Which Final Four debutante will make a difference in Istanbul?
ISTANBUL (Turkey) - There will be an added sense of excitement for many leading EuroLeague Women ballers when the action tips off in Istanbul, since several will make a first ever Final Four appearance.
MUNICH (Germany) - There will be an added sense of excitement for many leading EuroLeague Women stars when action tips off in Istanbul, since several will make a first-ever Final Four appearance.
Here's the pick of those who will make their respective debuts at the flagship event:
Kahleah Copper - Perfumerias Avenida
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GUARD / FORWARD
Height: 1.87cm / 6ft 2in
Date of Birth: August 28, 1994
As soon as the WNBA Finals MVP landed in Avenida, she continued her rich vein of form with a barrage of points and huge scores. A walking bucket and absolute clutch, her team has rarely missed a beat when she has been playing to her top level. She is a game-winner, in the front running in the MVP race, and if Avenida do it and win silverware, she will also be a favorite for Final Four MVP.
Maria Conde - ZVVZ USK Praha
MARIA CONDE 🔥
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) March 18, 2022
That's It. That's the Tweet.#EuroLeagueWomen x @MariaaConde pic.twitter.com/0zqiM8NU8o
SMALL FORWARD
Height: 1.86cm / 6ft 1in
Date of Birth: January 14, 1997
What an incredible season it has been for the Spanish winger. She has gotten better with every week and every game and in the last part of the season, has taken over games and dug Praha out of some holes they didn't want to be in with some amazing plays. Spanish national team fans must also be loving her displays and if she continues in top gear like of late, Praha could finish on top of the podium.
Elizabeth Williams - Fenerbahce Safiport
Elizabeth Williams is a problem in the paint 🤚
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) February 28, 2022
▪ 2.5 blocks per game
▪ #EuroLeagueWomen leader in blocks@E_Williams_1 | @fbkadinbasket pic.twitter.com/vGhBy6dIQX
CENTER
Height: 1.91cm / 6ft 3in
Date of Birth: June 23, 1992
The defense of the center has been epic at times and Fenerbahce's long winning streak in the competition has been built on the absolute rock that is Williams. She leads the tournament in blocked shots and has plenty of double-doubles to her name. If Fenerbahce are to make history and collect a first-ever title, then it's tough to see anything other than Williams being one of the key architects.
Nevena Jovanovic - Sopron Basket
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SHOOTING GUARD
Height: 1.79cm / 5ft 10in
Date of Birth: June 30, 1990
Sopron Basket love being able to use the energy, experience, defense, rebounding and three-point shooting of the guard who will finally get to step out at the Final Four. While often coming off the bench in games, Sopron usually end up relying on Jovanovic in their lineup down the stretch, mirroring her role for Serbia at major tournaments as she has a track record of getting things done.
Brionna Jones - ZVVZ USK Praha
Brionna Jones (27 PTS, 16 REB) put up some BIG numbers in Prague! 📈@_bjones18 | #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/ojNVqLZQnT
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) December 1, 2021
CENTER
Height: 1.90cm / 6ft 3in
Date of Birth: December 18, 1995
It's been another phenomenal season for Jones, putting up massive numbers for her team in terms of points, rebounds and efficiency. That's facilitated a Final Four slot, having missed out last season. It means the center will debut at the event and with this, will continue to carry a massive chunk of Praha's hopes on her shoulders as she looks to continue dominating the paint at both ends of the floor.
Bria Hartley - Fenerbahce Safiport
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GUARD
Height: 1.76cm / 5ft 9in
Date of Birth: September 30, 1992
The return of Hartley during the middle to later part of the Regular Season coincided with the super winning streak of Fenerbahce Safiport. Even if her minutes have not been huge since coming back, the guard certainly adds more depth to the backcourt rotation, with her versatility and overall experience very important - even if this will be her maiden Final Four.
Dragana Stankovic - ZVVZ USK Praha
POWER FORWARD / CENTER
Height: 1.95cm / 6ft 5in
Date of Birth: January 18, 1995
It's been an impressive first season at Praha from Stankovic. Her defensive edge has given the team a new dimension and she is currently second in the competition for blocks. She has also been clinical at the other end of the floor, shooting almost 60 percent. Back after missing over a month due to an injury sustained with Serbia, her presence off the bench boosts Praha's prospects.
Maria Fasoula - Perfumerias Avenida
FASOULA PUTTING ON A SHOW 😱🔥@CBAvenida | #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/S3cMpv6rBz
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) March 9, 2022
CENTER
Height: 1.92cm / 6ft 4in
Date of Birth: September 2, 1997
There were high hopes that the Greek national team standout could have a strong rookie season with Avenida and so it has proven. With her size and skills, Fasoula has been an important part of the rotation and made smart choices offensively. In fact, she is shooting a super 62 percent from the field which underlines her effectiveness - as does being in the top five for her team in terms of efficiency.
FIBA