Eight standout players of #FIBAU20Europe

KLAIPEDA / VILNIUS (Lithuania) - There were plenty of stellar individual displays at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023 as a glut of rising stars showcased the depth of current youth talent. 

Here's a selection of young guns who all stood out with their respective performances at the event. 

Carla Leite - France

GUARD

Height: 1.75m / 5ft 9in 
Birth Date: April 16, 2004 (19 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 18.4 PPG; 4.3 APG; 3.6 RPG

Always likely to be a leader, Leite was the baller that proved to be the centerpiece of a France that that impressively navigated their way through the competition unbeaten to claim an overdue title. The MVP crown was inevitable after a string of super performances based on her scoring and creative ability, but the fact she showed her clutch mentality. Not least, when their entire campaign was hanging in the balance during the critical Quarter-Final overtime win against Italy.

Vanesa Jasa - Latvia

FORWARD

Height: 1.78m / 5ft 10in 
Birth Date: July 9, 2003 (20 years old)

Tournament Statistics: 19.0 PPG; 5.0 APG; 3.0 APG

Jasa was the main reason Latvia were able to celebrate a memorable and historic campaign which saw them reach a first Final and attain their highest ever finish. She was the second top scorer in the competition and underlined the benefit of having logged EuroLeague Women minutes. The 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game also showed her input was not just points on the scoreboard.

Matilde Villa - Italy

GUARD

Height: 1.70m / 5ft 7in 
Birth Date: December 9, 2004 (18 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 18.9 PPG; 6.7 RPG; 4.9 APG; 2.6 SPG - 23.4 EFF

Villa was exceptional throughout. It was a breathtaking display and having the highest efficiency in the tournament demonstrates this. Her overall numbers are unrivaled and she came close to taking Italy past France and into the Semi-Finals. It was a classy show and having played at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, this summer and particularly this tournament has cemented her status as Italy's leader at the senior level during the coming years. 

Noa Morro - Spain

CENTER

Height: 1.90m / 6ft 3in 
Birth Date: December 2, 2004 (18 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 7.1 PPG; 54.3 %; 8.3 RPG

From a statistical standpoint, the numbers of Morro are not significant in terms of their overall ranking, but the All-Star Five place was awarded for her consistency, smart shot selection and defensive capability.  Indeed she was the most efficient player for the bronze medalists and also Spain's top rebounders. Many fans and observers of the game will be pleased that a player like Morro who does such a great job for the team attained individual recognition. 

Dunja Zecevic - Serbia

CENTER

Height: 1.86m / 6ft 1in 
Birth Date: Jun 5, 2004 (19 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 10.6 PPG; 7.9 RPG; 2.0 SPG

At times it was up and down for Zecevic and Serbia who undoubtedly had a roller-coaster campaign. While the huge loss against Spain in the Third Place game was a disappointing ending, it should not dilute the excitement around the potential of their frontcourt star who attained All-Star Five status. With the senior team looking to inject new blood, the forward may have put herself in the mix during these next few years with this tournament display.

Luize Sila - Latvia

FORWARD

Height: 1.88m / 6ft 2in 
Birth Date: August 17, 2004 (18 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 11.6 PPG; 50.8 FG; 7.4 RPG

Latvia's maiden silver medal was of course a team effort, even if it was headlined by Jasa and alongside her, Sila made sure they were able to deliver a heavy one-two punch to lead the charge. Unfortunate not to squeeze her way onto the All-Star Five, she was surely next in line for that honor. Her scoring touch behind some super smart shooting choices and rebounding at both ends of the floor was vital to Latvia's landmark campaign.

Hila Karsh - Israel

GUARD

Height: 1.75m / 5ft 9in 
Birth Date: June 30,  2004 (18 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 14.6 PPG; 5.3 RPG; 2.4 APG

What a tournament it was for Israel who have predominantly been a Division B nation. However, this time they showed they can stand with the best and secured their highest ever finish after making the Quarter-Finals for the first time. They also swept aside Turkey on the last day to take seventh and it was Karsh that brought the noise. Her do-it-all approach was the signature aspect of her team's historic efforts and a future senior team career now looks a lock.

Division B

Frieda Buhner - Germany

FORWARD

Height: 1.86m / 6ft 1in 
Birth Date: May 28, 2004 (19 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 19.2 EFF; 14.2 PPG; 9.5 RPG; 2.5 SPG

Buhner only just missed out on the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division B title in Craiova, but the Germany star was still recognized as the MVP. Excellent for her country at the recent FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Madrid, she continued that form and had the second best performance efficiency valuation in the competition and came close to delivering a tournament double-double. 

FIBA