MUNICH (Germany) - The EuroCup Women Qualifiers are about to drop and that provides a launch pad for a number of stars to shine and propel their respective clubs into the Regular Season.
Here are five leading players who could be ready to shine and do the business for their teams.
Debora Carangelo - BDS Dinamo Sassari
Guard
Birth Date: February 10, 1992 (32 years old) Height: 1.69m (5ft 7in) Nationality: ITA
Team captain, the Italian guard was superb last season for Sassari and led by example. She put up some terrific numbers with more than 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game. You can expect more of the same this time around as her side try to make the main phase. The playmaker will continue offering the precious know-how that has seen her play continuously in EuroCup and EuroLeague Women for the last decade or so.
Tina Krajisnik - Bodrum Basketbol
Center
Birth Date: January 12, 1991 (33 years old) Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in) Nationality: SRB
There are few more experienced and consistent performers at the highest level than the Serbian center. Krajisnik has been an absolute rock for the national team and also for the many clubs she has represented. The ambitious Bodrum Basketbol now have a cornerstone at both ends of the court who will show her strengths. Her size, defensive capabilities, organization and scoring and rebounding prowess will be absolutely vital in their quest to advance.
Oceanie Monpierre - GiroLive Panthers Osnabruck
Guard
Birth Date: October 31, 2000 (23 years old) Height: 1.70m (5ft 7in) Nationality: FRA
A vibrant player whose energetic style is infectious and fun to watch, she could be a nice pick up for the German first-timers as she plays a first season outside of France. Not least because the guard has played continuously in EuroCup Women during recent years, including with UFAB 49 last year. While not a prolific scorer, her passing, rebounding and quick hands allows her to set the tone and make opponents' lives a misery with her intensity.
Ameryst Alston - UFAB 49
Guard
Birth Date: January 20, 1994 (30 years old) Height: 1.80m (5ft 11in) Nationality: FRA
The free-scoring Alston will have little difficulty in finding her feet for UFAB 49 due to her familiarity with both EuroCup Women and the French League from balling with Lattes-Montpellier last year. With more than 15 points per game, she offers Angers a significant scoring punch, with the only question mark perhaps being chemistry, since UFAB 49 have had a huge summer clearout and will field an almost completely new roster.
Noa Morro - Baxi Ferrol
Center
Birth Date: December 2, 2004 (19 years old) Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in) Nationality: ESP
The teenager is a good prospect and, having impressed at the FIBA Women's Youth EuroBasket tournaments during past summers, Morro is looking to make moves in her club career. She has some EuroLeague Women minutes on her resume with Valencia Basket Club, but her summer switch to Baxi Ferrol will give her more scope to spread her wings and show her talent. Efficient, smart and strong, she should be a rising star to watch.
FIBA