Sensational Seven: The top stars of the 2018 U17 World Cup

ROSARIO/SANTA FE (FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018) - Many of the world's top young players have already wowed spectators over the first four editions of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. The 2018 edition in Rosario and Santa Fe will be more of the same as a number of tantalizing talents will be in Argentina ready to showcase their skills for the first time on the FIBA global stage.

Here are seven sensational youngsters to watch in Argentina this summer.

Oumar Ballo - Mali

This tournament will have some great big men and one of them is Oumar Ballo, who was the leading rebounder at the FIBA U16 Africa Championship 2017 with 12.8 boards a game to go with 14.4 points on 65 percent shooting in 21 minutes - as a 2002-born player. With US-based N'Faly Dante not joining Mali in Argentina, Ballo will be the leader for Mali after dominating at the youth levels in Europe with his Spanish club Canterbury.

Vernon Carey Jr. - United States

Vernon Carey Jr. was the MVP of the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2017 with 14.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in less than 16 minutes, and he will be one of the major leaders as United States go for a fifth straight U17 World Cup title. Carey, whose father is a former American Football NFL player, helped his high school University School reach the final of the Geico High School Nationals, losing to Montverde Academy and R.J. Barrett.

Killian Hayes - France

Following the departure of Luka Doncic to the NBA, Killian Hayes might be the European youngster garnering the most attention. Hayes, who won't turn 17 until late July, was the MVP of the FIBA U16 European Championship 2017 as he averaged 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.7 steals and has already signed a three-year professional contract with French ProA side Cholet. He will be part of an outstanding French trio with Theo Maledon and Malcolm Cazalon.

Jovan Kljajic - Montenegro

Jovan Kljajic is a pure battler and he helped Montenegro get to the FIBA U16 European Championship 2017 Final - and subsequently reach their first U17 World Cup. Kljajic, who averaged 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals at the U16 European competition, has already made his professional debut in the Spanish ACB with Gran Canaria and he played in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers in February, scoring two points to go with two rebounds in 18 minutes against Spain.

Addison Patterson - Canada

Addison Patterson is being billed as the next burgeoning superstar talent to come out of Canada. Patterson, who was named the MVP of the recent Americas Team Camp presented by Nike, played up at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2018 and averaged 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals. Now he joins his own age group and heads an ultra-talented Canada team.

Kai Sotto - Philippines

Kai Sotto was dominant in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2017 with 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.2 assists - despite being a year younger. The 7ft 1in (2.16m) big man has been included in the Philippines senior national team "23 for 23" pool of players looking ahead to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which will be co-hosted by Philippines.

Tamuri Wigness - Australia 

Tamuri Wigness might not be the tallest guy in Argentina but he might be one of the most exciting to watch. The Australian is super quick, has great handles and can really pass the ball as well. He helped Australia to the title at their first FIBA U16 Asian Championship with 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.0 steals.

FIBA