Next Star named among world's best

Cairns Taipans Next Star Luke Paul has capped off a stellar campaign at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey by being named to the tournament's All-Star Five.

The teenage sensation averaged 15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. His ability to fill the stat sheet helped propel the Crocs to a bronze medal finish, the first time Australia has claimed a medal at the tournament since 2014.

Paul finished third in assists across the tournament, highlighted by a dominant performance in the bronze medal game against Turkey, where he recorded 19 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.

The 2028 NBA Draft prospect was also highly efficient, shooting 48.4 per cent from the field and 55.6 per cent from three-point range.

Paul joins Jaoquim Boumtje Boumtje (USA), Beckham Black (USA), Omer Kutluay (Turkey) and Nikola Kusturica (Serbia) as the five standout players selected in the tournament's All-Star Five.