off the charts. He can operate as an initiator on offense or just be a complementary guy.
He’s versatile and brings many valuable skills to the table for the next level. Soliman has been playing against older competition in INSEP’s youth system for three seasons now, after joining the program in 2022.
Messi Yangala - 2009 - 6’9” - Center - France - INSEP (FRA)
Yangala emerged as the starting center on a big and physical French team. Over the last season at INSEP, the 6’9” big played large parts of games at the 4 spot, getting many reps on the perimeter and trying to expand his face-up game. However, he looked much more comfortable playing at the 5 in this setting, where he was able to impact the game thanks to his legit athleticism and explosiveness.
Yangala has many of the tools required for a modern big, since he plays with high motor, doesn’t force plays, and brings size to the table. His decision-making and ability to read the game still have to improve considerably: he struggled to find the right solutions when the game was more tactical rather than physical.
Physically more developed and ready than some other bigs in the competition, Yangala should be able to maintain his physical edge and be a factor for years to come as a rim-running big.
Roko Jerkic - 2010 - 6’6” - Wing - Germany - FC Bayern Munich (GER)
This summer, Jerkic was supposed to be a “role player” on this national team alongside big names in the German NT like Fabian Kayser, Caspar Vossenberg, and Lucai Anderson, but after their forfait he became the leader of the team.
Despite being 2010-born, Jerkic showed great attitude and charisma to lead his team. Standing at 6’6”, Jerkic is an above-average scorer: he can be productive from all three levels. Big strides and athleticism allow him to put pressure on the rim, while he’s also an efficient shooter from behind the arc, where his mechanics have improved over the last season and are now smooth for his age. Versatile on defense: long arms and big hands allow him to have an impact on that end of the floor.
In this setting, he was much more committed defensively than last season. Jerkic projects as a 3-man who can shoot and score from multiple levels effortlessly. He’s more mobile and athletic than his older brother, while their size is similar.
Joseph Tala - 2010 - 6’6” - Forward - Finland - Drive Academy (FIN)
After playing last summer’s U16 Eurobasket two years younger than the competition, Tala stepped up as the true leader of this Finland team. He looked stronger than one year ago, while still being around 6’6” with a big wingspan.
Tala has an extremely appealing mix of athleticism and coordination. His shot has to improve, but the spin is good: the ball comes out well from his hands, and it’s just a matter of time to fix that aspect. He has above-average motor for the level of competition: he covers plenty of ground thanks to his size and long strides. At the moment, he’s a 4, but in the long term he projects as a 3, since he has the mobility and athleticism to play there, and he should be able to add a reliable three-point shot as well.
Reliable defender: good basketball IQ and solid feel for the position. In next year’s Eurobasket, he will be one of the main names to monitor.
Darius Karutasu - 2009 - 6’8” - Forward - Turkey - Efes Istanbul (TUR)
The 6’8” forward was already known to most scouts thanks to his standout ANGE stage last November with Efes Istanbul, but Karutasu’s stock has probably risen even higher after this event.
His body looks more mature than last winter and he has started his physical development process. Long arms and big hands allow him to play bigger than his listed size. He’s a fluid slasher who uses both hands to get to the rim at will. He has a unique skill set in his age group for his size and role.
He’s a combo-forward who can create off the dribble. He acted as a primary initiator at times, and in the long term he projects as a skilled and smart PF. This season he will headline Efes’ U18 team in the ANGE.
Other topics and prospects
Serbia’s force
Serbia could count on a deep roster for the event. 6’6” sharpshooter Matija Lukic and 6’8” dynamic, high-motor big Petar Bjelica were the two main threats on the team alongside Nikola Kusturica.
Lukic recently moved to Zaragoza, where he will join the U22 team. The forward has big physical upside: legit athleticism and a well-proportioned frame are making his stock rise. He’s an exceptional shooter, both off spot-ups and catch-and-shoot. He can be involved in multiple actions.
Bjelica, instead, is an early-bloomer big who brings toughness and skill to the table. Above-average passer with legit basketball IQ, Bjelica in the long term will fit into a two-big lineup. Strong body and good athleticism, also given his father’s volleyball background. Quick feet and under control. A strong force under the boards, he finished the event with 15.0 PPG and 9.7 RPG, and next year he will most likely play in the U19 Serbian league.
Finland’s Next Gen
Other than Joseph Tala, Finland featured another high-end talent: Noah Santos, a 2010-born, 6’6” forward. He didn’t have much playing time throughout the event, but he’s set to be one of the main names of his generation. Despite still having an undeveloped body, he was one of the best shooters in the entire event (56.3% from deep), showing NBA range and good composure. His mechanics have improved considerably over the last months. His mix of fluidity, size, and athleticism will allow him to play the 3. His playstyle reminds me of Kyshawn George.
Primary handlers
The event featured some big names among primary handlers: Aaron Towo Nansi, Omer Kutluay, and Jokubas Kukta above all.
The French PG was one of the most awaited players in the entire event thanks to his flashy 2024–25 season in Cholet. The 5’9” point guard was the true leader of a talented France team. A floor general who plays in a very mature way, Towo Nansi is set to have a high-level pro career, despite having a short frame. He sets the tone on defense and puts in maximum effort. He can score from deep and he’s not afraid to get downhill. Of course, physicality is a big concern for his projection, but motor and attitude partially make up for it.
Kutluay was one of the most productive players in the entire event. The point guard, who is set to return to Real Madrid this season, was the main force on this Turkey roster. Already a key piece on last year’s U16 National Team, Kutluay is a pass-first PG who gets to his spots at will. His size currently hurts his stock, since his frame is not bulky or strong yet, but rather lanky. However, on offense he’s poised and plays the right way.
Jokubas Kukta recently signed with the Zalgiris Kaunas youth system, and he was projected to be the main guy on a solid Lithuanian team. He had some tough first games, but then exploded with 29 points in the quarter-final win against Spain. Standing at 6’4”, Kukta is a primary handler who brings good size at the PG spot. He doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he knows how to manipulate defenses thanks to his tight handles. Decision-making and poise still have to improve, but he should be fine. He plays at his own pace, knows how to play through contact, and his frame allows him to compete against bigger rim protectors. Lithuania had its best flashes in the tournament when Kukta was guiding the offense. This season he will be the main handler in the ANGE for Zalgiris Kaunas, playing one year up.
Latvia’s strong core
This Latvia team was the best one in recent years. They were extremely big thanks to the pair of big men Emils Steckis and Benjamin Berrouet, alongside 2010-born Gustavs Vilcans.
Steckis, who recently signed with Zalgiris Kaunas, is a 6’9” 5-man who in the future projects at the 4 spot thanks to his mobility and skill. Quick hands allow him to finish around the rim with power. In those cases, he plays bigger than his size. He has strong defensive instincts: a good rim protector, and his feet and hands are always active. His perimeter and face-up game are not developed at all yet, but in the long term he fits well there. Can’t shoot. His basketball IQ, combined with his motor and athleticism, will allow him to play alongside another big at the pro level.
Berrouet, instead, is a 2010-born US-based player with a Latvian passport, and he was a key piece on this national team despite being one year younger. He has legit athleticism given his strong, solid body archetype. Good size, he knows how to move without the ball, and he puts in effort. His high motor allows him to grab rebounds and win 50/50 balls. As in Steckis’ case, Berrouet will be able to play alongside another big in the future. Steckis and Berrouet both bring versatility and talent to the frontcourt.
Gustavs Vilcans continued to show impressive flashes of the talent he first displayed on the international stage at the ANGT in Ulm last February. The 6’6” forward has intriguing size with long, lanky arms that allow him to disrupt plays and be a factor defensively, even though he currently lacks elite motor and athleticism. He could still grow to around 6’8” or more. On both ends of the floor, he relies heavily on his instincts. Offensively, he tries to do a little bit of everything with inconsistent outcomes. He gets to the rim with good coordination and shows a soft touch around the basket. His shooting remains inconsistent, but his follow-through and mechanics are encouraging. He demonstrates legitimate coordination and body control for his size. Compared to his performance in Ulm, he looked noticeably more confident this time, handling physicality and intensity much better than he did against top-level U18 European competition.
Spain’s size
Another team that had much greater size compared to recent years was Spain. The team, led by Carlos Flores, featured four players over 6’7”: Roger Villarejo, Jan Cerdan, Guillem Ecker, and Rafa Corta.
Villarejo is a broad-shouldered forward with a versatile offensive skill set. The Valencia Basket forward emerged as the most productive player for his National Team, and he showed some improvements over the season, building skill around a promising frame.
Cerdan was the youngest player in the competition, but throughout the years he has gained enough experience with FC Barcelona’s youth teams to compete at this level. Poised and very smart, he still lacks elite athleticism to take the next step, but he can do many things on offense. Extremely versatile, he can play in multiple ways.
Ecker arguably had the best frame on the team. A late bloomer standing at 6’9” with long arms and legs, and a well-proportioned frame overall, he wasn’t able to impact games. Good mobility and overall motor for his size. Plays face-up, but the Manresa big man doesn’t yet have an offensive dimension.
As for Rafa Corta, he had some promising flashes in Georgia. Main concerns are still there, as he still looks like a tweener, but his wide shoulders give him potential to fill in. He’s skilled and talented, but still needs many things to fall into place. Spain ended the tournament in 8th place, but their long-term potential was arguably among the highest of the last editions.
This U16 EuroBasket edition was one of the most competitive in recent years, showcasing high-level talent both physically and technically. Many participants are likely to become NCAA Division I players. Serbia, arguably the most talented and physically prepared team, captured the title. The 2009 generation is particularly intriguing across Europe, especially in Serbia, where FC Barcelona standout Nikola Kusturica leads a deep pool of top prospects.
The 6’8” forward earned MVP honors after posting an impressive stat line of 20.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 3.4 APG throughout the tournament, masterfully assisted by a talented supporting roster that helped Serbia qualify for the U17 World Cup for the first time since 2021.
The other four teams securing spots for next year’s World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, are Lithuania, Slovenia, Italy, and France, alongside the Turkish hosts. Instead, on the low-end of the tournament, Estonia, Finland and Switzerland will make their way back to Division in 2026.
Overall, the event showcased a very high level of competition, with many players impressing in Georgia. We’ve highlighted the most intriguing prospects and added a few key talking points worth noting.
Six Standouts
Nikola Kusturica - 2009 - 6’8” - Forward - Serbia - FC Barcelona (ESP)
Nikola Kusturica was extremely difficult to guard in the event, thanks to his length and impressive standing reach, making him highly effective in pull-up situations, where he went 8/19 from three during the event. The spin has to be fixed, but this should improve over time since his body is still developing and changing. He thrives in ISO offense, takes responsibility, and frequently runs his team, delivering high-level performances.
Defensively, the 6’8” forward shows excellent instincts, with active hands, remarkable wingspan, and the ability to anticipate plays; he was the only 6’7”+ player averaging at least 3.7 stocks per game, impacting the game both on-ball and from the weak side.
In terms of vision, Kusturica increased his assist production throughout the tournament, recording 8 in the final against Lithuania, showing strong timing on passes out of double-teams in the low post and a natural feel for the game. He keeps it simple and makes the right reads. What catches the eye in Nikola Kusturica’s game is the elegance of his moves. He has exceptional coordination and verticality, making everything look extremely easy, almost effortless. Not many players show this kind of characteristic at that age.
Nathan Soliman - 2009 - 6’10” - Power Forward - France - INSEP (FRA)
Soliman has proved why he has been the most highly touted prospect of his generation for the last few years. Despite being eliminated by Italy in the quarter-finals, the 6’10” power forward was dominant for large parts of the event and averaged 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
What impresses the most about his game is his decision-making and poise, which are very uncommon for a player of his age. His athleticism is not flashy, but it’s good enough to compete at the highest level. His skill and basketball IQ are off the charts. He can operate as an initiator on offense or just be a complementary guy.
He’s versatile and brings many valuable skills to the table for the next level. Soliman has been playing against older competition in INSEP’s youth system for three seasons now, after joining the program in 2022.
Messi Yangala - 2009 - 6’9” - Center - France - INSEP (FRA)
Yangala emerged as the starting center on a big and physical French team. Over the last season at INSEP, the 6’9” big played large parts of games at the 4 spot, getting many reps on the perimeter and trying to expand his face-up game. However, he looked much more comfortable playing at the 5 in this setting, where he was able to impact the game thanks to his legit athleticism and explosiveness.
Yangala has many of the tools required for a modern big, since he plays with high motor, doesn’t force plays, and brings size to the table. His decision-making and ability to read the game still have to improve considerably: he struggled to find the right solutions when the game was more tactical rather than physical.
Physically more developed and ready than some other bigs in the competition, Yangala should be able to maintain his physical edge and be a factor for years to come as a rim-running big.
Roko Jerkic - 2010 - 6’6” - Wing - Germany - FC Bayern Munich (GER)
This summer, Jerkic was supposed to be a “role player” on this national team alongside big names in the German NT like Fabian Kayser, Caspar Vossenberg, and Lucai Anderson, but after their forfait he became the leader of the team.
Despite being 2010-born, Jerkic showed great attitude and charisma to lead his team. Standing at 6’6”, Jerkic is an above-average scorer: he can be productive from all three levels. Big strides and athleticism allow him to put pressure on the rim, while he’s also an efficient shooter from behind the arc, where his mechanics have improved over the last season and are now smooth for his age. Versatile on defense: long arms and big hands allow him to have an impact on that end of the floor.
In this setting, he was much more committed defensively than last season. Jerkic projects as a 3-man who can shoot and score from multiple levels effortlessly. He’s more mobile and athletic than his older brother, while their size is similar.
Joseph Tala - 2010 - 6’6” - Forward - Finland - Drive Academy (FIN)
After playing last summer’s U16 Eurobasket two years younger than the competition, Tala stepped up as the true leader of this Finland team. He looked stronger than one year ago, while still being around 6’6” with a big wingspan.
Tala has an extremely appealing mix of athleticism and coordination. His shot has to improve, but the spin is good: the ball comes out well from his hands, and it’s just a matter of time to fix that aspect. He has above-average motor for the level of competition: he covers plenty of ground thanks to his size and long strides. At the moment, he’s a 4, but in the long term he projects as a 3, since he has the mobility and athleticism to play there, and he should be able to add a reliable three-point shot as well.
Reliable defender: good basketball IQ and solid feel for the position. In next year’s Eurobasket, he will be one of the main names to monitor.
Darius Karutasu - 2009 - 6’8” - Forward - Turkey - Efes Istanbul (TUR)
The 6’8” forward was already known to most scouts thanks to his standout ANGE stage last November with Efes Istanbul, but Karutasu’s stock has probably risen even higher after this event.
His body looks more mature than last winter and he has started his physical development process. Long arms and big hands allow him to play bigger than his listed size. He’s a fluid slasher who uses both hands to get to the rim at will. He has a unique skill set in his age group for his size and role.
He’s a combo-forward who can create off the dribble. He acted as a primary initiator at times, and in the long term he projects as a skilled and smart PF. This season he will headline Efes’ U18 team in the ANGE.
Other topics and prospects
Serbia’s force
Serbia could count on a deep roster for the event. 6’6” sharpshooter Matija Lukic and 6’8” dynamic, high-motor big Petar Bjelica were the two main threats on the team alongside Nikola Kusturica.
Lukic recently moved to Zaragoza, where he will join the U22 team. The forward has big physical upside: legit athleticism and a well-proportioned frame are making his stock rise. He’s an exceptional shooter, both off spot-ups and catch-and-shoot. He can be involved in multiple actions.
Bjelica, instead, is an early-bloomer big who brings toughness and skill to the table. Above-average passer with legit basketball IQ, Bjelica in the long term will fit into a two-big lineup. Strong body and good athleticism, also given his father’s volleyball background. Quick feet and under control. A strong force under the boards, he finished the event with 15.0 PPG and 9.7 RPG, and next year he will most likely play in the U19 Serbian league.
Finland’s Next Gen
Other than Joseph Tala, Finland featured another high-end talent: Noah Santos, a 2010-born, 6’6” forward. He didn’t have much playing time throughout the event, but he’s set to be one of the main names of his generation. Despite still having an undeveloped body, he was one of the best shooters in the entire event (56.3% from deep), showing NBA range and good composure. His mechanics have improved considerably over the last months. His mix of fluidity, size, and athleticism will allow him to play the 3. His playstyle reminds me of Kyshawn George.
Primary handlers
The event featured some big names among primary handlers: Aaron Towo Nansi, Omer Kutluay, and Jokubas Kukta above all.
The French PG was one of the most awaited players in the entire event thanks to his flashy 2024–25 season in Cholet. The 5’9” point guard was the true leader of a talented France team. A floor general who plays in a very mature way, Towo Nansi is set to have a high-level pro career, despite having a short frame. He sets the tone on defense and puts in maximum effort. He can score from deep and he’s not afraid to get downhill. Of course, physicality is a big concern for his projection, but motor and attitude partially make up for it.
Kutluay was one of the most productive players in the entire event. The point guard, who is set to return to Real Madrid this season, was the main force on this Turkey roster. Already a key piece on last year’s U16 National Team, Kutluay is a pass-first PG who gets to his spots at will. His size currently hurts his stock, since his frame is not bulky or strong yet, but rather lanky. However, on offense he’s poised and plays the right way.
Jokubas Kukta recently signed with the Zalgiris Kaunas youth system, and he was projected to be the main guy on a solid Lithuanian team. He had some tough first games, but then exploded with 29 points in the quarter-final win against Spain. Standing at 6’4”, Kukta is a primary handler who brings good size at the PG spot. He doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he knows how to manipulate defenses thanks to his tight handles. Decision-making and poise still have to improve, but he should be fine. He plays at his own pace, knows how to play through contact, and his frame allows him to compete against bigger rim protectors. Lithuania had its best flashes in the tournament when Kukta was guiding the offense. This season he will be the main handler in the ANGE for Zalgiris Kaunas, playing one year up.
Latvia’s strong core
This Latvia team was the best one in recent years. They were extremely big thanks to the pair of big men Emils Steckis and Benjamin Berrouet, alongside 2010-born Gustavs Vilcans.
Steckis, who recently signed with Zalgiris Kaunas, is a 6’9” 5-man who in the future projects at the 4 spot thanks to his mobility and skill. Quick hands allow him to finish around the rim with power. In those cases, he plays bigger than his size. He has strong defensive instincts: a good rim protector, and his feet and hands are always active. His perimeter and face-up game are not developed at all yet, but in the long term he fits well there. Can’t shoot. His basketball IQ, combined with his motor and athleticism, will allow him to play alongside another big at the pro level.
Berrouet, instead, is a 2010-born US-based player with a Latvian passport, and he was a key piece on this national team despite being one year younger. He has legit athleticism given his strong, solid body archetype. Good size, he knows how to move without the ball, and he puts in effort. His high motor allows him to grab rebounds and win 50/50 balls. As in Steckis’ case, Berrouet will be able to play alongside another big in the future. Steckis and Berrouet both bring versatility and talent to the frontcourt.
Gustavs Vilcans continued to show impressive flashes of the talent he first displayed on the international stage at the ANGT in Ulm last February. The 6’6” forward has intriguing size with long, lanky arms that allow him to disrupt plays and be a factor defensively, even though he currently lacks elite motor and athleticism. He could still grow to around 6’8” or more. On both ends of the floor, he relies heavily on his instincts. Offensively, he tries to do a little bit of everything with inconsistent outcomes. He gets to the rim with good coordination and shows a soft touch around the basket. His shooting remains inconsistent, but his follow-through and mechanics are encouraging. He demonstrates legitimate coordination and body control for his size. Compared to his performance in Ulm, he looked noticeably more confident this time, handling physicality and intensity much better than he did against top-level U18 European competition.
Spain’s size
Another team that had much greater size compared to recent years was Spain. The team, led by Carlos Flores, featured four players over 6’7”: Roger Villarejo, Jan Cerdan, Guillem Ecker, and Rafa Corta.
Villarejo is a broad-shouldered forward with a versatile offensive skill set. The Valencia Basket forward emerged as the most productive player for his National Team, and he showed some improvements over the season, building skill around a promising frame.
Cerdan was the youngest player in the competition, but throughout the years he has gained enough experience with FC Barcelona’s youth teams to compete at this level. Poised and very smart, he still lacks elite athleticism to take the next step, but he can do many things on offense. Extremely versatile, he can play in multiple ways.
Ecker arguably had the best frame on the team. A late bloomer standing at 6’9” with long arms and legs, and a well-proportioned frame overall, he wasn’t able to impact games. Good mobility and overall motor for his size. Plays face-up, but the Manresa big man doesn’t yet have an offensive dimension.
As for Rafa Corta, he had some promising flashes in Georgia. Main concerns are still there, as he still looks like a tweener, but his wide shoulders give him potential to fill in. He’s skilled and talented, but still needs many things to fall into place. Spain ended the tournament in 8th place, but their long-term potential was arguably among the highest of the last editions.
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