Maria CondeLUBIJIANA, Slovenia – The FIBA U18 European Championship features the best under 18 players in Europe, many of whom are either interested in coming to the United States for college or already committed to U.S. schools. Here is a look at some of the top committed prospects from the event.
Event MVP – Angela Salvadores (Spain) – Duke
Over the past four summers this Duke-bound guard from Spain has earned a reputation for giving her best performances when the games matter the most. This week was no different. Salvadores rose to the occasion against France in the championship game, a team that Spain lost to in pool play. The 5-foot-10 guard scored 27 points in the championship game helping Spain beat France, 76-60.
Maria Conde (Spain) – Florida State
Conde had a spectacular tournament as she put up numbers game in and game out. In the final against France, the 6-2 forward scored 21 points and pulled down 16 rebounds. Throughout the tournament, Conde averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. With Conde’s size and versatile skill set, she will be a very welcomed addition to Florida State’s roster.
Maria Kostourkova (Portugal) – Washington State
The incoming Washington State freshman post had a very productive event here as the 6-4 interior player averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds a game. Kostourkova’s game is centered on a solid mixture of skill and athleticism. Her ability to find ways to be effective from game to game will allow her to be able to contribute early in her college career.
Cecilia Muhate Pena (Spain) - Ole Miss
Muhate played a reserve role on the Spanish team, but with as many as 12 Division I prospects on the Spanish roster, Pena’s U18 numbers don’t tell the story. Pena is a 6-2 power forward with an abundance of athletic upside. She can score around the rim, step out and make a jumper, but also elevates to finish plays over defenders. When you mix in her ability to rebound and defend at a high level, Mississippi coach Matt Insell and his staff have a hidden gem headed to campus.
Keil Moore is the Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report and international scouting report. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and has been a member of the women's basketball community for more than eight years as a trainer and evaluator. He can be reached at keil@prospectsnation.com.
