By Utkan Sahin, adapted by Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
It is common to see young stars leaving their marks through their respective national teams in major tournaments.
Launching a storied international career in 2001, Pau Gasol was the driving force for Spain in winning the EuroBasket bronze medal. He was merely 21.
At 21 as well, Dirk Nowitzki averaged 15 points per game carrying Germany to a seventh-place finish in the 1999 edition of EuroBasket. Three years later, he got his first medal in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
In a similar spectacular introduction, Luka Doncic was just 18 when he helped Slovenia in the history-making triumph in the 2017 EuroBasket.
Moving on, despite many more examples, it is impossible to predict which promising upstarts will stand out in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, many youngsters are ready to display their talents in FIBA’s flagship event.
Eurohoops reviewed the squads of the 32 participating national teams to shape an extensive list of young players set for action in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.
Below are the must-watch youngsters of the 2023 FIBA World Cup:
NOTE: Players listed are at most 21.
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Kai Sotto (21) – Philippines
Coming off the NBA Summer League, Filipino sensation Kai Sotto is heading to the World Cup.
Joining the Orlando Magic earlier in the offseason, he was a hit with the fans, especially the loyals from the Philippines, but did not earn significant playing time. A different situation is coming up.
Following Jordan Clarkson, Sotto will be second on the hierarchy of the national team of his country. His height of 2.21 meters immediately attracts attention, combined with his talent, in a relatively short team.
Due to his injury, he missed large chunks of the training camp. But he is cleared to play in the World Cup. Depending on his showings, he can seek an upgrade to his career, besides pushing the Philippines closer to an extended run in the tournament.
In any case, his impressive following makes him an intriguing prospect for any team from the NBA to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Jean Montero (20) – Dominican Republic
Karl-Anthony Towns finally returning to the Dominican Republic national team is certainly the main attraction, but Jean Montero is on hand as well.
Towns is set for his first international action in ten years. The supporting cast includes the 20-year-old point guard, an exciting prospect.
Switching to Real Betis last season, he averaged 17.6 points per contest over 16 appearances in Spain’s Liga Endesa. He was named ACB Best Young Player of the 2022-23 campaign.
Already a regular for the Dominican Republic, Montero will be looking to take advantage of the opponents focusing on Towns.
Solid showings would probably launch his career to the next level, even in the EuroLeague.
Matteo Spagnolo (20) – Italy
Getting ready to play in the EuroLeague via ALBA Berlin, Matteo Spagnolo will first compete in the World Cup.
The 20-year-old combo guard has been labeled as the next big thing from Italy.
On the Azzurri, he is projected to split playing time with Marco Spissu. Head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco trusts him as the point guard of the second unit. He lacks experience compared to his teammate, but is creative and reliable beyond his age, as displayed in the preparation outings.
Looking to the future, Italy can potentially be on the verge of solving a lasting issue concerning the position of the playmaker.
Nikola Jovic (20) – Serbia
Without Nikola Jokic, Serbia still features Nikola Jovic.
Coming off an injury-plagued season in the NBA, the former player of Mega Mozzart will be determined to display his talents at the international level.
Considering Jokic is among the multiple stars missing for Serbia, Jovic can be a huge part of the core aiming to help leader Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Apart from the lack of playing time in the 2022-23 season, the World Cup is the first major international tournament of his young career. Judging from performances in preceding friendly contests, especially against Italy, he is more than ready for the next step.
Filling the bill as a modern power forward, Leicester-born Jovic carries a creative touch on the court. Perhaps, a hidden weapon for Serbia? Moving deep in the tournament would require contributions from multiple players, including the Miami Heat prospect.
Paolo Banchero (20) – USA
Stirring controversy with his decision to play for Team USA instead of Italy, Paolo Banchero is among the promising upstarts looking to make noise in Asia.
The 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year is the youngest player on the team coached by Steve Kerr.
Similar to the exhibition games, he will continue coming off the bench and with his energy taking on demanding perimeter assignments in defense.
Considering the United States possibly struggling to contain opponents in the paint, getting the job done outside would be crucial in a potential long run in the tournament.
Gael Bonilla (20) – Mexico
A product of the youth divisions of FC Barcelona, Gael Bonilla is Mexico’s most exciting prospect.
Tasked to prove himself in the World Cup, the young shooting guard played 37 minutes per game in last summer’s FIBA AmeriCup with the senior national team of his country, packed with players carrying much more experience.
Mexico looking to finally return to the Olympic Games hopes to get more of the same from Bonilla on both ends of the court.
Coming off a complicated campaign in the G League, improved showings in the World Cup would propel the youngster to a higher level.
Franz Wagner (21) – Germany
Besides being among the top players overall in the World Cup, Franz Wagner also fits in the list of promising youngsters. If Germany indeed strolls deep into the tournament, he will definitely have an impact.
Tallying 15.2 points per game, Wagner was a key player for Germany on the way to capturing the bronze medals in the 2022 edition of EuroBasket.
He was 20 in last summer’s EuroBasket and only 21 now, and likely to improve further in the future. Dirk Nowitzki can relax as Wagner seeks even more with Die Mannschaft.
Josh Giddey (20) – Australia
Josh Giddey is in a similar situation with Franz Wagner.
Australia’s combo guard is placed among the most intriguing prospects in the NBA. He is likely to be influential on the national team of his country going far in the tournament.
Legendary international players the likes of Patty Mills and Joe Ingles are still around boosting podium credentials for Australia. But their time is coming to an end, while Giddey’s is beginning.
Head coach Brian Goorjian was clear in naming Giddey as the leading player.
The Oklahoma City Thunder youngster is heading to the first major international tournament of his career. He must cope with the pressure.
Coming in with solid showings in prep games through the training camp, the next step is confirming himself as the new leader of the Boomers.
Miro Little (19) – Finland
Finland is not all about Lauri Markkanen. The supporting cast includes promising point guard Miro Little.
The Utah Jazz star is expected to take over the offense this summer as well. Young Little emerges as one of the candidates to provide help in the competitive environment of the World Cup.
Certainly, the Baylor commit is far from a complete product, instead has plenty of room for further development. However, Susijengi can count on him to deliver, following his important role in the 2022 EuroBasket. He is projected for additional playing time, compared to 8.4 minutes on the court per game over seven appearances last summer.
Experience through such tournaments can only help in the development of the huge prospect of Finnish basketball. Keep an eye on him.
Gui Santos (21) – Brazil
The new generation of Brazil features Gui Santos alongside Yago dos Santos and Bruno Caboclo. Players the likes of Marcelinho Huertas on their way out are in the process of passing the torch to the youngsters.
Gui Santos was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 55th overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft, but spent the following 2022-23 season in the G League with affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors, before adding to solid showings via the Summer League.
An injury slowed him down in preparations for the World Cup. Cleared for action and packing a spot in the final roster, the young small forward is set for his first major international tournament and attached valuable experience.
Mohammad Amini (18) – Iran
One of the weakest teams of the World Cup, Iran is not expected to clinch a berth in the Round of 16. However, a player to watch is Mohammad Amini.
A candidate to make his way to the EuroLeague and a current member of AS Monaco’s youth team, the 18-year-old forward draws attention with his physical qualities and basketball IQ, both way beyond his age.
Enjoying significant playing time in preceding friendly games, Aminu is projected for a similar role in the World Cup under the guidance of head coach Hakan Demir. He is destined to succeed Hamed Haddadi as the leading player of Iran.
Usman Garuba (21) and Juan Nunez (19) – Spain
Usman Garuba definitely deserves to be on the list but has been at the top level for many years. Despite being slowed down by an injury in the training camp, he seems determined to make things happen in the World Cup for Spain, especially after being recently waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, following two bland NBA campaigns with the Houston Rockets.
Moving to Juan Nunez, the 19-year-old point guard entered the squad following the unexpected decision of Ricky Rubio to skip the tournament. A few friendly games later, he is now ready to help Spain in Indonesia.
From guiding Spain to gold in the 2022 FIBA U20 European Championship and being named MVP of the junior tournament, directly to the senior national team, primed to succeed legendary guards the likes of Rubio, Sergio Llull, and Sergio Rodriguez. In the future, the World Cup is likely to mark the start of a great international career.
Considering playing time in preparation games, Nunez will have an important role in the team coached by Italian mastermind Sergio Scariolo.
Zach Edey (21) – Canada
With Canada carrying seven NBA players, Purdue’s Zach Edey making the final roster was a groundbreaking success and a sign of a bright future for the towering center.
Labeled among the favorites for a long run in Asia this summer, Canada apparently counts on the promising prospect to strengthen the bid.
In a talented and athletic team, Edey will be tasked with helping to control the paint and taking on more experienced opponents. His physical qualities will come in handy for head coach Jordi Fernandez.
Coming in with limited international experience, the candidate to be selected in the 2024 NBA draft can continue learning through the World Cup.