'Now Star' Luke Paul powers Crocs to bronze medal

• Game 1: Aussie Crocs at snappy best to tip-off Cup campaign‍
• Game 2: Paul gives statisticians sore fingers in five-point win
• Game: 3: Antonio Browne sends Australia into Round of 16‍
• Game 4: Luke Paul and Antonio Browne power Australia into Canada showdown
• Game 5: Paul, Basaran put Canada to the sword, now US

NBL Next Star Luke Paul delivered a near triple-double as Australia bounced back from semi-final heartbreak to defeat host nation Türkiye 77-69 and claim the bronze medal at the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Istanbul on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Less than 24 hours after falling to the United States, Paul inspired a composed Australian response with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, adding three blocks and a steal in one of the finest all-round performances of the tournament. The captain also calmly knocked down two late free throws to seal the victory.

Australia came out determined from the opening tip, exploding to a 30-12 first-quarter lead before stretching the margin to 49-32 by halftime. A decisive 13-0 run across the first and second quarters gave Greg Vanderjagt's side complete control.

Centre Yahya Basaran dominated inside with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double while rejecting three shots, continuing his outstanding tournament with another commanding display in the paint.

Sharpshooter William Hamilton provided the offensive punch from the perimeter, scoring 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while John Aryang stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

Türkiye mounted a spirited comeback after halftime behind tournament star Omer Kutluay, who poured in a game-high 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists, trimming the margin to five in the closing minutes.

But Australia never surrendered the lead.

The Crocs led for more than 39 minutes, controlled the glass 44-35, finished with 21 assists and protected their advantage despite Türkiye winning the third quarter 22-12.

Antonio Browne added six assists and two steals, while Alex Mabbott supplied valuable energy off the bench with four points and three rebounds.

The bronze medal caps an outstanding campaign for Australia, which defeated France, Cameroon, Türkiye and Serbia on its run to the semi-finals before overcoming the host nation for a second time to finish third in the world.

Australian Leaders

• Luke Paul: 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks
• Yahya Basaran: 14 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks
• William Hamilton: 16 points, three three-pointers
• John Aryang: 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, two blocks

Australian Box Score vs Türkiye