In a remarkable recognition of his outstanding performance during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

In a remarkable recognition of his outstanding performance during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023,

The 20-year-old Australian point guard, Josh Giddey, clinched the inaugural Wanda Rising Star Award.

This prestigious accolade, presented by FIBA’s esteemed Global Partner, Wanda Group, marks a historic moment for Giddey as he becomes the very first recipient of this newly established honor.

Throughout the tournament, Giddey displayed remarkable prowess, averaging an impressive 19.4 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Australian national team, affectionately known as the Boomers. Notably, this statistical feat places him in a rarefied category alongside basketball luminaries such as Drazen Petrovic, Wilfredo Ruiz, Kevin Durant, Yao Ming, John Lucas, and Leo Rautins – a select group of players who have achieved greater point averages than Josh Giddey before reaching the age of 22.

Within the ranks of the Boomers, Giddey emerged as a shining star, leading the team both in points and assists per game, solidifying his status as a standout performer in the World Cup.

Despite being one of the youngest players on the global stage, Giddey wasted no time in making his presence felt. His debut game against Finland saw him amass an impressive 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, a performance reminiscent of LeBron James in the 21st century, marking the second instance of a player achieving more than 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in their inaugural World Cup appearance.

Giddey’s apex in the competition came during a victorious encounter with Japan, where he notched an astonishing 26 points, shooting at an impressive 10 for 18, while also contributing 11 assists and 5 rebounds, earning himself the title of TCL Player of the Game.

While there was no shortage of rising stars contending for the coveted award, including notable names like Nikola Jovic, Paolo Banchero, Usman Garuba, Juan Nunez, and Jean Montero, it was Josh Giddey who shone the brightest among the brightest prospects at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The criteria for the Wanda Rising Star Award dictated that candidates must be aged 21 or younger, born in 2002 or later, and must have participated in a minimum of four games during the tournament. The selection process took into account individual performances as well as the wider impact each candidate had on their respective teams.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, now in its 19th edition, made history by spanning three host nations – the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia – from August 25 to September 10. This grand event celebrated the global love for basketball and showcased the remarkable talents, like Josh Giddey, who illuminated the tournament with their exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.