A new era of college basketball has arrived, and with it, a shift in the international draft landscape. What many in the global basketball community anticipated before the season has become reality: several top international prospects have become NCAA prospects, leaving international basketball in a state of flux. Players like Johann Grunloh, Dame Sarr, and Neoklis Avdalas have moved on to NCAA ball, weakening the international crop. Still, even with this talent drain, there remains a group of players with intrigue.
1. Karim Lopez (6’8″, SF, 2007, New Zealand Breakers)
Lopez has begun to solidified himself as a potential lottery pick over the past year. His decision to join the NBL’s Next Stars program has proven to be the right one. Lopez is a truly modern wing with the size and versatility to play multiple positions. While he may not “wow” you with highlight-reel plays every night, he is remarkably effective, holding his own against grown men in the highly competitive NBL. Lopez is a two-way player with a great feel for the game, possessing a smooth perimeter shot and the athleticism to attack off the dribble. He is a catch-and-shoot threat who has also shown promise as a secondary creator. The fact that he’s already thriving in a pro environment at just 18 years old speaks volumes about his potential and maturity.
2. Dash Daniels (6’5″, SG, Melbourne United, 2007)
The name “Daniels” is already synonymous with defensive intensity and professional readiness, and Dash is well on his way to following in his brother Dyson’s footsteps. His decision to join the NBL Next Stars program has proven fortuitous. Dash, has all the makings of a top level defender, is a versatile wing who is already an elite defender at the pro level, capable of guarding multiple positions with his long arms and quick feet. While his offense remains a work in progress, he has a solid foundation and has shown flashes of being a dynamic creator. It’s his raw, unteachable athleticism and defensive prowess that makes scouts so excited. He is a high-upside swing, but with his defensive floor and… DNA, it makes sense for him to be an intriguing prospect. Furthermore in an exhibition game versus the New Orleans Pelicans, The 17-year-old came off the bench and played 27 minutes, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal on 5-for-10 shooting. But what was more impressive was that he held the Pelicans’ 7th overall pick Jeremiah Fears to just 3-of-15 shooting from the field while forcing five turnovers. A performance that NBA scouts will be sure to remember as they consolidate their rankings during the pre draft process.
3. Miikka Muurinen (6 ’10, PF, Partizan Belgrade, 2007)
Miikka is a modern stretch big who runs the floor fluidly, a combination NBA teams value highly. He first emerged on the radar at the U16 level for Finland during EuroBasket (link to write-up), where he displayed his feathery shooting touch and long-term upside. He later moved to the United States, spending time at Sunrise Christian, competing in the ANGT Dubai event (link here), playing for Brad Beal Elite’s U16 team during their 2024 championship run (Session 4 write-up here), and eventually suiting up for AZ Compass Prep. During this stretch he faced an adjustment period both to the American style of play and to a new cultural environment which led to natural ups and downs, though he ultimately rose to consensus 5-star status at AZ Compass. Concerns about his maturity, defensive motor, and physicality lingered among NBA scouts who watched him live at events we attended including HoopHall West last January (link here). His stock rose significantly this past summer after a series of highlight-level performances with Finland at the 2025 EuroBasket Championships where he scored 53 points in 89 minutes and helped Finland finish fourth. Following that momentum, he chose to end his high school career early and sign with Partizan Belgrade in the ABA League where he plays with both the senior team and the U19 squad. With Partizan he continues to display high-flying dunks and smooth three-point shooting, and all available intel indicates he will be draft eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft as a projected pick. Scouts will continue monitoring his fundamentals such as defensive rebounding and screen setting which were inconsistent at the prep level.
4. Luigi Suigo (7’2″, C , BC Mega MIS, 2007)
Suigo is the type of big man who is hard to find. At 7’2″, with solid mobility and a surprisingly fluid offensive game. He has a soft touch around the rim and is already showing signs of being a perimeter threat. The possibility of being a 7 foot stretch big is tantalizing for NBA personnel. While he still has to bulk up as he gets pushed under the basket at times both on the defensive and offensive glass and become more efficient from deep, his unique combination of size, mobility, and skill makes him an interesting long-term project. He is heavily linked to playing NCAA next season and already had visits last year with Illinois and Indiana and likely will opt that route instead of the NBA option for next season.
5. Adam Atamna (6’5″, G, ASVEL, 2007)
Atamna is a high-scoring guard from France who turned heads in the international youth circuits last season and is playing at the top level of the French League and getting a cup of tea at the Euroleague level for ASVEL. He is an elite shot-maker who can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s off the dribble, in the pick-and-roll, or as a spot-up shooter. His scoring ability and proficiency in catch and shoot situations is a major draw for scouts, but he will need to prove his defense and playmaking can translate to the next level.
6. Sergio De Larrea (6’6″, G, Valencia, 2005)
After being eligible for the 2025 draft but wisely choosing to withdraw, Sergio De Larrea is a prime candidate to be a late first-round selection in 2026. The high-IQ Spanish guard is a master of the pick-and-roll and possesses great court vision. He has already proven his ability to hold his own against veteran competition, showcasing a mature game that belies his age. While his athleticism by NBA standards is a slight question mark, his craftiness and high basketball IQ allow him to get to his spots. His professional seasoning in both the Spanish league and International stage has given him a head start on most of his peers. If he can continue to improve his perimeter shooting, he has a legitimate chance to be a high-end starter in the NBA.
7. Malique Lewis 6’7 F, (South East Melbourne Phoenix, 2004)
Lewis was one of the better athletes at the 2025 Eurocamp in Treviso, flashing his explosive leaping ability, long frame, and intriguing physical tools that caught scouts’ attention. He ultimately withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft despite drawing some early interest, choosing instead to continue developing in Australia with South East Melbourne Phoenix, where he is averaging 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Lewis is a long, athletic wing with good strength and defensive potential, but he remains raw for his age, particularly in terms of shooting touch, feel, and overall offensive consistency. He has the physical profile teams look for, yet his NBA outlook will depend heavily on how much his perimeter skill set and decision-making improve. If he can become more efficient and polish his offensive game, he has an outside shot to be drafted, most likely in the late second-round range.
8. Ognjen Srzentic (6’7″, SF, Mega Mis, 2007)
Srzentic is a Serbian forward with intriguing size and two-way potential who made a strong impression during last year’s ANGT, boosting his profile among international scouts. He is a well-rounded player with a high basketball IQ, good positional feel, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways rather than relying on any single standout skill. Srzentic shows promise as a versatile defender who can read actions and use his frame effectively, while offensively he plays within himself, makes smart decisions, and has growing confidence as a shooter and secondary playmaker. With ample opportunity at Mega Mis this season, he has the platform to showcase a more complete version of his game and continue climbing scouting board
9. Noa Kouakou-Heugue (6’9″, PF, Perth Wildcats, 2007)
This French forward just oozes with potential. A long, ultra mobile and athletic forward, Kouakou-Heugue has all the physical tools to become a high-level defensive player at the pro level. His rawness and offense and lack of core strength is something that he needs to grow in. His ongoing development in Australia’s NBL is a question with limited playing time and rumors that he was headed back to play at the pro level in France. It is now a wait and see approach for scouts on how he will persevere in face of adversity. However, things change fast in this game with his raw athleticism as he is a player who could easily shoot up draft boards with a strong season.
10. Michael Ruzic (6’10”, F, Joventut Badalona, 2006)
The Croatian forward is a versatile player who has been on the international radar for years, showing early signs of polish with his size, skill, and ability to stretch the floor. Once considered a potential first-round prospect, Ruzic has dealt with injuries that slowed his momentum, and he is not the most athletic or quickest forward in his class. Even so, his offensive feel and shooting touch remain clear strengths, and he has long projected as the kind of player who could carve out a reliable long-term role in the NBA. To regain the early hype, he will need to return to higher levels of productivity and show that he can stay healthy while impacting games with the same confidence and efficiency he displayed earlier in his development.
11. Mouhamed Faye (6’10”, C, Paris Basketball, 2005)
Faye is a physical forward from Senegal whose profile is built around his defensive intensity and ability to rebound the ball. He has a high motor and is an imposing physical presence in the paint (measured with a 7’4 wingspan in Treviso last Spring). While his offensive game is still a work in progress, his defensive prowess and strength are undeniable. Playing roughly 17 minutes per game for Paris at the Euroleague level Mouhamed is a player who will have high level experience that the NBA will value. He could find a role in the NBA as a high-motor big man who can protect the rim and do the dirty work.
12. Ben Henshall (6’5″, SG/SF, Perth Wildcats, 2004)
After withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft, Henshall is an example of a player who is betting on himself. He has a mature, pro-ready game with good size for his position. Henshall can knock down shots and has a knack for scoring, but he will need to prove he can be more of a consistent playmaker and finisher to rise in the draft. His experience in the NBL and his work on improving his efficiency will be key to his draft stock.
Keep an eye on:
Mohammad Amini 6’7 Forward, Sluc Nancy (2005)
Mohammad is now in his second full season in the top French league and has shown early improvement as a perimeter shooter, climbing above 35 percent from three. His high basketball IQ and extensive experience, including being a mainstay for Iran and competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, help differentiate him from many prospects his age. After declaring for the draft, taking part in the 2024 Eurocamp in Treviso, and completing several pre-draft workouts, he remains firmly on NBA radars. One team notably monitoring his progress is the Milwaukee Bucks.
Asim Djulovic 6’8 Forward, Mega MIS (2005)
Asim earned his first call-up to the Serbian senior national team last February and was invited to the 2024 Eurocamp in Treviso. He moved to Mega MIS for the 2025–26 season and has quickly become the team’s preferred wing scorer, averaging nearly 11 points per game. He continues to be reliable from the free-throw line, though improving his consistency from beyond the arc will be important to unlocking more of his offensive ceiling.
Lazar Gacic 7’0 Center, Mega MIS (2005)
Gacic has carved out a role as a frontcourt scoring option for Mega MIS’s senior team. His touch around the basket and strong free-throw shooting have always been a source of intrigue. However, he still needs to add strength, as he is a below-average rebounder for his size and offers limited rim protection. Offensively, increased proficiency as a spot-up shooter would boost his outlook, given the promise he has shown from the charity stripe.
Diego Garavaglia 6’7 Forward, Ratiopharm Ulm (2007)
Garavaglia is an Italian wing with excellent size for his position and a strong feel for the game. At the youth levels, both in club play and at FIBA events, he has distinguished himself with impressive “stocks” production, making him a favorite among analytics-driven scouts. Offensively, he can score at all three levels and thrives either as a catch-and-shoot threat or a finisher at the rim. He is also a willing passer. Playing for Ulm, a club well-known for developing NBA prospects, should accelerate his growth.
Tobias Jensen 6’6 Guard, Ulm (2004)
A once-hyped prospect who is beginning to re-emerge, Jensen is averaging a little over 11 points per game while competing in EuroCup play. His appeal lies in his combination of height and the ability to play as a lead guard. While his scoring efficiency remains inconsistent, he has shown defensive value through deflections and steals. Improvement in his outside shooting and assist-to-turnover ratio will be key areas scouts continue to monitor.
Mathias M’Madi 6’4 Combo Guard, Free Agent (2005)
M’Madi is a French-Malagasy guard known for his scoring instincts and playmaking ability. He impressed during a strong pre-draft workout with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024 and remains on NBA radars. He is an aggressive on-ball creator who can generate offense for himself and others, but streaky shooting and inconsistent production against top competition remain areas of concern. His next landing spot will determine how quickly he can regain momentum as a prospect.
Zacharie Perrin 6’9 Power Forward, Hamburg Towers (2004)
Perrin transitioned from the French league to the BBL this season and has emerged as a genuine double-double threat, averaging 12.5 points and over seven rebounds per game while also producing in EuroCup competition. He is a strong rebounder with some stretch-big potential thanks to his soft left-handed touch. The main drawback is his defense, as he provides limited rim protection and struggles to generate deflections. These concerns lower his chances of earning NBA opportunities without meaningful improvement.
Alexandros Samodurov 6’11 Power Forward, Panathinaikos (2005)
Samodurov is a familiar name in international scouting circles. A versatile forward with good size, he offers a developing all-around offensive skill set and competes with effort on the glass. His defensive fundamentals and willingness to handle small responsibilities make him intriguing, but he still needs greater consistency on both ends. After a couple of uneven seasons, this year appears to be his best chance to reinsert himself into the draft conversation. He is also regarded as a likely candidate to pursue the NCAA route next season.
Assane Sankare 6’9 Power Forward, RivieraBanca Rimini (2007)
The MVP of the 2024 Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Paris has returned from a year-long absence due to knee surgery. With a 7’3.5 wingspan and experience at both ANGT and the Treviso Eurocamp, Sankare remains one of the more physically intriguing young bigs in Europe. Teams will track whether he can regain his pre-injury mobility and whether he has added any perimeter shooting since his return.
Talis Soulhac 6’2 Point Guard, ADA Blois (2006)
Soulhac has drawn early attention from scouts as a tough, confident combo guard with good feel and scoring instincts. He competes fearlessly and can make plays for teammates, but inconsistent outside shooting and limited size mean he must prove he can finish and defend against top-tier athletes. Unfortunately, his season is currently on hold due to an irregular heartbeat. His long-term health is the primary concern, and the hope is for a full recovery.
**Eric Guilleminault contributed to this report
