The Top International Players Powering the 2025–26 College Basketball Season
By Rob Reinhart
College basketball has never been more international. Once dominated by American-born stars, the NCAA now features elite talent from every corner of the globe — players bringing pro-level experience, diverse skill sets, and global flair to campuses nationwide. From Europe to Australia to Canada, these international standouts are not just filling rosters; they’re driving winning programs and shaping the future of the sport.
As the 2025–26 season tips off, here’s a look at the top international players making headlines across college basketball.
Dame Sarr | G | Duke | Italy 🇮🇹
The Italian sensation has taken full command of the Blue Devils’ offense as a sophomore. Sarr’s combination of size, confidence, and creativity makes him one of the ACC’s toughest covers. His perimeter shooting and ability to attack off the bounce have fueled Indiana’s resurgence under Jon Scheyer. NBA scouts love his fluid mechanics and positional versatility — and Sarr has only grown more assertive as the Hoosiers’ go-to scorer.
“He’s a pro in every sense,” one Big Ten coach said. “Poised, confident, and unafraid of the moment.”
Motiejus Krivas | C | Arizona | Lithuania 🇱🇹
Now an upperclassman, Motiejus Krivas has developed into one of college basketball’s most efficient big men. Standing at 7-foot-2 with soft touch around the rim, Krivas anchors Arizona’s interior on both ends. His passing out of the post and improving footwork have elevated him into All-Pac-12 territory. Krivas has also slimmed down to improve mobility, giving Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats a more dynamic look in transition.
Zvonimir Ivišić | F/C | Illinois | Croatia 🇭🇷
After testing the NBA Draft waters, Ivišić transferred to Illinois as one of college basketball’s most unique talents. The 7-foot Croatian forward spaces the floor like a wing, shoots with range, and can handle the ball in transition. Illinois’ offense flows through him — a rare sight for a player his size. While still refining his interior defense, Ivišić’s offensive versatility makes him one of the sport’s biggest mismatches.
“He’s like a seven-foot shooting guard,” said one SEC scout. “You can’t guard him the traditional way.”
Alex Condon | F | Florida | Australia 🇦🇺
The Australian bruiser has transformed into the backbone of Florida’s frontcourt. At 6-foot-11, Condon combines physicality with finesse — cleaning the glass, defending multiple positions, and hitting mid-range jumpers with confidence. His experience in Australia’s development system shines through his discipline and consistency. Florida’s rise in the SEC owes much to Condon’s toughness and reliability down low.
Neoklis Avdalas | G | Virginia Tech | Greece 🇬🇷
Virginia Tech’s floor general has matured rapidly since arriving from Greece. Now the engine of the Hokies’s offense, Avdalas blends high-level court vision with deceptive quickness and size. He thrives in pick-and-roll play, dissecting defenses with precision passing. As his three-point shot continues to develop, Avdalas looks more and more like an international guard built for the modern NBA game.
Henri Veesaar | F | North Carolina | Estonia 🇪🇪
Veesaar has found his groove as a versatile two-way forward for the Wildcats. His length, switchability, and improved outside shot make him a key cog in UNC’s deep rotation. Veesaar’s ability to stretch defenses and guard on the perimeter gives the Wildcats elite balance up front. Scouts love his feel for the game and quiet consistency — traits that translate at any level.
Oscar Cluff | C | Purdue | Australia 🇦🇺
The 6-foot-11 Cluff may not grab national headlines, but his impact in the Big 10 is undeniable. A tenacious rebounder and rim protector, Cluff anchors one of the league’s stingiest defenses. His physicality and motor have made him a nightmare matchup in the paint, and his leadership has helped Purdue remain a postseason threat.
Stefan Vaaks | F | Providence | Estonia 🇪🇪
Stefan Vaaks has evolved from a raw European prospect into a legitimate Big East contributor. The 6-foot-9 forward brings shooting range, mobility, and court awareness that fit perfectly in Kim English’s system. He’s become more assertive on both ends, embracing a larger scoring role while maintaining his signature efficiency. Vaaks’ combination of skill and composure has quietly made him one of the conference’s most impressive players.
Xaivian Lee | G | Florida | Canada 🇨🇦
The SEC’s newest star continues to shine. Xaivian Lee, a standout from Ontario, has established himself as one of the most polished guards in the country. His blend of shooting, ball-handling, and leadership keeps the Gators competitive against high-major opponents. With a game built on precision and poise, Lee’s name has surfaced on early NBA watch lists — proof that talent shines anywhere, Ivy or otherwise.
“He’s the best guard we’ve faced outside a power conference,” said one opposing coach.
Omer Mayer | G | Purdue | Israel 🇮🇱
Purdue’s Omer Mayer is quickly becoming one of the Big 10’s elite perimeter defenders. The Israeli guard brings relentless energy and composure, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s top scorer. Offensively, he’s grown into a reliable playmaker, capable of pushing tempo or spacing the floor as a secondary option. His maturity and defensive instincts have made him a fixture in the Boilermaker’s rotation.