Who was the MVP of each group?

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - The FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 has given hoops fans plenty of great highlights. Before we tip off the Final Phase with the Round of 16, let's look at who were the MVPs of each of the four groups and their highlights so far.

Group A - Izan Almansa - Spain

20.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, 63 percent field-goal shooting, 92 percent free throw shooting

 

Almansa leads Spain in scoring and rebounds and has only been getting better each game, his efficiency jumping from 17 in the first game to 21 in the second and 24 in the third game. He has been the rock inside for Spain, who showed why they are one of the top challengers for the title (3 wins in 3 games).

Group B - Tre Johnson - USA

15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game, 58 percent field-goal shooting, 50 percent three-point shooting

 

Johnson hasn't shown his age (17) as he has been one of USA's leaders, topping the team in scoring and efficiency (19.0). Johnson has been dynamite from long range - hitting 7-of-14 three-pointers. He also showed he can step up in big moments with all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter as USA rallied from 11 points down in the final period against Slovenia to keep a perfect record (3-0).

Group C - Ilija Milijasevic - SRB

18.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.3 steals per game, 43 percent three-point shooting

 

Milijasevic leads Serbia in scoring, assists and steals, ranking second in the competition in assists and tops in steals. While he was solid in Serbia's first and third games, the point guard came up big in the important win over Brazil with 21 points on 5 three-pointers,  9 assists and 4 steals. Serbia has not lost a game.

Group D - Berke Buyuktuncel - Turkey

12.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game, 53 percent two-point field-goal shooting, 83 percent free throw shooting

 

Buyuktuncel leads Turkey in scoring, rebounds, and blocks and ranks second in assists. The forward is tied at first in the tournament in rebounds and has already picked up two double-doubles. Buyuktuncel was crucial in Turkey's hard-fought win over Korea with 15 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks. Turkey was 3-0 in Group Phase.

FIBA