Understanding International Academies: A comprehensive guide to the factories creating Europe’s rising stars (Part 2)

Alec Kichian

With international recruiting at an all-time high, it’s becoming increasingly important for coaching staffs to understand the youth prospect landscape overseas. With every passing month, more NCAA programs and prep schools are dipping their toes into international scouting, with NIL and eligibility changes allowing previously untouchable prospects to gain new opportunities to play in America. My name is Alec, and over the past year and a half I’ve been traveling the world and dedicating countless hours of research to better understand the international youth landscape. I’ve been building a database to help coaches and fans alike track the early development of these prospects and academies overseas. Currently working freelance, my goal is to one day break into the scouting world and become an NCAA-level scout.

Without discrediting the American basketball developmental system, the European approach to youth development, especially at the U16 level, offers something incredibly unique, often producing some of the most technically gifted players in the world for their age. Countries such as Serbia, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany have produced numerous professionals over the past few years, most of them coming through national clubs that have invested years into developing these prospects. Serbia has consistently produced technically skilled big men, while Spain has developed guards with high-level experience at an early age. France, on the other hand, has emerged as the newest basketball hotspot for NBA prospects, where elite developmental programs intersect with the freakishly athletic physical profiles of French youth. There is something massive brewing overseas, something that can’t be ignored as long as international recruiting grows increasingly important at the NCAA level. This series is going to cover the top academies in Europe and their top prospects, from the draft eligible prospects to the young guys starting up their journeys as prospects. The goal is to hopefully provide a clearer look into these programs, starting with INSEP Pole France, then following the Real Madrid and FC Barcelona academies in Spain and finishing off with the KK Mega Superbet program in Serbia. Each part will start with an overview of the program, followed by the top players to watch in each age group in each academy and where to watch them play this season.

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Real Madrid: The Birthplace of Superstars

In Europe, the name Real Madrid is synonymous with the development of superstars, producing countless sensations in both football and basketball. Some of the biggest names in European sports have longed for the opportunity to wear the badge across their chests, seeking the glory and stardom that come with being associated with the Spanish club. Whether it be Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Dončić, or Arvydas Sabonis, Real Madrid has proven that it can not only attract the world’s biggest superstars but also develop them at the club level. In recent memory, players like Alex Sarr, Usman Garuba, Hugo González, and Egor Demin all spent years in the Madrid Academy, developing into NBA players down the line.

Real Madrid is known for being one of the best, but also one of the toughest, academies in Europe, consistently bringing in top prospects at every level while never hesitating to part ways with players considered weak links. Over the last decade, Real Madrid has dominated the U18 circuit in Europe, winning five of the last ten Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague titles. Their most recent victory came in the 2023–2024 season with a core of prospects who are now competing at various levels this year:

NBA: Hugo González (Boston Celtics), Egor Demin (Brooklyn Nets)

NCAA: Ismaila Diane (Gonzaga), Sidi Gueye (Arizona), Declan Duru (Texas), Asier Miguel (Manhattan), Ignacio Campoy (Drexel)

Pro: Mitar Bosnjakovic (Partizan), Adrians Andzevs (Riga), Kyllian Michee (Monaco)

Prep: Gildas Gimenez (Bella Vista)

With all that talent heading out the door, you might expect a down period within the program. But Real Madrid operates with a revolving door of prospects, seamlessly moving players up through their system from age 11 to 18. The club currently runs five teams: their Liga U team (U22), Junior team (U18), Cadet A team (U16), Cadet B team (U15), and Infantil A team (U14). This year’s “Cantera” is stacked with world-class talent, with each squad featuring one or two top prospects in its age group. On the Cadet team, Toni Garma is considered one of the top prospects in Europe regardless of age, while newcomer Moussa Balla Traore has been making waves as Real Madrid’s new “11-year-old prodigy,” already standing 6’8 with a mature, physical frame. In this article, I’ll be focusing on the Junior and Cadet teams, providing scouting reports on their top prospects as well as highlighting players to watch for the long term.

Real Madrid’s junior team for the 2025-2026 season

• Hugo Alonso (6’2 G | 2008 | #7)

• Fabian Kayser (6’7 G | 2009 | #8)

• Omer Kutluay (6’3 G | 2009 | #10)

• Andrej Bjelic (6’4 W | 2008 | #11)

• Osa Hadi (6’4 W | 2009 | #20)

• Gunars Grinvalds (6’8 F | 2008 | #6)

• Andrej Fantic (6’8 F | 2009 | #13)

• Egor Amosov (6’6 F | 2008 | #17)

• Ilia Frolov (6’9 C | 2008 | #14)

• Ousmane Diarra (6’10 C | 2009 | #18)

Egor Amosov

• 6’7 Forward out of Russia, 2008-born

Egor Amosov joins Real Madrid as arguably the most underrated prospect who played professional basketball in Europe last season. At just 16 years old, Amosov logged 20 minutes per game for BC Samara in the Russian VTB League, the country’s top league, averaging 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1 steal per game, while shooting 35% from three. This year, he transitions from professional play to U18 competition in Spain, joining Real Madrid as a natural replacement for Gildas Gimenez, who left to play high school basketball in Arizona. Amosov is a big, physical forward, a force in transition and a tough matchup when attacking the rim. He combines athleticism and strength with the refinement of a complementary forward who already has pro-level experience. Beyond his physical tools, he has shown reliable shooting, hitting 35% from three in the VTB and 41% from deep in nine games with Samara’s B team.

Amosov is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways, operating as a secondary creator on the wing, handling the ball in stretches, or spotting up from three, even off the dribble. The key storyline to watch this season will be how willing he is to lead offensively against top youth competition in Europe. Last year, Real Madrid’s U18 team often struggled by playing too much by committee, lacking a true top prospect to take over when needed. If Amosov can embrace that role, he has the tools to soar up NBA Draft boards as a premier prospect in the Class of 2026.

Omer Kutluay

• 6’3 Guard out of Turkey, 2009-born

Omer Kutluay has all the tools and measurables to eventually develop into a top guard prospect. A European legacy prospect, Kutluay has already had tremendous success in his youth career with both Real Madrid and the Turkish national team. Coming off his second U16 campaign for Turkey, he once again led the tournament in scoring, averaging 19.0 points per game in 2024 while playing a year up, and 24.1 points per game this past summer. Alongside the 24.1 points, he also averaged 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per contest, cementing himself as one of the top performers in the entire event for the second year in a row. Although Turkey didn’t crack the top five, Kutluay will have the chance to showcase his talent on the world stage next year, as Turkey hosts the U17 World Cup and receives an automatic bid.

Kutluay is a high-IQ ball handler with poise beyond his years. He uses his handle and body control to get to the rim with ease, while his composure and decision-making remain the bread and butter of his game. He consistently makes sharp reads in traffic, capitalizing on tight passing windows to create opportunities for teammates. His shot is smooth, though his percentages, particularly from three, are still to be desired. At the youth level, he excels at absorbing contact, but his physicality and defence will be the key swing factors in his long-term development, especially as he transitions into the pro game. All in all, Kutluay grades out as one of the best ball-handling, pick-and-roll prospects overseas, regardless of class.

Fabian Kayser

• 6’7 Guard out of Germany, 2009-born

Fabian Kayser is widely regarded as a top-five prospect in Europe’s 2009-born generation. After debuting for Germany’s U16 and U17 teams in FIBA competition last year, he joined Real Madrid’s U18 squad as a cadet-aged player. At 6’7, Kayser brings real guard skills with advanced ball-handling and intriguing potential as a shot creator. He combines a strong frame with natural basketball instincts, giving him long-term NBA consideration if his development continues. Confident shooter off the dribble and in the pick and roll, he uses his physicality, speed and handle to create advantages on and off the ball. His positional versatility as a 6’7 playmaker is another point of intrigue within scouting circles, with evaluators debating whether he projects as a full-time point guard or more of a playmaking wing and secondary creator at the next level, drawing early comparisons to fellow German Franz Wagner.

I had the chance to see him live last winter at the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague in Munich, where he played a crucial role for Real Madrid despite the team falling short in the qualifiers. Since joining the program, Kayser has made major strides, particularly against tougher competition, growing in confidence as both a shot creator and team leader, even while often being the youngest player on the court. Over the course of the tournament, he developed in every passing game, going from a non factor in the first few games, to taking over in the 3rd place game against Olimpija, putting up 17 points, 8 boards and 6 assists on 5-8 from 3. Late in the season, Kayser appeared to suffer an injury that sidelined him from Germany’s U16 campaign this summer. His rehab and readjustment will be important to monitor moving forward, as his transition to the pro level could determine his upside as a long term prospect.

Ilia Frolov

6’9 Forward-Center out of Russia, 2008-born

Ilia Frolov is a strong example of a talented prospect who could break out into the mainstream this season if he increases his aggression for Real Madrid. Frolov is a very smart big man with excellent technique and footwork. He has a big frame with long arms that allow him to secure the ball from difficult angles. A high-IQ passer, he has shown encouraging flashes as a playmaker in the post throughout his youth career, highlighted by winning MVP of the U16 La Orotava tournament in late 2023 with the U16 team. He is also a willing shooter with a smooth stroke, using his length to shoot over defenders, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations.

With the U18 team, he has consistently displayed flashes of pro-level potential, but he often fades into the background, especially against strong competition last year. Despite his ability to make smart reads, score both inside and out, and cover ground quickly, he sometimes looked like a non-factor during the Next Generation EuroLeague. Even so, he remains a top-20 player in his generation. His upside as a prospect could skyrocket if he puts everything together, transitioning into the role of a starting forward/center and showcasing the same offensive skill set he flashed at the U16 level.

Andrej Bjelic

• 6’4 Shooting Guard out of Serbia, 2008-born

Andrej Bjelic broke onto the scene at last year’s FIBA U16s, putting on a clinic to help Serbia secure a bronze medal. After suffering an injury that sidelined him for most of last season, Bjelic is back and looking to establish himself as a mainstay for Real Madrid’s U18 roster. Standing at around 6’4, Bjelic is not only the best shooter on this squad but also one of the top shooting prospects in Europe. During his FIBA run with Serbia, he averaged 37% from three on eight attempts per game, while also putting up 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest, showcasing real potential as a three-level scorer with good size.

He’s an excellent outside shooter with a quick release, but he also uses his handle, strength, and speed to create space and score off the dribble. His motor stands out as well: he dives for loose balls, finishes in traffic, and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities. Bjelic is also a noticeably confident shooter, rarely passing up open looks, with possessions often ending once the ball finds his hands. Now entering as a senior member of this team, it will be interesting to see how he takes on scoring responsibilities moving forward and whether he can maintain efficiency while doing so.

Quick Hits

Andrej Fantic

• 6’8 Wing out of Montenegro, 2009-born

Andrej Fantic has shown some exciting flashes so far in his youth career as a tall, wiry forward who can shoot the three and make tough shots when needed. He had a strong FIBA debut for Montenegro in the U16 Division B tournament, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting an impressive 39% from three on nearly six attempts per game. At 6’8, he has the ability to handle the ball, hit difficult shots from the perimeter, and provide solid team defense. As one of the younger players on his team, he will likely begin the season as a reserve but could develop into a key piece for this roster next year. While still skinny, his physical development will be the main focus moving forward, ultimately determining how smoothly he can transition to the pro level.

Ousmane Diarra

• 6’10 Center out of Mali, 2009-born

Ousmane Diarra is your classic Real Madrid big man prospect, with outstanding physical tools and a dominant stature at around 6’10, supported by a solid frame and strong athleticism. He is a dynamic lob finisher and a reliable screener in the pick-and-roll. Though not as physical as Mohamed Landoure or as skilled as Sidi Gueye, his athletic pop stands out when competing against players his age. He won’t be asked to do anything out of the ordinary, just anchor this squad in the paint on both ends and bring some physicality to this young group.

Gunars Grinvalds

• 6’8 Forward out of Latvia, 2008-born

Gunars Grinvalds has never been the flashiest of Real Madrid’s prospects, but he has consistently provided value on both ends of the court. A lanky 6’8 wing, he can operate on the perimeter while also holding his own defensively both inside and out. His versatility is what has kept him around on this squad for years and even earned him some early minutes with Real Madrid’s main team. While he won’t wow you with elite athleticism, he’s a dependable, all-around player who contributes effectively on and off the ball. He’s logged in some minutes on Real Madrid’s main team early in the preseason and looks to have taken a leap in production at the U18 level. His development into a big contributor could be what separates him as a prospect long-term.

Osa Hadi Adegbite

• 6’4 Wing out of Spain, 2009-born

Osa Hadi is the quintessential hustle player. He’s an excellent perimeter defender, a capable secondary playmaker, and a solid three-point shooter, albeit on low volume. This past summer, he was one of the better players on Spain’s U16 team and turned in a decent performance despite Spain failing to qualify for the U17 World Cup. Though a bit undersized for a wing at just 6’3–6’4, he possesses intriguing tools that could allow him to become a valuable contributor to this squad in the future.

Hugo Alonso

• 6’2 Guard out of Spain, 2008-born

Hugo Alonso is another new addition to this Real Madrid squad, joining as one of the older members of the roster and a potential candidate for starting guard minutes. He’s a smaller guard with a solid handle who has spent the past few years developing at the SBA Academy.

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Real Madrid’s Cadet (U16) team for the 2025-2026 season

• Aikel Marvis (6’9 C | 2010 | #16)

• Aitor Canizares (6’3 W | 2010 | #17)

• Alvaro Garcia (6’2 G | 2010 | #4)

• Aniel Fevry ( 5’10 G | 2010 | #8)

• Jaime Roman (5’11 G | 2010 | #7)

• Pablo Mera (6’4 W | 2010 | #15)

• Rhys Robinson (6’8 G | 2010 | #5)

• Toni Garma (6’6 G | 2010 | #11)

This group has the potential to be an all time youth squad in Europe, with two of the consensus top 3 2010-born prospects in Spain running the squad in Toni Garma (#1) and Rhys Robinson (#3). Although the roster currently isn’t complete, with rumoured acquisitions not currently listed on the roster and different call-ups from younger teams, the sheer fire-power at the top should be enough to captivate NBA and NCAA scouts early. While the roster outside the top four players isn’t much to write about, their synergy early into the season is very encouraging in early season play at the U16 level.

Toni Garma

• 6’6 Combo-Guard out of Croatia, 2010-born

Heralded early in his youth career as the “next Luka Dončić,” Garma has gone on to dominate at the youth level for Real Madrid, breaking multiple scoring records in the academy during his first season. He was first discovered in Croatia after putting together an incredible 73-point performance against Cibona at the U13 level, outscoring the entire opposing team. Later that season, while playing as a guest for Real Madrid, he scored 170 points across six games, including a record-breaking 57-point outing in the tournament.

Last year, he caught scouts’ attention playing up an age group in the U16 No Borders EuroCup tournament, where he erupted for 25 points on 7-for-9 shooting from three in just 14 minutes of play. In his first two games in the U16 Madrid League, he has averaged 31 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game on 67% shooting from the field and 44% from three. Garma has showcased his dominance at every level so far, attracting the attention of NBA and NCAA scouts as a 6’6” combo guard who is reportedly still growing. He profiles as an elite offensive option, a three-level scorer with relentless aggression as a shooter, capable of crashing the boards and handling physicality, while continuing to develop as a passer and playmaker. He has a natural feel for the game and underrated athleticism, even if it isn’t always the most eye-popping.

With all the hype surrounding him, Garma had a somewhat disappointing FIBA U16 debut, playing a year up. He averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds on 38% shooting from the field and 33% from three. With Croatia’s best prospect in decades and a squad that entered as pre-tournament favorites, the team was unable to secure promotion to Division A, finishing 8th despite featuring two of the top 2010-born prospects in Europe, Toni Garma and Luka Ukić. While I believe he was misused within the team’s system, it is unfortunate that we will not see him compete against top European U16 competition next year.

Despite that setback, Garma remains one of the best international prospects in the world and one of the most complete scoring talents at the youth level, all before turning 16. Projected to grow to around 6’8”, Garma will be an essential name to follow closely over the coming years.

Rhys Robinson

• 6’7 Point Guard / Wing out of the United States, 2010-born

Rhys Robinson is one of the most unique stories in international basketball, moving from California to Madrid at just 14 years old to develop within the Spanish club system. What might have seemed like a gamble at the time now looks like one of the smarter prospect decisions in recent years, as his stock has skyrocketed since joining Real Madrid’s academy. Since his debut, Robinson has evolved from a 6’5 wing into a legitimate 6’7 point guard, dramatically improving his handle and becoming a pass-first guard with tremendous potential both on and off the ball. He possesses a strong physical frame that is still developing, blending functional athleticism with great size and a build that projects well for adding muscle in the future.

Robinson’s improvement as a ball handler has been crucial for his development, as he had already profiled as an athletic wing with strong defensive tools and instincts that could eventually translate to the pro level. In his first two games of the season, he has averaged 6 assists to just 1 turnover, while also scoring 14 points per game and shooting over 60% from three. While it’s still a small sample size, projecting his skill set moving forward makes him one of the more intriguing prospects overseas. He has all the tools to develop into a potential NBA-caliber player: size, athleticism, defence, shooting, and playmaking, all of which have shown flashes early in his career. His aggression on offense will be something to monitor, as it will determine whether he can develop into a true alpha-level scorer at the youth level before transitioning to higher levels of competition. Among all the players on Real Madrid’s cadet squad, Robinson may be the one most likely to log consistent minutes with the junior team, just as he did last year.

Quick Hits:

Aikel Marvis

• 6’9 Center out of Spain, 2010-born

A lumbering big man and late bloomer, he has impressed scouts early in his career with his footwork and post technique. While he has yet to fully dominate at this level, the combination of touch and skill at 6’9, and still growing, is highly encouraging. As the lone true big man on his roster, he will carry significant responsibilities and have plenty of opportunities to develop within the program. Though he may not project to be as dominant as some of the elite bigs who have come through before him, his blend of length, creativity, and finesse makes him a prospect worth monitoring closely moving forward.

Pablo Mera

• 6’4 Wing out of Spain, 2010-born

Mera has posted impressive numbers at the youth level in Spain, setting multiple records within Real Madrid’s program and even debuting for the club’s B team at just 15 years old. Unlike Marvis, Mera was an early bloomer, using his physical maturity to dominate against his peers. He profiles as a strong and intelligent prospect with good feel for the game and creativity on the ball. The next step will be proving how much he can develop when facing higher levels of physical competition. His outside shooting remains the key swing skill to monitor as he continues to progress.

Aniel Fevry

• 5’10 Point Guard out of France, 2010-born

Fevry broke into the scene last year at the annual Spanish Minicup, putting together a shooting clinic, hitting tough contested shots from long range. Limited physical tools but has the potential to be one of the better shooters in Europe in his age group. Encouraging progress getting to the rim, he’s a very technical player with good fundamentals.

Moussa Balla Traore

6’8 Center out of Mali, 2013-born

Real Madrid took the internet by storm when their roster revealed Moussa Balla Traoré as part of their Infantil team. A hulking 6’8” giant listed at just 11 years old, he possesses the physical traits of a 20-year-old despite being reportedly born in 2013. Traoré debuted with Madrid’s Cadet team to start the season in the Madrid League, where he posted 12 points and 17 rebounds in his first outing.

Not much is yet known about his overall skill set, but his sheer size and early production ensure that scouts will be tracking his progress closely in the coming years, regardless of the speculation surrounding his age. While it’s rare to see a player this big at such a young age, it isn’t unprecedented; however, his musculature and physical frame do appear unusual for someone on the verge of turning 12. Regardless of the debate, Real Madrid clearly views Traoré as a counter to rising phenom Mohamed Dabone, seemingly attempting to replicate his developmental path within the Spanish club system. His trajectory will be one of the most intriguing storylines in European youth basketball moving forward.

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From top to bottom, Real Madrid has one of the most respected developmental systems in Europe, built on strong talent development and a history of producing top players. With the launch of Spain’s new U22 league, Liga U, there’s now another consistent outlet to follow these prospects throughout the year, with games streamed for free on YouTube. As Spanish basketball continues to grow and more players make the move to the U.S., it’s a good time to start following the scene early.

Madrid’s youth teams stay active across both domestic and international circuits, competing in the Liga Ahorramas – Oro in Spain while also taking part in events like the La Orotava Tournament (U16) and the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (U18), among others.

Part 3 on FC Barcelona coming soon!