Tyler Kropp FIBA U19 World Cup Film Breakdown

The Wildcats’ incoming first-year flashes scoring and versatility in his stint with Argentina’s FIBA U19 unit.

While the NBA season has drawn to a close, other global basketball competitions have been in full swing, with Northwestern’s Tyler Kropp dominating.

The incoming Northwestern men’s basketball freshman recently completed his FIBA U19 World Cup stint with Argentina, where they finished 12th after losing to Mali 89-79 in the Classification 11-12 game last Sunday. Over seven games, Kropp led the team in average points (21.7), rebounds (9.7), and efficiency (24.7). He also earned an All-Second Team selection while leading the average scoring of the tournament.

While Cincinnati transfer Arrinten Page and new center Cade Bennerman are expected to fill the void left by Matthew Nicholson, who graduated this year, Kropp might also get some minutes with the Wildcats as an unconventional big man with his coveted skillset. In this piece, I will break down his overall performance with Argentina in the FIBA U19 World Cup on both sides.

Offense

In the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup group stage, Kropp averaged 23.0 points per game with an impressive 60.4% field goal percentage. His group stage performances included:

• vs. New Zealand: 22 points (9/18 FG, 1/1 3PT, 3/3 FT), 11 rebounds
• vs. Serbia: 23 points (10/15 FG, 2/3 3PT, 1/2 FT), 9 rebounds, 1 steal
• vs. Mali: 24 points (10/15 FG, 1/2 3PT, 3/4 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

While reviewing his clips from the FIBA U19 World Cup, it is evident that Kropp primarily scored through cuts and post-ups, using these as his primary weapons. In the clip below, when he faced New Zealand’s center William Blight in the low post, he dug in with just one pump, then spun outward for space, connecting with his subsequent one-two step to make the shot. Unlike the slow, patient, and tough post-up plays we saw earlier, his move here looked smoother.

After scoring his first basket for Argentina against New Zealand, Kropp made his second field goal in the same style. This time, from the left side, his other spin move allowed him to juke New Zealand’s Carter Hopoi. Despite an immediate trap from Blight, his up-and-under and reverse layup solved the problem.

Credit: FIBA

Though primarily a backcourt player, his three-point shooting was another weapon that made him tougher to guard as a power forward. During the tournament, he demonstrated his ability to find space for uncontested threes. In those four games, he posted a respectable 57.1% three-point shooting percentage (8/14). Notably, he shot 60% (6/10) from beyond the arc in the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where he led his team to a runner-up finish.

Credit: FIBA

Known as a double-double machine at Olentangy Liberty HS (Ohio), Kropp averaged 21.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in Argentina’s seven games this tournament, including nearly three boards on the offensive end. He frequently converted rebounds into points after second-chance plays with his quality finish.

Credit: FIBA

The clip below highlights his versatility. Facing double coverage, he immediately spotted his teammate on the corner in open space. Although his teammate missed the shot, Kropp beat Ladji Coulibaly in the box-out and scored an and-one on the 6-foot-10 Mali center.

Credit: FIBA

Although playing in the backcourt, he was exceptionally skilled in spacing and excelling outside the key. Whether driving in with speed, cutting inside for a shot, positioning well during the transition, or playing the roll man, Kropp proved capable of finding the net in multiple ways.

Defense

Kropp’s defensive stats looked promising during the tournament. The Argentinian showed some ability to protect the rim, not just through his dominance in defensive rebounding, which he averaged in seven games. He also demonstrated effective coverage to contain opponents.

Credit: FIBA

The clip below shows that when facing a mismatch against a No. 5 post-up, he chose the smartest approach: he stripped the ball from the other player, resulting in a transition on the ensuing drive.

Credit: FIBA

Again, I do love how he transitioned quickly through a defensive action. The clip below shows his quick steal and fast-break transition. He then punished Serbia for wasting the possession with a smooth finish.

Credit: FIBA

Finally, I want to leave with my slight concern about Kropp’s defense. He often lacked proactivity in transition defense and sometimes dropped back. While his positioning and switching were generally solid, whether Argentina played zone or man-to-man, his current physicality doesn’t support him as a consistent defender against attacks in the paint.

Credit: FIBA

Leading Argentina in scoring, rebounding, and efficiency at the tournament, Kropp showcased his ability to finish inside, stretch the floor, and make smart reads on both ends. While he still has room to grow in certain aspects, his versatility positions him as a valuable contributor for the Wildcats this upcoming season.