My takes on Final day at FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026

And just like that, the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 is over. The confetti has fallen and the teams are on their ways back home. As all of the previous seven editions, USA went undefeated in taking the title while Serbia ended their 12-year wait for a medal with silver and Australia snapped their drought of 12 years by beating Türkiye for bronze.

Here is a look back at the final day of action and a quick review of the teams.

USA Basketball retained its stronghold on this competition as they controlled comfortably Serbia 107-81 in the Final to win their eighth straight FIBA U17 World Cup title and improve their all-time record to 58-0.

The Americans gradually pulled away in the second half of the third quarter and then started the fourth period with the first 14 points to grab the win. Five USA players scored in double figures, topped by CJ Rosser’s 23pts while Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje collected 20pt 15rbs 3bl and Beckham Black tallied 12pt 10as 3st.

The Serbs were paced by another otherworldy effort from Nikola Kusturica, who totalled 37pt 9rb (8or) 2as 1st 1bl in vane. Matija Lukic added 16pt as the only other Serbian in double figures.

Serbia ended their medal drought that had extended back to third place in 2014. But in the end, Serbia didn’t have the depth of talent to deal with USA - as is always the case at this level. Kusturica and his expected big-money move to UCLA was talked about all tournament, and he will undoubtedly be a massive star in college basketball - having already played in the EuroLeague this past season. Matija Lukic really stepped up his level at this event - especially in the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals. The other intriguing player is Nikola Djurovic, the near 7-footer who probably plays too much outside but still lets you dream on him a bit.

As far as looking at the USA talent pool, man, where do you start. You have to go with Boumtje Boumtje, who not only took home MVP honors but opened the eyes to Americans who might not have known him yet since he has played at Barcelona - with Kusturica - for the past three seasons. Boumtje Boumtje is heading to Duke University where it would be a shock if he isn’t a superstar from the get-go.

Beckham Black showed all tournament that he can lead a star-studded team from the point guard spot while also getting his own buckets if the situation called for it. He also displayed his stellar defense.

CJ Rosser was loads of fun to watch, his offensive skillset including a more than solid outside shot. He also had tremendous energy and a great motor while being a disturbance on defense with his length and athleticism. AJ Williams is a guy who will be a superstar as well, who can just do everything and will only get better as he’s challenged even more. Jordan Page is a dominant defender, Cayden Daughtry is a bucket-getter and Erick Dampier Jr. is a force around the basket.

Australia ended a 12-year wait for a medal and grabbed the bronze medal by fighting off hosts Türkiye 77-69. Australia clinched their third podium finish after back-to-back silver medals in 2012 and 2014.

A day after being blown out by USA in the Semi-Finals, Australia punched Türkiye first and led 30-12 after 10 minutes. The hosts had mounted comebacks previously in the tournament and the Basketball Development Center crowd was anticipating another one. The deficit was down to five points but the Crocs withstood the rally and celebrated winning a medal.

Luke Paul was outstanding for Australia in collecting 19pt 10rb 7as 1st 3bl while William Hamilton scored 16pt and Yahya Basaran added 14pt 10rb 3bl. Turkish star point guard Ömer Kutluay had another amazing outing with 32pt 7rb 5as and Darius Karutasu added 17pt 7rb.

This Australia team has a couple of players who long term could make a Boomers team. Luke Paul looks like a true budding star while Yahya Basaran has great potential as does John Aryang.

The medal for Australia cannot be overlooked for its importance. The Oceanians have continued to develop young talent but they have failed to take the next stop on the global stage. Twelve years without reaching the podium is a long time for such a proud basketball nation. It will prove as motivation for young Australians - perhaps as soon as next summer at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, where the Emus have not reached the top three since winning the title in 2003 with Andrew Bogut - given of course that Australia qualify through the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, a competition they have won both times they have competed - 2018 and 2024.

Türkiye and their crowd of course will be disappointed but they should be happy they reached the Semi-Finals with predominantly two stars - Kutluay and Karutasu. That was their issue the whole tournament. The next possible prospect would be Besir Briant, who it will be interesting to see how he performs at the 2026-27 Adidas NextGen EuroLeague. Noyan Tolan also flashed some strong potential.

France rebounded from their Quarter-Finals loss to Türkiye by winning their final two games and beat Canada 97-76 to grab fifth place - with Nathan Soliman shining in near-record fashion.

France took the first quarter 29-15 and were leading 56-27 at intermission and never let the Canadians back into the game. Soliman had a game for the ages with 37pt 12rb 3as 4st 1bl for an efficiency of 51 - just 5 off the all-time record. Aaron Towo-Nansi added 10pt 11as in the win. Isaiah Clarke and Liam Mitakaro both had 13pt to lead Canada.

France will not be happy with the final result but at least they won their final two games against solid competition. It would seem this was the one and only time that Tony Parker coaches at the French youth national team level given he will be taken charge as head coach with ASVEL Villeurbanne. Nathan Soliman will probably re-live for months - if not longer - his foul on Ömer Kutluay in the final minutes of the Türkiye game. It not only gave the Turks three points but it was his fifth foul.

Soliman definitely showed flashes about everything he can do, and he gave NBA (or college) scouts plenty of material to look at and evaluate. He will soon join the JL Bourg-en-Bresse training camp as he will debut in the EuroCup next season. Aaron Towo-Nansi will probably judge his performance on how France did and he did have some strong moments, but there were some warning signs. Some times he took bad shots and also could have made some better playmaking decisions. Messi Yangala meanwhile has some big time potential with his strength and athleticism but he also has plenty of work to do.

For Canada, Isaiah Hamilton probably has the highest talent level at the moment but he will definitely have to mature and also work harder on defense. Isaiah Clarke is an undersized big with great energy, brute power and rebounding tenacity. People at Canada Basketball love Tristan Edwards long term and they also expect big things from Kingston Thomas - the son of former Canada international Dave Thomas. The giant 7-5 Jeremy Gohier for his part has loads of work to do but you don’t find guys that size too often.

Lithuania grabbed seventh place as they used a late run to deliver a 98-93 win over Puerto Rico.

Lithuania jumped ahead by 15 points in the first quarter but were trailing early on in the second period. Puerto Rico led for most of the second half but Lithuania scored the final nine points of the game in the final 76 seconds for the win.

Lithuania were led by Kristupas Sabeckas’ 26pt while Benas Birzinis had 20pt 8rb 5as and Jokubas Kukta had 10pt and dished out 13as. DJ Gaines paced the FIBA Americas side with 27pt 7st.

Lithuania will probably look at seventh place and initially be disappointed, but this is a realistic finish for this team. Gabrielius Buivydas didn’t impress as much as I had expected. Jokubas Kukta is rock solid but not overly athletic. It will be interesting to see the next steps for Kristupas Sabeckas this up-coming season as a combo guard with a good motor and potential at both ends. Benas Birzinis had a strong tournament as the team’s main big. It would have been good to see what Lukas Siskauskas can do but he played a total of 21 minutes - in which he scored 21 points in the first game.

Puerto Rico will be happy they reached the Quarter-Finals for the fourth time in four appearances. You would have to think that DJ Gaines will eventually work his way into the senior national team if he keeps playing so. Sure, he took a few too many questionable threes, but this team lacked other top players. Gaines also showed he can distribute the ball and also be a menace defensively. The team lived off its energy - as any Puerto Rico does - and its working together. John Arroyo could be a piece down the road and Jeremy Willmore too.

Slovenia made sure they were leaving Istanbul with some positive feelings as they came back to beat China 76-71 for ninth place. The Europeans lost their first four games but bounced back with three straight wins.

China were leading by as many as 12 points in the second quarter but Slovenia took the second half 45 -32. Lun Jarc poured in 27pt to go with 10rb 4as 2st and Aleks Pejic Rupnik added 12pt in the win. Zhang Yizhaojie was China’s leading scorer with 18pt 5rb.

Slovenia were hoping for bigger things but were missing their starting backcourt of Bine Pregl and Martin Trsan from last summer’s third place at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2025. Jakob Siftar was Slovenia’s top player and he really shined at times. Lun Jarc struggled over the course of the tournament to perform as many had expected.

China can be happy that their young players - eight of the 12 were born in 2010 - performed despite being a year younger. Zhao Boxin has the highest upside and really opened some eyes with his play defensively around the basket. Zhang Yizhaojie will need to really work hard to get to a higher level and Zhang Yuchen flashed his excellent shooting potential.

Côte d’Ivoire completed their maiden FIBA U17 World Cup by rallying from 16 points to beat New Zealand 85-81 and capture 11th place with three wins. New Zealand once again failed to hold a big lead as they were up by 16 points in the third quarter before losing the fourth quarter 30-17.

it was the fourth time this tournament that the Kiwis watched opponents come back from deficits of at least 13 points, including wasting a 15-point cushion against China in the Classification 9-12.

JP Oka had a monster game of 22pt 11rb 4as 4st 5bl and Raphael Ouedraogo added 18pt 13rb 2bl. New Zealand guard Jayden Cecil scored 38pt for his third game of at least 37 points and he ended up the tournament’s leading scorer at 29.9 points per game.

Côte d’Ivoire definitely have a strong result to build upon as well as a couple of names to watch. Jean-Philippe Oka lived up this expectations after winning the MVP of FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025. He will continue to grow in the US youth system. Nathan Djako is another player who blossomed as did Barakel Koffi. Raphael Ouedraogo for his part stood out at this level but it remains if he can take the next step to match his rebounding prowess.

New Zealand have found a future Tall Blacks in Jayden Cecil. Tawhiri Cate showed he can do a bit of everything but can he did it at the next level while Zach Rampton exhibited some shotblocking potential.

Italy finished their disappointing appearance on a high note by beating Japan 95-62 to secure 13th place. After winning their first game of the tournament against Japan, the Italians dropped four in a row before finally winning again over Cameroon in Classificiation 13-16. Then the Europeans knocked off Japan again thanks to a 28-9 first quarter.

Simone Ventura paced the Italians with 21pt and Nicolo Ronci added 15pt 6as. Chussonjakku “Jack” Shiratani led Japan with 22pt.

Italy cannot be happy with 13th place as they had much higher hopes - not necessarily a medal but definitely not Classification 13-16 games. Simone Ventura lived up to his billing as Italy’s top player. Lapo Santini is someone to watch looking forward with his shotblocking instincts while Farid Compaore made people anticipate what else he can do as the team’s sole 2010-born player.

Japan meanwhile have someone to dream on for a while with Shiratani. Keiji Koshi is probably too small to make a big impact internationally at the senior level but he is fun to watch - even though we didn’t get to see much of him since he suffered a hit to the head early in the first game.

History was made to start the day in Istanbul in the game for 15th place as Venezuela collected their first victory in their first FIBA U17 World Cup by beating Cameroon 71-61. It was a battle of debutants and Cameroon were also hoping for their first ever win but will return home wtih a 0-7 record.

Venezuela never trailed, leading the game 42-29 at halftime and building a 19-point cushion. Cameroon tried to make things interesting but could not really threaten in the final frame.

Venezuela captain Carlos Perez and Julio Vasquez both scored 15pt as the South Americans gave their people back home a little bit of good news in light of the devastating earthquakes back home. Nolan Ngangmeni had 15pt in the loss.

Venezuela also can be pleased about seeing their youngsters compete well on the global stage. Vasquez will only get better the longer he stays in Spain while Kevin Gutierrez has a nice frame and all-around game and Chris Echezuria makes you wonder just how he could be in this event in two years if Venezuela can make it there as he is 2011-born.

Cameroon definitely will not be happy about going 0-7. They can be pleased with how some of their players played. Ngangmeni can play at the level and Lenny Nouhet-Epesse Titi has some moments as did Jason Essoua with his rebounding and shotblocking.

Now we look ahead to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027 in Pardubice, Czechia before the next FIBA U17 World Cup in Athens in 2028.

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