By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
The continent’s best national teams will compete in Eurobasket 2025, which kicks off on August 27. Thirty-two teams will fight for the title, featuring top stars, veterans, emerging talents, and under-the-radar youngsters who promise to break the door sooner than expected.
With several teams entering a transition process, we’re taking a look at six young players to watch in the summer tournament. Some will be making waves sooner rather than later.
Miikka Muurinen (Finland, 2007)
Miikka Muurinen is one of the most talented young players on the scene. At just 18, he has received offers from top NCAA schools (Duke, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, etc.). He grew up at Arizona Compass Prep, one of the most prestigious schools in the United States, and joined Zentro Basket Madrid in 2015.
18-year-old Miikka Muurinen wasting no time in his first appearance with Finland this summer 🇫🇮#EuroBasket x @basketfinland pic.twitter.com/QwIwoXjhfw
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) August 21, 2025
At 6’0″ (2.08m), he’s athletically sensational, combining a constant threat near the rim with solidity on the move and a breakthrough off the dribble, along with sensational defensive skills. In Finland, clearly led by Lauri Markkanen, he’ll have the opportunity to show what he’s capable of at the Eurobasket. He’s one to watch in the 2026 draft, with the potential to be a top-10 pick.
Spectacular, living up to the definition of a ‘unicorn’ and the hope for the present and future of Finnish basketball. An NBA prospect that’s growing every day.
Tarik Hrelja (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igokea, 2006)
The massive losses in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dzanan Musa, Luka Garza, Xavier Castañeda) leave room for the youngsters to shine. And that’s the case for Tarik Hrelja, a player who has dominated in the ANGT and U18 SC Derby Podgorica to earn a chance with the first team.
At 1’97, he’s capable of playing shooting guard, small forward, and power forward. A rock star on the rebound, he creates his own points and can contribute right away. The team’s leader in the youth categories, and at 19, he’s facing the opportunity of a lifetime at Eurobasket 2025.
Mario Saint-Supery (Spain, Gonzaga, 2006)
The opportunity Mario Saint-Supery has before him is sensational. The “lack” of point guards in Spain is pushing the Malaga native, who is coming off a sensational year at BAXI Manresa and will play in Gonzaga, to be a key player for Scariolo. He was injured against France in preparation and will replace Alberto Díaz, who ultimately won’t be there.
Explosive, mature, and with an unusual background considering he was born in 2006, the Spanish point guard will have significant playing time at Eurobasket 2025. Next season, he will wear the jersey of the Bulldogs, an iconic university in the West Coast Conference and the NCAA. A distinctive physique in the Spanish basketball scene.
Sergio de Larrea (Spain, Valencia Basket, 2005)
Sergio de Larrea seems to have been with the National Team for years, and this is his first major tournament. The Valencia Basket point guard, who will compete in the Euroleague next season, will be the starting point guard for Sergio Scariolo, who trusts him. His intelligence, composure, and combination of height (2 meters) and ability to find teammates make him unique and special. One of the best prospects in European basketball in recent years.
Under Pedro Martínez, he has been vital in the Eurocup and ACB, and at 19 years old, he could be a starter for the current European champions. He has come from solid training, gaining experience and showing the world what he is capable of.
Saliou Niang (Italy, Virtus Bologna, 2004)
Saliou Niang is an ace up Italy’s sleeve. The youngster, fresh off a brilliant performance in Trentino, will play for Virtus next season, receiving the EuroLeague opportunity he’s fought for so hard. His ability to create on offense, his energy, and his physicality set him apart.
In an under-the-radar team with big names (Procida, Fontecchio, Gallinari), Niang represents the future. At 6’11”, his wingspan and intelligence also make him incisive on the rebound, powerful in passing lanes, and capable of defending multiple positions.
Alexandros Samodurov (Greece, Panathinaikos, 2005)
Samodurov has been knocking on the door for years, hoping to knock on it soon. The Panathinaikos youth player, one of the future talents of Greek basketball, has the ability to play multiple positions and has experience with one of Europe’s best teams.
Having so many stars at his side helps him hone all areas of his game. In a national team with Giannis as a reference, the veterans facing their final tournament, and a Spanoulis who trusts each of his players, Samodurov, at 6’10”, could have minutes to shine at the Eurobasket.