Top 5 players at the Under-20 men's champs

• Victoria Navy stun Queensland to claim 2025 Under-20 Men's National Championship
• Extraordinarily, Victoria Navy are the State's second team
• Navy's Ryder Cheesman was the break-out star of the tournament
• Top 5 players at the Australian Under-20 Women's Championships

The U20 Men’s National Championship was wild from start to finish.

The country’s best talent pulled up to Ballarat, and the action did not disappoint.

Victoria Navy made history, becoming the first-ever 'seconds' Victorian squad to take home the title, knocking off a red-hot Roman Siulepa and Queensland in the final. The tournament was full of surprises — bottom-aged talent stole the spotlight, while powerhouse teams, such as Victoria, fell earlier than anyone expected.

In partnership with basketball.com.au, we’re bringing you our picks for the five most influential players from the men’s tournament — the ones who made the biggest impact on their squad, whether by taking over games, delivering in the clutch, or setting the tone all week.

Ryder Cheesman | 6’4 | Victoria Navy | G

18.8 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 4.2 APG | 46.7 FG%

Ryder Cheesman silenced the doubters and emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. As the captain of Victoria’s ‘second’ team, he led them to a historic National Championship — the first time a Victorian second team had claimed the title. Despite being an under-ager, Ryder controlled the tempo with maturity beyond his years. His ability to get to the rim at will and create space for his teammates was the backbone of Vic Navy’s success. Some would argue he was the best point guard at the championships, regardless of age.

Jacob Furphy | 6’5 | Tasmania | G

21.7 PPG | 8.0 RPG | 3.2 APG | 40.8 FG%

Jacob Furphy showed exactly why the reigning back-to-back NCAA champion UConn Huskies recruited him. The 6’6 guard put his elite scoring ability on full display, finishing in the tournament’s top five scorers. His standout moment came when he erupted for 41 points against the eventual champions, Victoria Navy. Known for his high basketball IQ, Jacob is an appealing prospect for recruiters. On top of his offensive prowess, he was named Defensive Player of the Tournament, adding yet another accolade to his already impressive résumé.

Roman Siulepa | 6’6 | Queensland | F

26.2 PPG | 11.3 RPG | 4.3 APG | 38.2 FG%

For the second straight year, Roman Siulepa was named tournament MVP after another dominant campaign. Queensland finished as runners-up in both 2024 and 2025, but this year’s result might have been different had Roman not suffered a foot injury before halftime in the championship game. Throughout the tournament, he proved once again that he was too powerful for most defenders. However, it wasn’t just his trademark physicality that stood out — he showcased an improved three-point shot, highlighted by a monstrous 41-point, 8-rebound performance against ACT, where he knocked down eight threes.

Indy Cotton | 6’5 | Queensland | G

22.0 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 4.2 APG | 59.2 FG%

Indy Cotton may have been the most impressive player I watched at this tournament. Entering as the #2 ranked prospect, expectations were sky-high, and he delivered. The bottom-ager displayed a silky scoring ability, proving he has a deep offensive bag at all three levels. Fitting in seamlessly alongside Roman and Queensland’s other weapons, he played a pivotal role in their run to the final. Had injuries not derailed their championship hopes, he might have left with a gold medal.

Alex Dickeson | 6’3 | South Australia | G

15.2 PPG | 8.5 RPG | 5.7 APG | 30.0 FG%

Fresh off his MVP run at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders Asia camp, Alex Dickeson led South Australia to a third-place finish at the U20 National Championships. He guided SA to key victories, including a thrilling one-point win over Queensland in pool play and a two-point upset over Victoria in the bronze medal game — capped off by a clutch, dagger three-pointer. While his field goal percentage wasn’t ideal, his ball-handling, ability to create space, and big-shot mentality were undeniable.

*Sixth Man*

Luke Fennell | 6’6 | Victoria | G

16.8PTS | 2.2REB | 2.0AST | 40FG%

The best performer on a stacked Victorian squad, Luke Fennell stood out despite his team falling short of expectations. The Syracuse commit showcased an unlimited offensive arsenal, proving he can score from anywhere on the court, whenever he wants. One of the most gifted offensive guards to come through the system in recent years, Luke had defenders lost all weekend — breaking ankles, creating space, and drilling deep threes from well beyond the arc.