Europe’s Rising Stars Head to Portland for the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit
The 26th Nike Hoop Summit will take place on April 12, 2025, at the Moda Center in Portland, featuring the world’s top young prospects in a showcase of talent and potential. Among the international names making the trip to the United States, five European prospects stand out on the World Select Team roster. Here's a closer look at each of them.
Article by Ata Toprak Koşal | Tuesday April 8, 2025
David Mirkovic (2006, F, 🇲🇪, 6'9)
David Mirkovic’s resume already includes a wealth of international experience for someone who hasn’t turned 19 yet. After back-to-back Basketball Without Borders Global camps in 2023 and 2024, and consistent showings for Montenegro across multiple FIBA youth events, he’s proven himself to be a versatile forward with long-term upside. Mirkovic even made his senior national team debut earlier this year, appearing in the EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers. Currently playing a significant role in the Adriatic League for SC Derby, Mirkovic is averaging 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 24 games this season while playing 23 minutes per game. His physicality and versatility are his main calling cards - he doesn’t have an elite quickness but stands out for his ability to create off the dribble and impact the game in multiple ways.
He was added to the Hoop Summit roster following the withdrawal of Croatia’s Michael Ruzic. With a recent commitment to Illinois - joining Europeans like Kasparas Jakucionis and the Ivisic twins - his upward trajectory is gaining momentum.
Eric Reibe (2006, C, 🇩🇪, 7'0)
Eric Reibe has the type of physical tools and upside that instantly attract attention. A legitimate 7-footer with mobility and touch, Reibe has impressed scouts at several key events, including the 2022 U16 European Championship B Division and the 2023 Adidas Next Generation Tournament, where he averaged 15.5 points and 9 rebounds for Ulm.
Reibe’s combination of size and fluidity gives him intriguing defensive potential, and he’s already capable of anchoring the paint while also being a useful post scorer. He isn’t the most explosive leaper, but his overall athleticism and footwork give him a strong foundation to build on. Committed to UConn for next season, Reibe will join one of college basketball’s premier programs, where his development will be closely watched by NBA scouts.
Bogoljub Markovic (2005, PF, 🇷🇸, 6'11)
One of the top talent polishers in Europe, Mega, has produced yet another promising big in Bogoljub Markovic. Standing at 6’11, Markovic is drawing attention as Serbia’s next big thing with his combination of size, skill, and offensive versatility. A two-time BWB Global participant, he’s made notable strides in the Adriatic League this season, where he’s averaging 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26 games while shooting 39.1% from deep.
What makes Markovic intriguing is his ability to stretch the floor and create for himself off the dribble - rare traits for a player his size. He attempts just 2.7 threes per game, so increasing that volume will be key in maximizing his impact on the offensive end. Projected as a late-first to early-second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Markovic has the tools to continue rising up draft boards.
Omer Mayer (2006, G, 🇮🇱, 6'4)
Omer Mayer is a scoring guard who brings a mix of agility and shooting touch to the court. After impressing last summer at the U18 European Championship with averages of 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, he continued to develop his game across both the Israeli League and EuroLeague this season.
With Hapoel Tel Aviv, Mayer has averaged 5.5 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.6 assists in limited domestic minutes, while also appearing in EuroLeague games, including a standout performance against Bayern Munich where he scored 11 points in 13 minutes. Mayer can put the ball in the basket from multiple levels, and while he will need to improve his consistency and efficiency against top-tier defenses, his scoring instincts are evident.
Dame Sarr (2006, W, 🇮🇹, 6'5)
Dame Sarr’s participation in the Nike Hoop Summit has already made headlines for reasons beyond basketball. The Italian wing traveled to Portland without getting permission from his club team, Barcelona, sparking controversy in the basketball media. But what cannot be overlooked is his recent rise on the court. With increased minutes in both the EuroLeague and ACB, Sarr has responded with strong performances. Over his last five ACB games, he’s averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, while shooting an impressive 53% from three-point range.
Sarr is an athletic 6-6 wing who is still growing into his frame but flashes big-time upside. He excels in the open court and when attacking downhill, with a quick first step and a fearless approach going to the rim. He can finish through contact, play above the rim, and also displays good passing vision when driving. Earlier this year, Sarr made his senior national team debut for Italy during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. Following the game against Turkey, Italy’s head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco praised the young guard publicly, underlining how highly the views his long-term potential.
The inclusion of five European prospects in this year’s Nike Hoop Summit is a testament to the depth and diversity of international talent. Each player brings a unique blend of skills and potential, and their performances in Portland could play a big role in shaping their basketball futures on the global stage.