The ongoing FIBA World Cup is an opportunity for some of the best young players in the world to showcase their potential on the big stage. Playing against veterans and established players is a chance to test your skills against the best players in the world. Apart from this, different playing styles, physicality, and approaches to the game give the young talents the opportunity to learn different ways of playing the sport, which will only accelerate their improvement.
There are some young players who are playing in the FIBA World Cup and have the opportunity to dominate the event. With so many young players looking to shine and impress, the competition will be fierce to be named the rising star of the FIBA World Cup. In this article, we will look at the top 6 contenders who can be named the rising stars for this year’s FIBA World Cup.
Top 6 Contenders for the Wanda Rising Star Award at the FIBA World Cup 2023 :
Nikola Jovic
The 20-year-old Nikola Jovia plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA, which means he is already in good hands. In the FIBA World Cup, he is representing Serbia and is one of the best young players in the world. He entered FIBA with NBA experience in both the regular season and playoffs. During his rookie season, Jovic struggled with his perimeter shot but would try to improve that in the tournament. As an NBA player who will be the main force behind his national team’s attack, Nikola has the chance to be recognized for his high skills.
Usman Garuba
The Spanish basketball forward Uman Garuba had the worst start to the FIBA World Cup as he was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving his immediate future uncertain. However, if Garuba can keep his future in mind and focus on the World Cup, he can turn out to be one of the most impressive young players in the tournament. Garuba is a versatile player with great defensive skills and strength. He is someone who knows how to cut angles and is also capable of switching between multiple positions. Around the basket, he poses a great threat and has amazing rebounding ability. Although there are more accomplished young prospects playing in the FIBA World Cup, none of them have as much motivation as Garuba to impress.
Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey is an Australian basketball player who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was picked by Oklahoma City in the 2021 NBA Draft. Giddey has displayed incredible processing speed and playmaking ability since entering the NBA. He is widely viewed as a future NBA star and has excelled during his first two seasons with the Thunder. Giddey continues to improve and is a potential triple-double threat. With his impressive size and positional ability to grab rebounds, he is a great young talent. FIBA will give him ample opportunity to be recognized as the best young player in the World Cup.
Zach Edey
The 21-year-old Zack Edey represented Canada in the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup. There, he averaged 15.1 points, leading his team to the bronze medal. Edey was also named to the all-tournament team. After receiving little traction in the pre-draft process, Edey withdrew from the 2023 draft to return to the collegiate ranks. Still, he has a great opportunity to improve his skills during the FIBA World Cup and prove himself to be one of the better young players in the world. Whether Zach eventually joins the NBA or chooses a career in Europe, a big tournament for Canada would definitely change Edey’s career prospects after the upcoming college season.
Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero entered the FIBA World Cup as the NBA’s 2022–23 Rookie of the Year. During his first season with the Orlando Magic, Banchero emerged as a good scorer, skilled rebounder, and physical defender, drawing comparisons to rising superstar Jayson Taum due to his Duke connections. In the FIBA World Cup, Banchero will face a different style of play and a wider variety of opponents. However, if he can play his natural game and continues to score good points in every game, the USA star will be the frontrunner for the Rising Star award.
Jean Montaro
The 20-year-old Jean Montaro is a Dominican professional basketball player. Montero made his national team debut for the Dominican Republic at the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Argentina, shortly before turning 14. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game and led his team to the fifth spot. At the Under-17 World Cup, Montero was two years younger than most of his opponents but gave them tough competition. In seven games, he averaged 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He helped the Dominican Republic finish in ninth place. Jean will be one of the prospects for the Wanda Rising star Award at the FIBA World Cup 2023.
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