Top Prospects from the FIBA U18 Asia Cup (Part 1)
A look at 10 breakout players who left their mark on the 2024 tournament

In this first part of my FIBA U18 Asia Cup prospect breakdown, I spotlight six players who truly stood out during the tournament. Australia’s Emmett Adair, the tournament MVP, set the tone with his high energy and defensive presence, while teammate Jacob Furphy showcased his elite shooting ability and crafty scoring. China’s Boyuan Zhang impressed with his perimeter scoring, and Qatar’s Mohamed Ndao caught my attention as the tournament’s leader in scoring, rebounding, and blocks as a 6’4” guard. New Zealand’s Tamatoa Issac proved to be a dynamic playmaker, and Jordan’s Saif Al-Deen Saleh turned heads with his versatile inside-out scoring and rebounding.
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Jacob Furphy | 6'4 Guard | Australia
Furphy proved to be a key player in Australia's title run, averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on outstanding efficiency (54/46/100 shooting splits). He delivered big-time performances when it mattered most, including 28 points against Lebanon and 21 in the championship game. His ability to score at all three levels, particularly as a left-handed sharpshooter, makes him a prospect worth tracking.
Boyuan Zhang | 6'8 Wing | China
Zhang earned a spot on the All-Star Five after averaging 17.2 points per game, including standout outings like 22 points against both Jordan and Japan. Zhang’s smooth shooting stroke, hitting 43.2% from beyond the arc on high volume, cemented him as one of the tournament’s top perimeter threats. His combination of positional size, three-point shooting, and intelligent off-ball movement make him an intriguing long-term wing prospect.
Tamatoa Issac | 6'2 Point Guard | New Zealand
Leading New Zealand to a runner-up finish, Issac was a dual-threat as both a scorer (17.3 PPG) and playmaker (5.7 APG). His standout games included a 23-point, 9-rebound, 7-assist effort against Jordan, underscoring his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. Issac's pick-and-roll mastery, advanced ball-handling, and vision make him an intriguing floor general for the next level.
Emmett Adair | 6'9 Forward | Australia
Adair was the backbone of Australia’s success, earning MVP honors by averaging 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His high-motor, relentless activity on the glass, and defensive presence stood out, particularly during his 23-point, 10-rebound showing against Japan. He’s not the flashiest player, but his energy and effort are impossible to ignore.
Carter Hopoi | 6'9 Forward | New Zealand
Hopoi was one of the most consistent performers, averaging 17 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His versatility was on full display, contributing as a scorer, rebounder, and rim protector. With comparisons to Kelly Olynyk for his footwork and offensive versatility, Hopoi’s ability to beat defenders off the dribble and finish at the rim set him apart.
Yassin Mousa | 6'2 Guard | Qatar
The youngest star at the tournament, Mousa, born in 2008, finished second in scoring with 20.8 points per game. His advanced finishing around the rim, combined with crafty moves like eurosteps and floaters, allowed him to thrive against older competition. Mousa’s transition play and shot-making potential suggest a bright future ahead.
Saif Al-Deen Saleh | 6'9 Forward | Jordan
Saleh was a force on the boards, ranking 3rd in the tournament with 10.9 rebounds per game while adding 16.9 points. His standout performances—like a 35-point, 14-rebound explosion against Qatar—highlighted his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. With a solid three-point shot (36%) and versatile offensive game, Saleh's inside-out scoring ability positions him as a potential mismatch at the next level.
Mohamed Ndao | 6'5 Guard | Qatar
Ndao was arguably the most unique and dominant player of the tournament, leading the entire FIBA U18 Asia Cup in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Despite putting up big-man numbers, Ndao is an aggressive, high-usage guard who thrives in transition and creates his own shot with ease. His standout 35-point, 17-rebound, 4-steal, 3-block performance against Kazakhstan showcased his all-around impact, while his ability to get to the free-throw line (10 attempts per game) and protect the rim solidified his defensive presence.
Che Brogan | 6'5 Guard | Australia
Brogan's versatility and all-around impact were critical to Australia’s championship success. Averaging 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Brogan filled the gaps on both ends of the floor. His best showing came against Jordan, where he recorded 4 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals—proving he’s much more than a scorer. His basketball IQ and ability to make plays in the flow of the offense make him a high-level connector guard to keep an eye on.
Dash Daniels | 6'4 Guard | Australia
Daniels was a steady contributor throughout Australia’s title run, posting averages of 9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His standout game came against Mongolia, where he put up 14 points and 3 steals. Daniels' 4.75 assists-to-turnover ratio speaks to his strong decision-making and ability to make winning plays. Combine that with his defensive versatility and high motor, and you have a prospect who can impact games beyond the stat sheet.
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