Tiefing Diawara

Team: St Johns Northwestern: DME Basketball Academy (USA)
Height/Position: 6’11” Center
Nationality: Mali
Birthdate: February 20, 2006

Level: Mid Major +
Roles: Play Finisher
Swing Skills: Low Post Scoring

Tiefing Diawara, a 6'11" big man from Mali with a 7'3" wingspan, is currently enrolled at St. John's Northwestern DME in Wisconsin after spending the last few years with Orange1 Bassano in Italy. Diawara has excellent size and length, plus good mobility and coordination for a big-bodied throwback low post presence.

He works hard to establish low post position and shows flashes of scoring potential with quick spin moves and an effective drop step in his arsenal. While his touch around the rim is promising, it remains inconsistent at best, though he can finish with both hands around the rim. Diawara has a solid motor and is an effective as a roll man that score easy buckets by crashing the the offensive glass, as he loves battling in the paint to create second-chance opportunities.

In 2022, he showcased high upside with good hands and an aggressive mindset, looking to emphatically dunk everything around him. He also flashed the ability to attack closeouts and make instinctive plays on the move.

However, his recent performances haven’t matched those early flashes, and his development has stalled compared to initial expectations.

Diawara’s low post game remains raw and unpolished, with some really ugly possessions lead to turnovers or wild shots around the rim. He doesn't offer floor-spacing and tends to rely heavily on his strength and trying to outmuscle opponents.

While he could thrive in a play-finishing role alongside a good point guard, he currently lacks the skill set to be a reliable low post scorer or facilitator. Despite his early promise, Diawara will need to refine his offensive game and improve his decision-making to maximize his potential.

Scouting Report

Team: Clifton High School (USA)
Height/Position: 6’8” Forward
Nationality: Jordan
Birthdate: July 18, 2006

Level: Mid Major +
Roles: Combo Forward
Swing Skills: Playmaking

Saif Al-Deen Saleh, a 6'9 forward from Jordan who plays high school basketball in New Jersey, made a significant impact at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, finishing 6th in scoring with 16.9 points and 3rd in rebounding with 10.9 boards per game. His standout performances included a dominant 35-point, 14-rebound game against Qatar and a 17-point, 14-rebound, 3-steal effort versus New Zealand.

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Scouting Report

Team: Whai (New Zealand)
Height/Position:
Nationality: New Zealand
Birthdate: April 14, 2006

Level: Mid Major +
Roles: Rim Finishing Big
Swing Skills: Shooting

Carter Hopoi was a standout for New Zealand during their second-place finish at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, averaging 17 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. His notable performances included a dominant 28-point, 5-rebound, 2-assist game against Iran, and a 23-point, 16-rebound, 4-block effort versus the Philippines, solidifying his impact as a versatile big man who contributed in multiple facets of the game.

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Scouting Report

Team: Centre of Excellence
Height/Position: 6’5” Guard
Nationality: Australia
Birthdate: July 18, 2006

Level: Low Major +
Roles: Connector
Swing Skills: Shooting

Che Brogan was a key contributor to Australia’s championship-winning team at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, averaging 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. His stat-stuffing performances included an 11-point, 4-assist, 2-steal, and 1-block game against Chinese Taipei, and an impressive all-around showing against Jordan where he posted 4 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals.

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Scouting Report

Team: Centre of Excellence (Australia)
Height/Position:
Nationality: France
Birthdate: January 25, 2006

Level: Mid Major +
Roles: Rim Finisher
Swing Skills: Shooting

Emmett Adair was a dominant presence for Australia in their championship run at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, earning MVP honors while averaging 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His standout performances included a 23-point, 10-rebound, 3-block effort against Japan and 19 points in the title game versus New Zealand. Adair’s high motor, activity on the glass, and rim protection were pivotal to Australia’s success.

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Scouting Report

Team: Centre of Excellence
Height/Position: 7’0” Center
Nationality: New Zealand
Birthdate: May 9, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: Low Post Scorer
Swing Skills: Defense

Committed to Georgetown

Julius Halaifonua, originally a member of the 2025 recruiting class, reclassified after his standout perf…

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Scouting Report

Team: Oak Hill Academy (USA)
Height/Position: Point Guard
Nationality: Germany
Birthdate: April 2, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: Primary Ball Handler
Swing Skills: Defense

Committed to Texas Tech

Christian Anderson was a standout performer at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, averaging 20.3 points and 5 assists per game for the championshi…

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Scouting Report

Team: The Phelps School (USA)
Height/Position: 6’8” Wing
Nationality: Canada
Birthdate: January 8, 2006

Level: High Major +
Roles: Scorer
Swing Skills: Playmaking

Committed to Illinois

Will Riley, a 6'8", 190-pound wing from Canada, first caught my attention with his shot-making ability at the Basket…

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Tamatoa Isaac

Team: Canterbury Rams (New Zealand)
Height/Position: 6’2” Guard
Nationality: New Zealand
Birthdate: December 27, 2006

Level: Mid Major +
Roles: Primary ball handler
Swing Skills: Shooting

Tamatoa Issac was the driving force behind New Zealand’s runner-up finish at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, ranking 3rd in scoring with 17.3…

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Jacob Furphy

Team: Center of Excellence (Australia)
Height/Position: 6’4” Guard
Nationality: Australia
Birthdate: August 5, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: Shooter
Swing Skills: Defense

Jacob Furphy emerged as a key figure for Australia in their championship run at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup, averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 rebound…

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Olavi Suutela

Team: Helsinki Basketball Academy (Finland)
Height/Position: 6’9” Forward
Nationality: Finland
Birthdate: February 5, 2006

Level: Mid Major
Roles: Rebounder and Connector
Swing Skills: Finishing around the rim

Olavi Suutela, a 6'9" center from Finland, had a solid performance at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, averaging 7.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1 block per game. His standout games included a 15-point, 19-rebound effort (with 8 offensive rebounds) against Lithuania, 8 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block versus Spain, and 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 stocks against Greece. Suutela is a solid athlete with broad shoulders, long arms, and good mobility, agility, and coordination for his size.

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Marko Radunovic

Team: KK Podgorica (Montenegro)
Height/Position: 6’6” Wing
Nationality: Montenegro
Birthdate: April 11, 2006

Level: Mid Major
Roles: Connector
Swing Skills: Shooting

Marko Radunovic, a 6'6" wing from Montenegro, had a strong showing at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket Division B tournament, averaging 15.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His standout performances included 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals against Slovakia, 24 points on 10-13 shooting with 10 rebounds versus the Czech Republic, and a well-rounded 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks against Romania.

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Maraun Cicic

Team: SC Derby (Montenegro)
Height/Position: 6’11”
Nationality: Montenegro
Birthdate: July 14, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: Low Post Scorer
Swing Skills: Rebounding

Maruan Cicic, a 6'11" big from Montenegro, showcased his scoring efficiency at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, averaging 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 68% from the floor across seven games. His standout performances included 16 points, 7 rebounds, and a block against the Netherlands, 16 points and 7 rebounds versus Romania, and 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Poland.

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Yohann Sissoko

Team: LDLC ASVEL (France)
Height/Position: 6’5” Guard
Nationality: France
Birthdate: May 6, 2006

Level: Mid Major
Roles: Connector
Swing Skills: Shooting

FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024 Analysis

Yohann Sissoko, a 6'5" wing from France, played a key role for his team during the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, where France finished with a 6-1 record. He averaged 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, showcasing his versatility. Notable performances include a 15-point, 3-rebound effort against Turkey and 10 points with 6 rebounds versus Belgium. Sissoko has good size and physical tools, looking the part of a highly touted prospect with his long, athletic frame and solid feel for the game as a passer.

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Zak Smrekar

Team: Krka(Slovenia)
Height/Position: 6’6” Forward
Nationality: Slovenia
Birthdate: August 10, 2006

Level: Mid Major+
Roles: Connector
Swing Skills: Shooting

Zak Smrekar, a 6'6" wing from Slovenia, made a strong impression at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, averaging 15.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.9 st…

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Jeiminson Marquez

Team: Club Promesas del Futuro (Venezuela)
Height/Position: 6’19” Forward
Nationality: Venezuela
Birthdate: February 28, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: Combo Wing
Swing Skills: 3 point shooting volume

Jeiminson Marquez, a 6’6” wing from Venezuela, was one of the standout performers at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup tournamen…

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Mohamed Diakite

Team: Saint-Quentin (France)
Height/Position: 6’9” Forward
Nationality: France
Birthdate: April 8, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: 3&D Wing
Swing Skills: Shooting Consistency

Mohamed Diakite, a 6’9” forward from France, displayed his athleticism and potential at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, averaging 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. His standout performances included a 14-point, 6-rebound, 2-block effort against Turkey, 13 points and 6 rebounds versus Denmark, and 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block against Sweden. Diakite is an athletic forward with excellent physical tools, length, and an active, live body that is both agile and mobile.

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Kristers Skrinda

Team: Rīgas Zeļļi (Latvia)
Height/Position: 6’10” Forward
Nationality: Latvia
Birthdate: March 12, 2006

Level: High Major +
Roles: Stretch Big
Swing Skills: Interior Scoring

Kristers Skrinda, a 6'10" forward from Latvia, was a standout performer at the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket tournament, averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebo…

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Roman Siulepa

Team: N/A (Australia)
Height/Position: 6’7” Wing
Nationality: Australia
Birthdate: July 9, 2006

Level: High Major
Roles: Athletic Slasher
Swing Skills: Outside Shooting

Roman Siulepa is a highly decorated prospect who has made a significant mark on the international basketball scene. He earned MVP honors at both the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Asia camp and the Australian U20 National Championship. Additionally, Siulepa was named to all-tournament teams at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament and the FIBA U17 Oceania Championship, where he helped lead Australia to gold medals in both events. Despite his impressive resume, he is currently without a team after choosing to complete his high school commitments instead of joining the Tasmania JackJumpers of the NBL. In his most recent stint, Siulepa averaged 18.8 points and 9 rebounds per game in the NBL1, Australia’s second division.

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Mitar Bosnjakovic

Team: Real Madrid (Spain)
Height/Position: 6’7” Wing
Nationality: Serbia
Birthdate: August 24, 2006

Level: Mid Major
Roles: Connector
Swing Skills: Shooting Consistency

Mitar Bosnjakovic, a 6'7" wing from Serbia, has been a solid performer since first catching my attention in 2022 at a tournament in Bassano, Italy, where he led Real Madrid to a championship victory over a strong Orange 1 Basket team featuring Dame Sarr. Despite entering the tournament with less fanfare than his teammates Hugo Gonzalez, Ismaila Diagne, and Declan Duru, Bosnjakovic proved to be Real Madrid's most consistent contributor.

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