ANGT Belgrade Qualifier 2026 - Standout Prospects

March 24, 2026 | By ScoutingUR | Category: Tournament Review

 

The ANGT Belgrade qualifier, the fourth of the season, took place at the legendary Pionir arena. The tournament showcased some of the premier U18 talent in Europe, concluding with U18 Pole France INSEP Paris securing their spot in the ANGT Finals after a dominant 95–73 victory over Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. The talent level did not disappoint, featuring standout individual performances, notably Tournament MVP Nathan Soliman (Pole France), and several other prospects identified to track over the next few years as they take their next steps in their journey.

 

Date: 20-22 March 2026
Location: Pionir Hall — Belgrade, Serbia

 

 

Arbel Lachmanovich (Guard – 6'1" – 2008 – Israel – Maccabi Tel Aviv)

While potentially nearer his physical ceiling, remains a highly capable floor general. He displays a strong feel for the game and the ability to penetrate the paint using polished ball-handling. A versatile shooter both off the catch and the dribble (3/4 from deep in the final), he maintains an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio. A high-IQ guard who averaged 4.5 assists per game during the tournament, he stands at 181cm and relies on craft and three-level scoring potential rather than overwhelming physical tools.

 

Darius Karutasu (Guard – 6'7" – 2009 – Turkey - Anadolu Efes)

Darius Karutasu (#2, Anadolu Efes) established himself as arguably the premier prospect on his roster and a top-tier Turkish talent of his generation over the weekend, utilizing his elite length and physical tools. Operating as a versatile "point forward," he consistently filled the stat sheet and flashed significant defensive upside rooted in his expansive wingspan and high basketball IQ. Throughout the tournament, his offensive fluidness was evident; he proved to be an effective shooter with great lift, a reliable finisher at the rim, and a poised decision-maker in pick-and-roll sets. Despite visible struggles with fatigue as the tournament progressed, he maintained his standing as a top prospect with a translatable off-screen and pull-up game. To reach his ceiling, he will need to prioritize individual shot creation and tightening his ball-handling.

 

Lukas Nikola Bojovic (Guard – 6'6" – 2008 -  Slovenia - Partizan)

Drives to the basket effectively and possesses a strong finishing package. Physically more developed than many of the other guards, he possesses great quickness with the ball and a first step that allows him to get into the paint at ease. He impressed with his ability to score as both a ball-dominant guard and an off-ball shooter (9/21, 43% for the tournament). A key player to follow going forward.

 

Jovan Bikic (Guard – 6'7" – 2008 – Serbia – Crvena Zvezda)

Demonstrated his playmaking instincts and shot the ball effectively throughout the tournament, shooting 39% from beyond the arc. He projects as a high-floor, mid-major college prospect. While he put together a solid overall performance, he struggled at times in the final matchup against a highly physical Pôle France team, where his production dipped when faced with elite, matching physicality.

 

Matthys Mahop (Guard – 6'5" – 2008 – France – Pole France)

His physical profile continues to improve, though he currently possesses a limited feel as a primary point guard, functioning more effectively as a secondary ball handler and scorer. While he penetrates the paint with ease, he often lacks a Plan-B on drives if the initial path to the basket is cut off, occasionally resulting in turnovers when leaving his feet without a clear passing outlet. He also struggles to finish consistently when met with comparable physicality at the rim. However, he has made significant strides as a shooter, emerging as a consistent outside threat both off the catch and the dribble who demands gravity on the perimeter. Overall, he projects as a high-major prospect that should be a priority for high-major programs.

 

Aleksej Nedeljkovic (Guard – 6'7" – 2008 – Serbia – Crvena Zvezda)

Nedeljkovic was statistically the most impactful player of the event, ranking 1st overall in Performance Index Rating (PIR). He proved to be a consistent double-double threat, finishing the tournament 2nd in both scoring and rebounding.

He possesses good size and length for his position and displays a high basketball IQ, evidenced by his poise and decision-making. He is highly effective at getting into the paint and demonstrates the ability to score at all three levels, particularly as a pick-and-roll ball handler. Additionally, he made a significant impact on the glass, averaging just over 10 rebounds per game from the guard/wing spot. However, his shooting remains a major concern, as he finished the tournament 1/13 from 3PT range, which may impact his long-term developmental trajectory.

 

Klark Riethauser (Forward – 6'9" – 2008 – Switzerland – NGT Belgrade)

Possesses clear physical tools and projects as a strong two-way player with high-level dimensions. While his motor fluctuated throughout the tournament, his physical gifts for the next level are evident. He serves as a secondary scorer who provides high activity on the offensive glass. He is a continuously improving shooter who is beginning to score from the perimeter at a more consistent rate. Currently a two-level scorer, he projects as a highly intriguing high-major college prospect. Maintaining a high developmental trajectory into next year will be essential.

 

Junior Elouma (Small Forward – 6'7" – 2008 - France – Pole France)

One of the premier long-term physical prospects on the roster, possessing a rangy 6'7" frame and elite mobility that allows him to project as a high-level guard. He demonstrates a sophisticated feel for the game and natural passing instincts, complemented by the ability to score across two levels as both a primary driver and a versatile shooter. His catch-and-shoot capacity remains a standout trait, allowing him to produce at a high rate, as evidenced by an impressive 26.0 PIR in his most productive tournament outings. To reach his ceiling, he will need to leverage his length more effectively on the defensive end, tighten his ball-handling, and increase his overall 1-on-1 competitive intensity.

 

Bruno Solano (Forward – 6'6" – 2008 – Brazil– NGT Belgrade)

Opened the final game with a hot shooting hand. He possesses a strong physical profile but appears quite mature for his age, suggesting he may be closer to his physical ceiling than other prospects on the roster. He demonstrates the versatility to play inside-out, combining reliable shooting (46% from deep, 6/13 for the tournament) with the ability to rebound at a high rate. His defensive versatility is currently his most significant asset and will be the key element to monitor as he prepares for the next stages of his career.

 

Besir Briant (Forward – 6'9" – 2009 – Turkish/Nigerian – NGT Belgrade)

High-motor big man who impacts the game effectively on both ends of the floor. His finishing ability as a roller and diver is clear and projects well to the next level. He is expected to become even more robust as he adds functional upper and lower body strength. A versatile center/forward, he showcased his potential with an 11-point, 5-rebound performance against Crvena Zvezda, underpinned by elite interior efficiency (75% from 2PT range in select games). Raised his stock significantly at the tournament.

 

Messi Yangala (Forward – 6'8" – 2009 – France – Pole France)

Possesses an intriguing physical profile with the length and long strides that project well as a modern "4." One of the premier athletes in the field, he served as a vital engine for the tournament champions, providing elite athleticism and a consistent scoring punch. He ranked eighth overall in scoring and sixth in PIR, distinguishing himself as one of the most efficient finishers in Belgrade. While his production is elite, refining his shooting mechanics—specifically free-throw shooting—will be essential for his transition to the next level.

 

Nathan Soliman (Forward – 6'9" – 2009  - France – Pole France)

Premier NBA prospect (2009-born) with elite physical tools that project seamlessly to the modern "4" or "5" position. Standing 6'9", Soliman possesses high-level hands, fluid shooting mechanics, and advanced low-post skill, complemented by exceptional touch and passing vision for his size. While he needs to continue improving his defensive dynamism and closeout speed, his overall impact is undeniable.

Soliman secured tournament MVP honors after guiding Pôle France to a first-place finish, punctuated by a dominant championship performance of 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks (35 PIR). Throughout the qualifier, he demonstrated his versatile ceiling by ranking in the top 10 across scoring, rebounds, assists, and blocks, solidifying his status as a top international prospect for the 2028 NBA Draft

 

 

Tournament Stock Risers

 

Liam Kabeya (Guard – 6'3" –2010 – France – Pole France)

A 2010-born stock riser and the most promising guard prospect on the roster, offering high-level scoring potential across all three levels. Despite being one of the youngest participants at the ANGT Belgrade tournament, he plays with remarkable poise and a high feel for the game, consistently making sound decisions and maintaining a low turnover rate. His shooting confidence is backed by convincing mechanics that project well from distance, as evidenced by his 46% clip from deep (5/11 3PT) during the tournament. Although he remains physically slight and is still a long way from his physical ceiling, he is a capable and willing defender who demonstrates a strong ability to contain the ball while disrupting opponents with active hands.

 

Ayo Aduramo (Forward – 6'8" – 2010 - Nigeria – FMP Belgrade)

Raised his stock slightly over the tournament. 2010-born prospect who has been within the program for an extended period. While still very raw, he possesses an intriguing physical profile for his age. He displays high-level verticality and explosiveness on drives to the basket and remains a consistent threat on the glass. What stood out at this early stage was his defensive versatility, featuring light footwork and agility that allow him to contain both perimeter and interior players with a high success rate.

 

David Arefev (Forward – 6'9"– 2009 – Russia – FMP Belgrade)

One of the premier stock-risers of the tournament, drawing significant scout interest due to his shooting proficiency (54% on 7/13 3PT). An athletic lefty wing/big who operates primarily as a slasher, he also demonstrates a polished perimeter game. He consistently proved his ability to stretch the floor in spot-up and pick-and-pop situations. Possessing strong overall athleticism and a high feel for the game at the 4 position, he creates advantages through excellent off-ball movement and well-timed cuts. As a 2009-born prospect, he projects as a high-major college option. To further his development, he must improve his concentration and decision-making on the move, as he had several unforced passing errors that will need to be addressed.

 

Maor Sela (Forward –  6'8" – 2010 – Israel – Maccabi Tel Aviv)

2010-born prospect already making meaningful contributions at this level. He plays with a high motor and intensity, complemented by soft hands and a reliable finishing package around the rim. An active rebounder who averaged 8.7 PPG and 4.3 RPG in recent Belgrade circuit games, he stands 201cm and utilizes his energy to consistently impact the glass. Although he suffered a left ankle injury in the final game, his overall performance marks him as a notable stock riser.

 

 

Tournament MVP

 

Nathan Soliman (Forward – 6'9" – 2009 – France – Pole France)

  • Tournament Averages: 13.5 PPG | 7.0 RPG | 4.5 APG | 1.2 SPG | 1.2 BPG | 23.0 PIR

 

All-Tournament Team (All-Star 5)

 

  • Messi Yangala (Forward – 6'8" – 2009 – France – Pole France)

  • Aleksej Nedeljkovic (Guard – 6'7" – 2008 – Serbia – Crvena Zvezda) 

  • Klark Riethauser (Forward – 6'7" – Switzerland – NGT Belgrade) 

  • Lukas Nikola Bojovic (Guard – 6'6" – 2008 -  Slovenia - Partizan)

  • Nathan Soliman (Forward – 6'9" – 2009 – France – Pole France)

 

For our full tournament report on all the main prospects in attendance - please subscibe to our database - Player Database