Preview: Adidas Next Generation Tournament Kicks Off in Istanbul
Next in Line: Istanbul Hosts the Opening Act of Adidas Next Gen Euroleague
The Adidas Next Gen Euroleague is one of the largest international prospect tournaments in the world, featuring 28 top international youth clubs competing through four different qualifying events over the next few months. This tournament presents a prime opportunity for clubs and colleges to potentially discover their next international star, competing against the top talent in their age group. Last year, we witnessed the emergence of Nolan Traore, as well as the breakout seasons of BYU’s Egor Demin and Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis, both of whom have made strong impacts in the NCAA to start the season.
This article previews the first event taking place in Istanbul, highlighting my 12 favorite players to watch. The eight teams participating in this first event are Serbia’s KK Mega Basket, Spain’s Gran Canaria, Italy’s Umana Reyer, Greece’s Panathinaikos, Turkey’s Anadolu Efes, Bahçeşehir College, Fenerbahçe Beko, and the U18 Next Gen Istanbul team.
Vuk Danilovic
6’3 CG | KK Mega Basket | 2008
FIBA U16 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 36.7% FG, 37.5% 3P
Danilovic has long been a standout in the Serbian prospect scene, often playing above his age group in national and international tournaments, including a role on last year’s ANGT team. This year, Vuk returns as a key player for Mega Basket, following a standout performance at the FIBA U16 European Championship, where he played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for Serbia and ranked as the tournament's 11th leading scorer. A crafty ball handler with potential as a three-level scorer, Danilovic is expected to emerge as a leader for Mega Basket in this competition. He has also been having a strong season in the Serbian JLS, averaging 19 points per game in his first three games.
Ognjen Srzentic
6’8 SG | KK Mega Basket | 2007
FIBA U18 Stats: 6.3 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 71% FG, 73% 3P
A big guard who plays at his own pace, Srzentic was impressive in limited minutes, playing a year up in the FIBA U18 tournament. He was extremely efficient in FIBA play this summer, shooting very well and contributing all-around winning minutes for Serbia in his 15 minutes a game. He made 8 of his 11 3-point attempts and showed some intriguing passing flashes as a solid athlete and strong shooter. His main weakness is defense, as he’s often late on closeouts and tends to get lost in rotations. It will be interesting to see how he handles the physicality of some of the more athletic teams in this tournament.
Lun Jarc
6’8 F | KK Mega Basket | 2009
FIBA U16 Stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 54% FG, 37% 3P
Jarc, a Slovenian forward, first made waves with Mega's U15 team, leading them to victory in the Serbian Minicup with a stellar performance of 35 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds in a big win over Red Star. Since then, he has continued to climb the ranks within Mega's system and now competes for their U19 squad at 15 years old. Jarc stands out as a versatile forward with exceptional court vision and playmaking ability for his age. His offensive awareness and effectiveness in transition highlight his potential as a point-forward for Mega. It will be interesting to see how much playtime he receives in this tournament as one of the youngest players at the event.
Nikola Karalic
6’8 F | KK Mega Basket | 2008
FIBA U16 Stats: 8.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 STK, 43% FG, 43% 3P
Karalic is an entertaining Serbian prospect, bringing an intriguing blend of scoring and athleticism to Mega’s U18 team. A big, switchable wing who uses his size and athleticism to create mismatches against smaller players, Karalic is a smooth scorer and great finisher with a lively handle. He helped Serbia secure 3rd place in the FIBA U16 tournament alongside Vuk Danilovic. With a long wingspan and some intriguing defensive upside, he has shown flashes as a shot blocker during the U16s and has been playing promising basketball in both the JLS and Serbian U19 league as a consistent shooter and efficient scorer.
Code Mbengue
6’11 F | Gran Canaria | 2008
FIBA U18 Stats: 9.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.7 BPG, 39% FG, 71% FT
Mbengue made a significant impact this summer with a standout performance at the FIBA U18 African Championship for Senegal, playing two years above his age group and emerging as one of the most dynamic athletes in the tournament. Possessing elite athleticism, a massive wingspan, and impressive coordination, he excelled as an above-the-rim finisher and showcased a developing jumper during AfroBasket. A highlight-reel player, Mbengue also demonstrated promising instincts as a passer and rim protector. He’s still relatively raw as a player, with his weaknesses notably being his assist-to-turnover ratio and high fouling numbers. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to his first contest against European competition, especially while sharing the frontcourt with two other highly regarded big-man prospects.
Mervedi Miteo
6’10 C | Gran Canaria | 2008
ANGT 23-24 Stats: 12.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 53% FG, 88% FT
Miteo displayed some intriguing potential last year while representing Gran Canaria at the ANGT Paris, where he averaged a double-double at just 15 years old. An imposing presence in the post, he has a strong frame and impressive rebounding instincts for his age. He has shown some creative post moves and promising flashes of playmaking as a passer from the block. A traditional back-to-the-basket big man, Miteo does most of his scoring around the rim. While he doesn't get to the free-throw line as often as one might want, he was highly efficient from the stripe last tournament. Currently playing spot minutes in Spain’s third division for Gran Canaria 2, he will be one of the more experienced players in this tournament.
Omer Ege Ziyaettin
6’2 G | Fenerbahçe Beko | 2008
FIBA U16 Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 41% FG, 40% 3P
Ziyaettin made a strong impression at the FIBA U16s, emerging as one of the top guards in the tournament. He ranked fifth in scoring while shooting an impressive 40% from three on seven attempts per game. A talented scorer with deep range, he has shown a knack for creating separation and knocking down tough, off-balance shots. Despite his smaller frame, Ziyaettin excels at generating his own offense and has already gained valuable experience, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in the Basketball Champions League at just 15 years old while playing for Beko in the Turkish Super Cup. Currently competing in the Turkish U19 league, he’s averaging 15.5 points per game on efficient 50/61/100 shooting splits. While he needs to build strength to handle more athletic opponents, his scoring ability gives him the potential to be one of the standout players in this tournament.
Louka Letailleur
6’6 F | NGT Istanbul | 2008
FIBA U16 Stats: 10.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 54% FG, 40% 3P
Letailleur played a crucial role in France's gold-winning U16 squad, using his relentless motor and ability to make winning plays all over the court. He earned a spot on the All-Star 5 after a strong all-around tournament, standing out as one of France's most consistent and efficient performers during their championship run. While his stats may not leap off the page, his impact on the game was undeniable. He brings a physical presence, excels as a strong rebounder, and provides great energy with his hustle on both ends of the floor. However, he hasn't developed much as a passer or playmaker yet, both with Gravelines U21 and the French U16 team.
Jahel Trefle
6’10 C | NGT Istanbul | 2007
ANGT 23-24 Stats: 7.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 50% FG
Trefle has been a prominent name in French basketball for the past few years but truly broke out after a strong showing at the ANGT last year. A mobile, athletic big man with an expanding shooting range, he is currently signed with Strasbourg in the LNB Pro A league. He has a solid frame and brings a strong physical presence in the paint. His performances so far in the LNB, LNB U21, and FIBA U17 competitions have been underwhelming, as he hasn't made a significant impact in his limited minutes. This tournament presents a key opportunity for Trefle to prove himself as one of the top prospects born in 2007. The talent is clearly there, he just needs to show it on the court.
Djordje Djukanovic
6’5 G | NGT Istanbul | 2008
FIBA U16 Div. B Stats: 12.0 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 46% FG, 26% 3P
A dominant rebounder at the guard position from Montenegro, Djukanovic broke out at the FIBA U16s by leading the tournament in rebounds, including an incredible 26-rebound performance against the Netherlands. He recorded a double-double in every game he played and was named the tournament's best guard. Djukanovic combines a high motor with excellent positioning and anticipation around the basket. He also boasts a strong frame and is developing a reliable three-point shot, making him a well-rounded and impactful player for this NGT team.
Roman Avdejev
6’8 F | NGT Istanbul | 2008
FIBA U16 Div. B Stats: 12.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.1 BPG, 48% FG, 78% FT
Avdejev broke out this summer, winning tournament MVP in the FIBA U16 Division B tournament while leading his team to the gold medal and an eventual promotion to the A division. A crafty scorer around the basket with great technique, he’ll be a name to potentially put on breakout watch as he plays in his first ANGT tournament. He played in the European EYBL this summer and averaged 14-7-2 on 61% from the field. He has some intriguing playmaking flashes as well.
Moussa Coulibaly
6’8 C | Gran Canaria | 2009
U14 Stats: 53.5 PPG, 47.0 RPG
Coulibaly recently caught the attention of scouts at the Spanish Children’s Championship in Badajoz, where he posted remarkable numbers for Realajos, including a 55-point, 44-rebound, 4-block game (24-31 FG, 7-12 FT), as well as a 52-point, 50-rebound performance. One of the biggest mysteries of this tournament, the 15-year-old big man is set to make his ANGT debut for Gran Canaria, playing up three years in competition.
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