Basketball Without Borders Europe 2025 - Standout Prospects
Aug. 25, 2025
| By ScoutingUR
| Category: UndrRadar Spotlight
Date: August 12–15, 2025
Location: Manchester, UK
The 22nd edition of the BWB Europe Camp gathered 60 of the best high school-age players from across Europe. Over four days, participants competed in skill stations, contests, and 5-on-5 games under the guidance of NBA, WNBA, and FIBA coaches. We analyse 10 stand-out prospects.
Matthys Mahop (Guard - 6'5" - 2008 - France - PFBB)
Mahop displayed flashes of explosive scoring and athleticism, particularly effective in the mid-range and as a late-game shot maker. He showed confidence with pull-ups off the dribble and converted in clutch moments throughout camp. His shooting form looks promising, though he was somewhat hesitant from long range. In pick-and-roll situations, his passing demonstrated maturity, but he can occasionally force shots—continued growth in overall decision-making will be key.
Defensively, he brings a strong motor and the ability to anticipate passes with quick, active hands. His intensity on that end creates turnovers and extra possessions for his team.
Stefan Joksimovic (Guard - 6'6" - 2008 - Slovenia - Baskonia)
Joksimovic stood out as the MVP of the camp, impressing with his reliable outside shooting, creative playmaking, and high basketball IQ. He consistently showcased excellent vision and an ability to impact the game both as a scorer and facilitator. His physical tools, including a notable wingspan, enhanced his defensive presence and allowed him to influence both ends of the floor.
Though still developing physically, Joksimovic found ways to contribute effectively, scoring on all three levels while also setting up teammates with precision. His polish, versatility, and two-way impact established him as one of the most complete players in Manchester.
Emilis Zibuda (Guard - 6'6" - 2008 - Lithuania - DME Academy)
Zibuda displayed his shooting ability by winning the camp’s 3-Point Contest, showcasing a smooth stroke and confident range. Playing more as a two-guard than a primary creator, he combined flashes of scoring and passing with an intriguing frame.
His turnover rate and inconsistent decision-making limited his overall impact, raising questions about his long-term projection as a lead guard. Still, he has shown some ability to read defenses and make effective passes in pick-and-roll actions. Defensively, Zibuda flashed strong on-ball intensity, and with continued improvement in basketball IQ, he profiles as a very intriguing player moving forward.
Obinna Ekufu (Guard/Forward - 6'5" - 2008 - United Kingdom - Barking Abbey)
Ekufu earned Defensive MVP honors for his activity, effort, and consistent presence on that end of the floor. He excelled as a lockdown on-ball defender, using his physical tools to pressure ball handlers and disrupt offensive flow. His rebounding, hustle, and ability to create problems for opponents further highlighted his defensive value.
Offensively, his role remains limited. Ekufu needs to continue improving his shooting, decision-making, and ability to create in one-on-one situations. At times, he forced shots or made poor choices with the ball. Still, with added consistency on the offensive end, he has the potential to become a well-rounded and impactful two-way player.
Ricards Aizpurs (Guard/Forward - 6'5" - 2008 - Latvia - Stella Azzurra Roma)
One of the standout wings of the event, Aizpurs established himself as the most consistent shooter in Manchester. He excelled in catch-and-shoot situations, both stationary and on the move, and also showed flashes of one-on-one ability with potential to create shots off the dribble. His ability to get into the lane adds another layer to his offensive game.
Expanding his shooting versatility and improving creation off movement will be key next steps in his development. With continued growth in these areas, Aizpurs projects as a reliable floor-spacer with upside as a multi-level scorer.
Diego Niebla (Forward - 6'8" - 2008 - Spain - Real Madrid)
Niebla demonstrated a strong feel for the game, flashing creative passing vision and touch finishing around the basket. He also showed a promising ability to knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities, which should translate well as he develops.
However, he has a tendency to over-dribble and force plays, leading to sloppy turnovers at times. Improved decision-making will be a critical next step. Adding more consistency in the “little things”—such as rebounding effort, defensive intensity, and limiting mistakes—will raise his overall impact.
Given his skill level relative to his frame and physical tools, Niebla remains an intriguing prospect with upside if he continues to refine his game and play with discipline.
Teun van der Heijden (Forward - 6'9" - 2008 - Netherlands - Orange Lions Academy)
Van der Heijden brought size and strong instincts to the forward spots, showing the ability to attack off the dribble to his right and make reads as a passer. While not an elite athlete at this stage and still heavily reliant on his right hand, his feel for the game and positional versatility point toward a high-major college-level profile.
To reach that level, he will need to continue refining his shooting ability and developing greater one-on-one creation skills. With steady growth in these areas, Van der Heijden projects as a versatile forward with both offensive and defensive upside.
Maksim Brnovic (Forward - 6'10" - 2008 - Montenegro - KK Buducnost VOLI)
Brnovic provided valuable glue-guy qualities throughout the camp, excelling as an offensive rebounder, in transition, and as a defender—both on the ball and as a rim-protecting big. He also showed flashes of one-on-one creation, getting into the lane facing the basket, drawing fouls consistently, and displaying a surprising ability to handle the ball, suggesting future inside-outside potential.
With his physical tools, feel for the game, and developing skill set, Brnovic carries significant upside. Continued improvement as a shooter from multiple situations and refinement around the basket will be key to unlocking greater productivity and cementing his long-term impact—qualities that earned him a spot on the All-Star Team.
Ignas Stombergas (Forward - 6'10" - 2008 - Lithuania - Zalgiris)
Stombergas, a versatile forward, displayed the ability to finish through contact and create using subtle fakes and handoff actions. His frame and physical presence stand out as clear positives, allowing him to compete effectively on the interior.
At this stage, he lacks high-end explosiveness, and his perimeter shooting remains a work in progress. He currently projects as a 3/4 hybrid with intriguing long-term upside if his outside skills continue to develop. With his combination of size, feel, and inside-out potential, Stombergas is an intriguing prospect for colleges seeking a physical forward with strong basketball IQ at the high-major level.
Alfonso Rodriguez (Forward/Center - 6'9" - 2008 - Spain - Baloncesto Sevilla)
Rodriguez presented as a big-bodied forward who proved effective as a rolling finisher, showing soft touch around the rim with either hand. His size and feel allow him to create advantages in the paint, and he uses his body well to establish position.
While not relying on elite athleticism, Rodriguez showed the ability to impact the game with his touch and interior presence. Continued development of his shooting range and one-on-one post moves will further diversify his offensive skill set and make him a more versatile frontcourt option moving forward.
Honorable Mentions:
Ike Davids (Center - 6'10" - 2008 - United Kingdom - NBA Academy Australia)
Davids stood out for his relentless effort, high motor, and willingness to defend multiple positions. His improved hands and footwork were evident, and he made a decisive impact with a clutch game-winning catch and finish. His speed, quickness, and above-the-rim ability give him intriguing long-term upside as an energetic, versatile big.
While his passing is still developing and he can be prone to fouling when setting screens, Davids projects as a hardworking, athletic frontcourt player with the tools to impact the game on both ends. With continued refinement, his defensive versatility and motor make him a valuable prospect.
Lucas Sanchez (Guard - 6'4" - 2008 - Spain - Basquet Manresa)
Sanchez looked solid as both a guard creator and scorer. He consistently generated advantages off the dribble, attacking both right and left with ease, and paired this with good decision-making. While his shooting and playmaking volume need further testing, his physical and technical base makes him an intriguing backcourt prospect.