SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA (Spain) — The group stage of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2025 produced no shortage of individual brilliance. From dominant big players to sharpshooting guards, here are eight players who have made the biggest impression through three games.
1. Maria Burliga (Poland)
Position: Power Forward | Age: 17 | Height: 6'1"
Burliga was the tournament's most complete player through the group stage, averaging 9.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game. Her all-around impact on both ends of the floor made her virtually impossible to game-plan against.
2. Adriana Diaz (Spain)
Position: Center | Age: 17 | Height: 6'0"
Playing in front of a home crowd, Diaz thrived — averaging 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on an efficient 59% from the field. Her composure in the post belied her age.
3. Anna Gardziella (Finland)
Position: Small Forward | Age: 17 | Height: 6'0"
The Finnish star was the group stage's most prolific scorer at 14.7 points per game, adding 5.0 rebounds. Her three-point shooting was particularly lethal: 52% on 11-for-21 attempts.
4. Annie Kibedi (Belgium)
Position: Forward | Age: 17 | Height: 6'2"
Kibedi's averages of 15.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 54% shooting were the most eye-popping of the group stage. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence was a matchup nightmare.
5. Anna Liepina (Latvia)
Position: Center | Age: 18 | Height: 6'3"
The tallest player on this list, Liepina dominated in the paint with 20.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, recording three consecutive double-doubles. Her 56.7% field goal percentage spoke to her efficiency around the basket.
6. Justine Loubens (France)
Position: Small Forward | Age: 18 | Height: 6'1"
Loubens was perhaps the most efficient scorer in the tournament, shooting an incredible 72% from the field (18-of-25) while averaging 12.7 points per game. Her ability to finish in traffic was world-class.
7. Nicole Ogun (Finland)
Position: Power Forward | Age: 18 | Height: 6'0"
Ogun provided Finland with inside presence and defensive intensity, averaging 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.7 steals. Her physicality set the tone for Finland's aggressive defensive approach.
8. Tjasa Turnsek (Slovenia)
Position: Forward | Age: 18 | Height: 6'2"
Turnsek matched Liepina's scoring average at 20.3 points per game while adding 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. The Slovenian forward was her team's engine and proved she belongs among Europe's best young players.
Many of these players will be eligible for the 2026 edition in Stockholm, setting the stage for another summer of exceptional talent and fierce competition.