Top 25 International Players in NCAA Basketball
The 2025-26 college basketball season tips off on November 3, and the international wave has never been stronger. Global stars are bypassing overseas pro leagues in favor of the NCAA, lured by NIL deals reaching well into seven figures, elite coaching, and a direct path to the NBA Draft. From Duke’s high-flying forward Dame Sarr to Illinois’ skilled big man Tomislav Ivisic, these players are not just filling roster spots—they’re shaping the direction of the sport.
This ranking highlights the 25 international players best positioned to leave their mark this season, blending overseas production, projected NCAA impact, and returning stats. It’s a mix of proven veterans and rising newcomers, each with the size, skill, and versatility to change games. Expect highlight plays, breakout performances, and NBA scouts keeping a close watch all year.
1. Dame Sarr (Duke, SF, 6-10, Senegal)
From: Dakar, Senegal (NBA Academy Africa)
Sarr’s athleticism and 38% overseas three-point clip make him Duke’s top freshman impact, with NBA bloodlines fueling a top-10 Draft projection.
2. Milos Uzan (Houston, PG, 6-4, France)
From: Nanterre, France (pro leagues)
2024-25 Stats: 11.4 PPG, 4.4 APG (28.6 MPG)
Uzan’s All-Big 12 poise and playmaking keep him elite; Sampson’s system amplifies his impact.
3. Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois, PF, 7-0, Croatia)
From: Vodice, Croatia (Cedevita Olimpija/Slovenian League)
2024-25 Stats: 13.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 35.7% 3PT (32 games)
Ivisic’s rare blend of size, shooting (55 threes last year), and passing vaults him to No. 3, making him a top NBA Draft prospect.
4. Alex Karaban (UConn, SF, 6-8, Canada)
From: Toronto, Canada (pro leagues)
Karaban’s range (39% 3PT) spaces Hurley’s attack, making him a versatile frontcourt threat.
5. Omer Mayer (Purdue, PF, 6-10, Israel)
From: Tel Aviv, Israel (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Mayer’s stretch-five versatility (35% threes in Europe) pairs with Purdue’s veterans for major minutes and impact.
6. Aday Mara (Michigan, C, 7-3, Spain)
From: Madrid, Spain (Real Madrid youth/EuroLeague)
2024-25 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.1 BPG (24.1 MPG, 59% FG)
Mara’s soft touch and shot-blocking prowess add frontcourt depth and versatility.
7. Luka Bogavac (North Carolina, PG, 6-4, Montenegro)
From: Podgorica, Montenegro (Buducnost youth/EuroCup)
Bogavac’s vision (6.2 APG overseas) stabilizes UNC’s guard rotation, with NIL upside boosting his Draft stock.
8. Zvonimir Ivisic (Illinois, C, 7-2, Croatia)
From: Vodice, Croatia (Split youth)
2024-25 Stats: 5.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 BPG (14.2 MPG, 48% FG)
The Ivisic brothers’ synergy elevates passing (2.0 APG) and length for paint control.
9. Ben Henshall (Texas Tech, SG, 6-6, Australia)
From: Sydney, Australia (NBA Global Academy)
Henshall’s sharpshooting (42% from deep) signals one-and-done potential alongside Toppin.
10. Neoklis Avdalas (Kansas, SG, 6-5, Greece)
From: Athens, Greece (Peristeri B.C./Greek A1)
Avdalas’ scoring bursts (18.2 PPG) fit Self’s system, with NIL drawing him stateside for guard depth.
11. Egor Ryzhov (Florida State, C, 7-0, Russia)
From: Moscow, Russia (CSKA Moscow youth)
Ryzhov’s wingspan and boards (10.1 RPG overseas) anchor FSU’s interior.
12. Davi Remagen (Georgia Tech, SG, 6-4, Brazil)
From: Sao Paulo, Brazil (pro leagues)
Remagen’s transition explosion (22.4 PPG) ignites Stoudamire’s pace.
13. Mihailo Petrovic (Illinois, PG, 6-3, Serbia)
From: Belgrade, Serbia (Partizan/ABA League)
Petrovic’s ABA command (15.8 PPG, 5.1 APG) leads Illinois’ Balkan core.
14. Jacob Furphy (UConn, SF, 6-9, Australia)
From: Melbourne, Australia (NBA G League Ignite)
Furphy’s shooting (37% threes) and IQ bolster Hurley’s defense.
15. Sebastian Wilkins (Duke, SG, 6-5, Canada)
From: Toronto, Canada (pro development)
Wilkins’ scoring (19.2 PPG) enhances Duke’s freshman firepower.
16. Thomas Bassong (LSU, PF, 6-9, France)
From: Paris, France (INSEP Academy)
Bassong’s athleticism (12.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG) energizes McMahon’s rebuild.
17. Akai Fleming (Georgia, SG, 6-3, Canada)
From: Mississauga, Canada (pro leagues)
Fleming’s speed (17.5 PPG) thrives in White’s motion.
18. Eric Chatfield (Georgia, SF, 6-7, France)
From: Lyon, France (ASVEL youth)
Chatfield’s stroke (36% threes) fits Georgia’s wings.
19. Cole Kirouac (Georgia, PG, 6-2, Canada)
From: Ottawa, Canada (high school/pro)
Kirouac’s vision (5.8 APG) deepens the backcourt.
20. Brandon Stores (Georgia, SG, 6-4, Canada)
From: Vancouver, Canada (pro development)
Stores’ mid-range (15.9 PPG) completes Georgia’s Canadians.
21. Tarris Reed (UConn, C, 6-10, Canada)
From: Scarborough, Canada (pro development)
2024-25 Stats: 9.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG (22.1 MPG)
Reed’s boards fortify UConn’s front.
22. Mouhamed Sylla (Georgia, PF, 6-8, Senegal)
From: Dakar, Senegal (NBA Academy Africa)
Sylla’s motor (11.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG) adds grit.
23. Eric Reibe (Kansas, C, 7-0, Germany)
From: Munich, Germany (pro leagues)
Reibe’s passing (3.2 APG) complements KU’s towers.
24. Ifeanyi Ufochukwu (Duke, PF, 6-9, Nigeria)
From: Lagos, Nigeria (Rice)
2024-25 Stats: 1.8 PPG (limited MPG)
Ufochukwu’s athleticism blooms in Scheyer’s scheme.
25. Anastasios Rozakeas (Florida, SG, 6-6, Greece)
From: Athens, Greece (pro leagues)
2024-25 Stats: 0.5 PPG (redshirt)
Rozakeas’ Euro savvy sets up a breakout.
Final Take
This international class is deep, talented, and hungry. With stars like Sarr, Uzan, Ivisic, Karaban, Mayer, and Mara leading the way, expect highlight plays, versatile lineups, and multiple NBA Draft risers. College basketball in 2025-26 is set to be a global showcase.
