Victor Wembanyama (PF/C | 219 cm | ‘04) ~ France

14.0 pts, 2FG-55.7%, 3FG-18.2%, FT-78.3%, 7.4 rebs, 1.4 ast, 0.6 stl, 1.9 to, 5.7 blks

I think it is not even debatable that he was the best prospect at the tournament even though he was two years younger than most competitors. And it wouldn’t be completely unfair to give him the MVP award in the end.. There is a lot to like in Wembanyama but the most scary thing is that he can still improve in all areas. Victor is really fluid in his movements for a player his size but will slowly need to add some “meat to his bones”. Has no problem creating separation for a shot and because of his size & length advantages, his shots are hardly contested. Even against taller opponents on a higher level his shots won’t be contested or blocked so easily. His shooting percentages on 3pt shots weren’t the best at this tournament but has shown that he has the NBA range already and capable of making shots way behind the (FIBA) three point line. In defense, no shot is left uncontested when he is around the rim. Averaged 5.7 (!!) blocks in the tournament and had three games with 8 blocks. Usually making more interceptions and deflections than he was doing in this tournament and his steal numbers are normally higher. If he stays healthy and develops his game & body in the right direction.. sky’s the limit.

Matthew Strazel (G | 183 cm | ‘02) ~ France

11.3 pts, 2FG-53.1%, 3FG-27.5%, FT-100%, 2.7 rebs, 6.7 ast, 1.3 stl, 2.3 to, 0 blks

A versatile scorer but has some size limitations that could limit his upside. Usually a better shooter than he was showing at this tournament but some shots were way behind the three point line or late in the clock and that lowered his percentages. Very good at getting past defenders and to the rim, reads the defense well and punishes any little mistake instinctively. Has shown some promising playmaking too and wasn’t just looking to score some points but was looking to involve other players in offense too. Can play solid perimeter defense but obviously has some limitations. More of a microwave scorer at the moment but if he manages to bring his consistency up, he could be an interesting bucket getter in Europe.

Nikola Jović (F | 208 cm | ‘03) ~ Serbia

18.1 pts, 2FG-55.1%, 3FG-36.4%, FT-65.2%, 8.3 rebs, 2.9 ast, 0.1 stl, 1.9 to, 1.7 blks

Jović is also one of the players that is drawing more and more attention. Really fluid on open court, with and without the ball. Possesses great handles for a player his size and likes to attack with drives and play on perimeter. His shot looks more reliable too and capable of making shots even from NBA range. Not an elite athlete but uses his body and athletic tools well. He is not shying away from contact and goes strong to the rim. Could improve as a passer/playmaker to become a complete offensive player. More to improve on the defensive end but in some possession against smaller players he has shown that he can follow with his legs and maintain a good position. Sometimes lacks effort in defense but overall shouldn’t be a liability in defense when his body develops. Should use his length more often and try to get more steals.

Juan Nunez (PG | 190 cm | ‘04) ~ Spain

7.3 pts, 2FG-44.2%, 3FG-0%, FT-61.9%, 2.0 rebs, 2.9 ast, 1.4 stl, 2.9 to, 0 blks

Juan Nunez is one of the most fun to watch players and amazes everyone with his creativity since his early days. Most of the time his teammates are not on the same level with his understanding of the game and this results in many turnovers. His turnover and assists numbers are usually similar and he would need to limit those turnovers and play a little “safer”. Strong and crafty with a well developed frame and body for his age. He knows how to use his body in around the rim finishes where he is showing some soft touch too. Shot from distance is still shaky and he will need to improve it if he wants to be an important factor on the highest level.

Ruben Dominguez (SG | 197 cm | ‘03) ~ Spain

18.7 pts, 2FG-55.1%, 3FG-34.3%, FT-72.7%, 2.9 rebs, 2.4 ast, 1.1 stl, 1.3 to, 0.4 blks

One of the best scorers in the competition. His usage rate in Spain’s national team was high and there were games where he was taking more than 10 three point shots per game. He wasn’t really consistent and had some up & downs but overall a good shooter, especially in off-screen and catch & shoot situations. Would love to see him being more aggressive in attacking the rim but he is not really that explosive in his first step and usually has a harder time getting past defenders. With his size he is able to defend guards and wings but not an elite defender. In my opinion, he is not an NBA prospect but has the potential for a nice career on the professional level in Spain/Europe.

Azuolas Tubelis (PF | 208 cm |  ‘02) ~ Lithuania

16.6 pts, 2FG-47.2%, 3FG-25.0%, FT-65.7%, 8.9 rebs, 2.9 ast, 2.4 stl, 2.9 to, 1.0 blks

Maybe Azuolas is the player that made the most highlight plays in the tournament. Strong and athletic player that feels comfortable in transition where he is really hard to stop. Loves to run the floor and even capable of pushing forward after securing a rebound. Very good rebounder, has good motor and feel for rebounds and knows how to use his athleticism and strong body to create some space. Shooting from distance is still a work in progress. Left hander, his release looks low and a little shaky to me. Active in defense, versatile and can cover much ground and many positions. Capable of defending forward on perimeter and down low. Also showing some great instincts for steals and for blocks when helping from the weak side. There were a lot of left handed power forwards coming out of Lithuania from Paulius Jankunas, Donatas Motiejūnas, Domantas Sabonis and I think Tubelis is somewhere closer to Jankunas and Motiejunas in terms of upside.

Augustas Marciulionis (PG | 193 cm | ‘02) ~ Lithuania

8.0 pts, 2FG-44.8%, 3FG-27.3%, FT-84.0%, 3.3 rebs, 4.7 ast, 0.9 stl, 3.4 to, 0.1 blks

A point guard that likes to control the pace and have things under control – a true floor general. Very good ball control and not making many silly mistakes and can create separation from his defenders with his handles pretty easily. With his great court vision and passing skills he is able to find teammates on any spot on the court. Looking for passes first but capable of taking things in his hands in offense just not aggressive enough on most occasions. I think he should start to attack the rim more often because with his aggressive first step, good positional size and soft touch, he should be able to score some easy points in the paint. Has a lot of reserves in his scoring game and I believe he will make some improvements in this area in the next years and if he manages that, he could be a great player for the top level in Europe.

Khalifa Diop (C | 212 cm | ‘02) ~ Senegal

14.0 pts, 2FG-55.0%, 3FG-27.3%, FT-62.2%, 9.4 rebs, 2.1 ast, 2.0 stl, 2.7 to, 1.7 blks

Played some really good games, especially closer to the end of the tournament when Ibou Badji was out and Diop played mostly as a C where he is more comfortable. Strong and mobile big with good switchability potential. Capable of sliding his feet quickly and defending on perimeter but also strong enough to compete with bigs on low post. Has good instincts for steals and blocks and has a very high potential as a defender. Has shown some glimpses of his offensive versatility too. Can stretch the floor and make shots but his shot isn’t consistent enough but, in my opinion, he is capable of developing a decent shot from distance. Good finisher closer to the rim, solid touch and can absorb some contact. Showing some good court vision and passing skills for a player his size but needs to improve his decision making in offense because sometimes he can get himself into some hard spots. His defensive versatility definitely fits in the modern NBA he just needs to find a role that fits him the best in offense. In my opinion, one of the players that is vastly underrated and has the potential for a good NBA career.

Ibou Dianko Badji (C | 214 cm | ‘02) ~ Senegal

14.0 pts, 2FG-58.1%, 3FG-N/A , FT-42.9%, 10.3 rebs, 0.3 ast, 1.0 stl, 1.7 to, 4.3 blks

Played only first three matches in the tournament and then left to go to workouts for the NBA Draft. Physical specimen with elite body and length. Strong, mobile, athletic and uses all those tools well in defense. Very good rim protector that can scare opponents away from the rim where he is in the paint. Capable of blocking every shot but sometimes getting away with goaltending, questionable timing on some blocks. Also showing good mobility when defending on perimeter. His offense is slowly improving. Looks like he extended his range a little and added some mid range game to his offensive arsenal and his release doesn’t look so bad. His post up game is still limited, not creating much separation and not showing much touch on his non-dunk finishes. Definitely needs to work on his post up game. In recent years a lot of similar bigs – raw in offense, high defensive potential – were drafted high on the draft and teams were hoping that they will develop their game and be useful in the NBA but not many of them could get to that level. Intriguing for the NBA because of his physical tools and defensive upside but there really aren’t that many players with similar qualities that get a good role in a NBA team. 

Adem Bona (C | 206 cm | ‘03) ~ Turkey

8.4 pts, 2FG-67.6%, 3FG-50.0%, FT-100%, 3.9 rebs, 1.3 ast, 0.7 stl, 2.1 to, 1.9 blks

Great athlete and moves really well for a player his size. His offensive game is raw and in development. Not showing much feel and touch and relies mostly on his athleticism and finishes completely under the rim. Plays with high energy and goes for dunks whenever there is a small chance that he can make it which is a big plus because many young players shy away from that. On the other hand, his defensive potential was always high. His defensive awareness and reads should improve in my opinion because on the top level, those mistakes will be punished quickly. In youth competitions he can still compensate for those mistakes with his athleticism and recover to block shots but this won’t go through so easily on professional level. Protects the rim very well and has great anticipation and timing for blocks. His main qualities are his high motor, athleticism and rim protection but most of the other things need to improve.