Australia's under-18 National Championships always matter, but this year's event carried a little more weight.
It's because there's the looming shadow of selection for the national team ahead of the 2026 FIBA under-17 World Cup in June, so the tournament doubled as both a proving ground and a stress test for the country's best junior talent. Yes, there was an eye on who performed best among the country's best 2009 and 2010 born talent, but it also featured an element of finding the players who fit the style and identity Australia wants to take onto the world stage.
There are obvious headline names in this cohort, and WA Metro's Luke Paul remains the central figure after his rise over the past year. But what stood out to Australian under-17 national team head coach Greg Vanderjagt over the course of the week-long tournament in Brisbane was the strength of the next layer of athletes.
"The depth of talent is really good," Vanderjagt told ESPN.
"There's the top-end of talent, and we all know who that is. The second tier of talent at this tournament has been really impressive. The willingness to compete, play with pace and physicality are definitely things we've liked as a staff. Looking ahead to the World Cup, there's enough depth across multiple positions, with players who can play across multiple positions, that excites us as well."
Victoria Metro defeated NSW Metro in the gold medal game of the U18 Nationals -- which unfolded in the middle of April -- and the tournament did end up playing a pivotal role in informing who may be selected for that junior Australian national team for the World Cup, which takes place in Istanbul, Türkiye from June 27 to July 5.
ESPN was on-site throughout the U18 Nationals in Brisbane; here's who stood out, and how it all feeds into the Australian under-17 national team's World Cup outlook.
Luke Paul - 6'6 PG (WA Metro)
Paul remains the clear headliner of this group, and the reasons are easy to see.
At his size, he brings a unique blend of pace, poise, and natural feel for the game; he controls the tempo at a high level, and showed why he's the primary lead guard of this cohort and the youngest player to ever sign a contract with the NBL's Next Stars program.
It was particularly useful to see Paul in this tournament setting, where every defence was geared toward loading up on him. One of the more encouraging signs from the event was the way he handled that extra attention. Teams were happy to get unconventional in trying to take him out of rhythm -- we even saw a box-and-one coverage on him in his first game -- but Paul consistently showed he could solve problems on the fly. He processed the game quickly, making good reads while, for the most part, showing a mature sense of when to press and when to let the game come back to him. That problem-solving element is a big part of what makes him such a high-level prospect.
Defensively, he also had some impressive moments. Being physically gifted for the position is one thing, but his IQ clearly translates to the defensive end with the timing he showed on block attempts and playing the passing lanes. He averaged 16.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and a tournament-high 5.6 assists, as well as 1.9 steals and 1.8 blocks per game over the course of the week.
By this point -- after evaluating Paul for a few years -- it's clear what makes him such an elite prospect. Paul has great positional size as a 6'6 point guard, is extremely high-level going downhill, is an elite processor of the game, and uses a craftiness and underrated athleticism to get to his spots in the half-court, where he'll either show his impressive passing game or scoring knack around the paint area.
If there's still a point of emphasis, it's that he can be a little too unselfish. There are times when he passes up the three-point shot and looks to facilitate when the better play is to be assertive with his shot, or to get his head on the rim. He finished the tournament with a three-point rate of 6.1%; ideally, that number is closer to the 20%-30% mark. That is, of course, a relatively minor quibble in the context of a player who still looks like the foundational piece of this age group, but a notable one for someone with substantial potential.
Given the elite skill set Paul brings to the table, it comes as no surprise that Vanderjagt plans to use the way the big point guard plays as a framework when building the under-17 Australian team.
"Luke's a special talent, and everybody's aware of that," Vanderjagt said.
"He showed that at the under-16 Asia Cup; that was sort of his coming out party, winning MVP of that tournament. It's put him on the world stage, and everybody around the world is acutely aware of who he is.
"It also gives us a piece that helps us frame the style of what the group's strength is. Luke's strength is playing downhill with pace. So, Antonio Browne: elite open court player. John Aryang: elite open court player. Yahya [Basaran] comes into the squad after not being available last year; Alex Mabbott has had a great year at Spire Academy in the US."
Antonio Browne - 6'5 G (NSW Metro)
Browne looked every bit like a guard built for the style Australia wants to play at the upcoming World Cup.
Browne was one of the best downhill creators in the tournament, demonstrating an impressive ball-handling package as he consistently froze defenders and got two feet in the paint. Once he got to the rim, his vision really opened the floor up, creating advantages for himself and his teammates (he led the tournament with a 31.2% assist rate).
He averaged 16 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game through the tournament, with his ability to change gears well and see windows, while demonstrating a deft touch around the rim, standing out.
It also shouldn't be overlooked that he was the lead guard on a team that advanced to the gold medal game, and did it against quality opposition. Running a successful team in a tournament environment says something about decision-making, composure, and leadership, especially at this age, so that was another really positive indicator to take away from these Nationals.
John Aryang - 6'8 F (WA Metro)
Aryang was one of the biggest stock-risers at the tournament.
The 6'8 forward's point of difference was his very functional athleticism, while the skill development has clearly come along extremely quickly. He ran the floor hard, finished (and blocked shots) above the rim, and played with the kind of physical presence that changed how teams defend in transition. Aryang was already known as a high-level athlete and rim runner from earlier age-group settings, but he showed off a much broader offensive package at these Nationals; that was a pleasant surprise, considering he'd just returned from a significant leg injury. There were similarities to Pascal Siakam with his movement and paint finishing, with the development of his touch particularly intriguing. He showed real comfort finishing with either hand and gave glimpses of halfcourt creation that were not as evident the last time we evaluated him.
That matters because it shifts the evaluation from pure energy big to a much more modern forward/big hybrid; though, at his size, it'll be good to see more development in his perimeter game so he could slot into one of those wing positions more seamlessly. In saying that, Aryang's jumper also looked improved, and even the willingness to take those shots is meaningful for projection.
If the offensive skill growth is real and continues, Aryang becomes one of the more fascinating long-term prospects in the group. For the immediate U17 World Cup context, his open-floor impact alone makes him a highly appealing fit.
Lucas Byrne - 6'4 F (VIC Country)
Byrne was one of the most consistently productive players in the tournament, and it remains a joy to watch him compete.
As he's shown over the course of his junior career, Byrne played with a relentless work rate, ran the floor hard, and impacted possessions through activity even when the ball wasn't in his hands. Byrne also showed an elite nose for the ball, especially on the offensive glass, which alone made him one of the most impactful players in this tournament, but there was more to his game than just energy.
There's a reason Byrne was the tournament's second-leading scorer at 22.8 points, to go with 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game; his touch around the paint was very good, there were flashes of a genuine creation skill set as well, and he shot the ball at an incredibly high clip. Byrne is an impressive athlete in a way that translates to Australia's preferred style: real speed in the open floor and a willingness to play with pace at all times. The efficiency also jumped off the page, and removes some reservations of Byrne being an undersized -- 6'4 -- forward; he shot 56% from downtown, on just under three attempts per game.
Players who generate extra possessions without needing designed touches can be hugely valuable in FIBA play, with his now-renowned motor still his elite skill. As a long-term prospect, there's no telling what type of player Byrne will end up becoming, especially if the three-point shooting he showed at Nationals is real, but he sure made a very strong case to be on the plane to Türkiye for the U17 World Cup.
Yahya Basaran - 7'1 C (VIC Metro)
Players like Basaran are always just ideas until we see how they function in tournament play, and how he performed for the gold-medal winning VIC Metro team was mightily encouraging.
The 7-footer's footwork was what stood out right away; he looked more composed in the paint, more deliberate with his touches, and generally more patient with his counters in the post on the offensive end.
Basaran was particularly effective on the offensive glass, creating a heap of extra possessions for his team; he averaged 10.2 rebounds (5.5 offensive, and a 24.6% offensive rebound percentage), to go with his 13.9 points per game. Impressively, he put up that high level of production in just 20.2 minutes a contest. His mobility for size was another plus, with his ability to get up and down the floor well enough suggesting he can function in a higher-tempo style, which is particularly important for this Australian team going into the U17 World Cup in his home country.
You can't buy Basaran's size, and he has the base skill set -- and has demonstrated a ton of positive development indicators -- that makes him one of Australia's most intriguing long-term prospects. He proved to be a force at these Nationals that was difficult to contain; the next step will be demonstrating that level of effectiveness on the world stage in June.
Will Hamilton - 6'5 (VIC Country)
Alongside Byrne, Hamilton formed one of the more productive frontcourt pairings in the tournament. There was a genuine two-headed-monster feel to the way the pair of VIC Country forwards combined energy, toughness, and second-effort production.
Hamilton's appeal remains tied to the same qualities that have worked for him as he's climbed levels: physicality, effort, functional power, and athleticism. He was a solid rebounder throughout the tournament and continued to show that his power game still translates. Some young frontcourt players lose effectiveness as the competition gets bigger and more athletic, but Hamilton has stayed ahead of the curve, averaging 17.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for a very good VIC Country team.
A particularly encouraging sign was the shooting. He finished at just under 30% from downtown, but looked willing to take the three consistently, making enough to suggest it is becoming a more credible part of his game. If he can continue to stretch the floor even modestly, it makes the rest of his interior work more valuable.
Isaiah Jorgenson - 6'7 (Queensland South)
Jorgenson brought one of the more interesting all-around player profiles in the tournament.
Here, we have a 6'7 forward who has a vast skill set: he's shown the ability to score the ball in a multitude of ways -- including as a catch-and-shoot guy from beyond the three-point line -- crashes the glass at a high level, can score through traffic at the rim, and has demonstrated some creation off the bounce. Jorgenson averaged 19.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game at these Nationals; he's the type of prospect that has so many tools, but it's just the matter of putting it all together so he can make a consistent impact as he progresses through his junior career.
Jorgenson rebounds and pushes the ball himself, which immediately adds a layer of pace to any lineup, showing a reasonable ball-carrying element to his game from one of the forward positions.
One big evaluative question is physical projection, particularly how his size stacks up depending on position. If he projects as more of a guard or wing, great; if playing up to the four-spot becomes primarily where he plays, then there'll be some question marks, especially given the slight frame he currently has. But, even with that in mind, the utility is clear. Players who can rebound, advance the ball, score at multiple levels, and fit a faster tempo are always worth serious attention.
Emin Joldic - 6'8 F (NSW Metro)
Joldic was one of the more intriguing long-term evaluations because of the gap between what he was asked to do at these Nationals and what he may become.
At 6'8, he played as NSW Metro's five-man for the bulk of the tournament, but his projection feels much more like a wing or combo forward. For context, he was primarily grouped with the wings at the National Performance Camp earlier in the year. That kind of role mismatch is common in junior basketball, and, in his case, it created an interesting lens through which to view his skill set.
What stood out was the offensive versatility. The pick-and-pop three was a genuine weapon for Joldic, and he showed nice touch around the rim. More importantly for when projecting what he is moving forward, there was enough perimeter skill on display to suggest him being boxed into an interior role will be an anomalous thing. He averaged 14.8 points per game for his NSW Metro team that advanced all the way to the gold medal game, and showed all the looks of someone who can grow into a four-three type of player as a pro, and potentially for this U17 Australian group at the World Cup.
If the perimeter handling and defensive mobility continue to improve, he could become one of the more modern frontcourt pieces in this group.
Andrew Watene - 6'3 PG (Queensland South)
Watene may not have generated the same level of buzz as some of the more explosive guards, but he was one of the steadier and smarter point guards in the tournament.
He plays with control, keeps his handle tight, and gets to his spots without looking rushed. That kind of pace management can be easy to miss in a junior setting, but it often separates guards who can organise a team from guards who just make plays in bursts. His overall feel as an organiser on the floor is what stood out most for the 6'3 guard; he showed off an impressive floor game, averaging 14.5 points and 5.4 assists per game over the tournament, while shooting it at a high clip (38.5% 3PT, on 4.9 3PA) from downtown.
Watene looked like one of the most reliable table-setters in the event, and that gives him a real chance to factor into the U17 World Cup conversation.
Keenan Williams - 6'0 (SA Metro)
Williams looked like one of the more natural scorers in the tournament.
He got to his offense in a variety of ways, and his quickness gave defenders problems all week. Whether attacking a closeout, creating off the bounce or finding seams in transition, he consistently showed high-level self-creation over the tournament.
Williams was the tournament's leading scorer -- 27 points per game, which included a 53-point outing -- and the two things that stood out were his shooting and ability to get to the free throw line. He knocked down threes both off the catch and off the dribble, and that versatility is important when projecting the 6'0 guard's prospects going forward. Williams drew eight fouls per game, shooting 10.4 free throws a contest, consistently putting real pressures on defences.
Alex Edwards - 6'5 F/C (WA Metro)
Edwards ended up being one of the players we most appreciated watching.
The WA Metro big-man has an elite nose for the ball, where he would consistently find rebounds and loose balls, while always seemingly being in the right position to collect passes from his teammates. He looked like a strong on-court complement to Paul, where there was clear chemistry, with the majority of the point guard's assists seemingly coming thanks to Edwards' impressive touch around the paint.
The question, fairly, is one of positional projection. At this level, he is a solid and effective big, but being undersized means evaluators have to think carefully about what he becomes against bigger, longer, and more athletic competition as he progresses in his career.
Jordan Kaesler - 5'10 PG (Queensland South)
Kaesler was one of the easier players in the tournament to enjoy watching because the feel is obvious. He reads the game well, sees angles, and plays with a natural sense of rhythm in pick-and-roll settings. There are obvious physical limitations that will inform his long-term prospects -- he stands at around 5'10 -- but he consistently found ways to impact the game as one of Queensland South's primary ball-carriers.
Kaesler's pull-up scoring was a real positive; whether stepping back for threes or snaking into midrange jumpers out of ball screens, he looked comfortable creating shots for himself. He is also very quick and showed good passing vision, which kept defenders honest when they tried to load up on his scoring.
Despite his height, players with Kaesler's level of feel, shot-making, and speed tend to force their way into the conversation anyway; so, at minimum, he showed enough in Brisbane to suggest he belongs firmly on the radar.
What's next for Australia's preparation for the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup
With Nationals coming to an end, the next important date on the calendar is May 4, which is when the refined under-17 Australian squad will come together for one final four-day camp.
That squad features: Yahya Basaran, Alexander Edwards, Alexander Mabbott, Andrew Watene, Antonio Browne, Awak Machar, Emin Joldic, Isaiah Jorgenson, John Aryang, Josh McCann, Keenan Lawrence-Williams, Lucas Byrne, Luke Paul, Riak Akhuar, Riley Saville, Tom Dammers, and William Hamilton.
It's there where Vanderjagt and his staff will select the 12-man team that will represent the country at the under-17 World Cup at the end of June.
There are some similarities between how this under-17 team is shaping and how the Australian Boomers came together ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. For the senior national team, Josh Giddey was its lead guard, and head coach Brian Goorjian endeavoured to play an up-tempo style of basketball to suit his best player. Paul is also a big point guard who excels going downhill, and the rest of the cohort also dictates a more high-paced playstyle.
"We had an eight-game tour in China and seven games at the Asia Cup, so we're 15 games and about 20 practices into our evolution as a group," Vanderjagt said.
"We identified what our style of play looks like; the pace we wanna play with, the purpose we want in terms of ball movement, cutting, space. And, how we want to be disruptive with our defensive physicality, which is the trademark of the good Australian teams. For us, it's about the athletes that fit within our style of play, within our framework, that can impact winning consistently. It may not necessarily be the best players. It's how they fit within who we are.
"[Former Boomers head coach] Andrej Lemanis has been great for me throughout this process, mentoring me. We looked back to the 2022 under-17 World Cup... and one of Drej's big observations with me was: when you lost pace of the game, you lost control of the game. For us as Australian teams, one of our points of difference is our intent to do things with pace. The players that fit that system, they're the ones we're looking for here; who can play with that pace with the right intent, that fit with the identity of the group."