2025 EuroBasket PER:
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 46.1
2. Franz Wagner: 43.7
3. Alperen Sengun: 39.6
4. Nikola Jokic: 39.1
5. Luka Doncic: 38.6
6. Lauri Markkanen: 35.8
7. Daniel Theis: 35.4
8. Dennis Schroder: 32.0
9. Jonas Valanciunas: 30.7
10. Goga Bitadze: 29.4…
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 5, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick Saliou Niang is among the leaders in player efficiency rating with the Italian national team at EuroBasket 2025, according to RealGM.
Niang helped the Italians qualify for the round of 16 after finishing 4-1 during the group stage, averaging 9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds on 70% shooting from the field. He led the team in scoring with 15 points during its win over Georgia on Aug. 30.
Though the 21-year-old ranks outside of the top 50 in scoring average, Niang is 18th in PER through four appearances with Italy (28.1). Giannis Antetokounmpo leads all players (46.1), while Franz Wagner is second (43.7) and Alperen Şengün is third (39.6).
Niang was the 58th pick by the Cavaliers after averaging 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 51.3% shooting from the field last season with Dolomiti Energia Trento. He helped the team to the Italian Cup and was the Italian Lega A Most Improved Player.
The Senegalese-Italian forward logged three appearances with the Cavaliers in summer league, averaging 7.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He is expected to play next season with Virtus Bologna, having signed with the team on July 16.
After finishing second in Group C, Niang and Italy face Luka Dončić and Slovenia in the knockout round on Sunday (11:15 a.m. EDT). Italy has advanced to the quarterfinals in three straight tournaments.