EuroBasket 2025 delivered
another showcase of international basketball at the highest level.
With elite NBA talent leading their countries and rising stars
making names for themselves, the tournament gave fans plenty to
chew on heading into the upcoming NBA season.
From Dennis Schroder’s historic
run with Germany to Alperen Sengun’s continued development, several
storylines stood out that could shape both international basketball
and the league itself.
Here are the biggest takeaways
from EuroBasket 2025:
Dennis Schroder’s Basketball Hall of Fame legacy
case
Dennis Schroder may not always
be mentioned among NBA stars, but in the international game, his
resume is undeniable. After leading Germany to the FIBA World Cup
title and winning the tournament MVP in 2023, Schroder added
another jewel to his crown by winning EuroBasket 2025 MVP and
carrying Germany to the top once again.
Schroder has become the face of
German basketball alongside star forward Franz Wagner, pushing the
program to unprecedented heights. When people discuss European
powers, France and Spain usually dominate the conversation. Yet
Germany now stands on its own, fueled by Schroder’s relentless
playmaking, clutch shot-making, and leadership. With a World Cup
MVP and EuroBasket MVP on his resume, along with nearly a decade of
steady NBA production, his case for the Basketball Hall of Fame is
gaining traction.
Germany basketball at an all-time high
Germany’s rise is more than just
Schroder. This is a golden era for German basketball, with Franz
Wagner, Isaac Bonga, and Daniel Theis playing key roles around
their floor general. For years, the country was in the shadow of
Dirk Nowitzki’s greatness – and the question was whether Germany
would ever have another era of prominence.
That question has been answered
emphatically. Germany is now a top-tier international contender and
has firmly cemented itself among the best programs in Europe aside
from France. With the mix of veteran leadership and young stars,
they are just starting to realize their prime potential.
Alperen Sengun’s leap is no fluke
One of the most exciting
developments at EuroBasket was Alperen Sengun’s dominance for his
country, Turkey. The 22-year-old center showcased a more polished
offensive game, combining his already elite passing with improved
scoring touch and confidence. His performances were not only
encouraging for Turkey’s future but also a preview of what could be
a breakout NBA season with the Houston Rockets.
Sengun has steadily improved
each year in the league, but EuroBasket offered a glimpse of a
player who could make the leap to another level next season.
Surrounded by newly acquired Kevin Durant, Houston’s core and
bolstered by international experience, Sengun is positioned to
anchor the Rockets’ rise in the West. EuroBasket confirmed that his
skillset isn’t just flashy – it’s sustainable at the highest levels
of competition.
Lauri Markkanen shines for Finland – but what about
Utah?
For the second straight
international tournament, Lauri Markkanen looked like an absolute
star. Finland made their deepest run ever – finishing 4th – and
Markkanen’s scoring, rebounding, and leadership were undeniable. He
has blossomed into a true centerpiece on the world stage, a player
who can carry a team offensively and give them a fighting chance
against elite competition.
The irony, however, is that his
NBA team, the Utah Jazz, has been in rebuilding mode. While
Markkanen puts up All-Star numbers and shows he’s capable of being
a star on a playoff team, Utah appears to remain focused on the
long game. The question now looms: how long can Markkanen stay
patient? His EuroBasket dominance only reinforces that he may be
better suited on a contending team where his talent could shine
under brighter lights.
Giannis carries Greece to the bronze
If there was any doubt about
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ability to elevate his national team,
EuroBasket 2025 erased it. The two-time NBA MVP carried Greece to a
bronze medal, delivering monster stat lines and putting the team on
his back night after night. His dominance was a reminder of his
ability to impose his will no matter the setting, regardless of the
supporting cast around him.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this is
an encouraging sign. After another disappointing playoff exit in
the NBA, Giannis’ hunger and determination were on full display.
His international performance could very well foreshadow a massive
season in Milwaukee, as the superstar looks to reclaim championship
glory.
Slim Luka and Locked-In Jokic
Two of the NBA’s brightest stars
also made headlines in EuroBasket: Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic.
Luka arrived in noticeably better shape, showcasing improved
conditioning that allowed him to Doncic his brilliance deeper into
games. Slovenia may not have gone all the way, but Doncic’s
playmaking and scoring kept them competitive throughout the
tournament. A slimmer, sharper Luka spells trouble for the NBA,
where conditioning has sometimes been his biggest
critique.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic looked
every bit the “Batman” of international basketball. The reigning
NBA Finals MVP returned to Serbia’s lineup and dominated, reminding
everyone why he’s widely considered the best player in the world.
Jokic’s effortless blend of scoring, passing, and rebounding
carried over seamlessly, and Serbia looked formidable with him at
the helm. Both players appear primed for another First Team All-NBA
campaign.
The bigger picture
EuroBasket 2025 was a reminder
of how international basketball continues to shape the NBA. Players
like Schroder and Giannis showcased their ability to elevate entire
nations, while rising stars like Sengun and Markkanen flashed the
type of potential that can alter their NBA franchises’
trajectories. At the same time, household names like Luka and Jokic
sharpened their tools ahead of another grueling NBA
season.
As the league gears up for the
2025-26 campaign, these performances provide early hints at who
could dominate in the months ahead. From Germany’s rise to Giannis’
hunger and Sengun’s growth, EuroBasket offered more than just a
summer tournament – it was a preview of storylines that will define
the NBA season.
