ZARAGOZA (Spain) - Some of the best ballers in the world are preparing to take to the court at the first ever edition of the EuroLeague Women Final Six.
As the countdown continues to the inaugural edition of the brand new format for the season showpiece, we've picked out 10 of the biggest stars to put on your watch-list.
Emma Meesseman (Fenerbahce Opet)
Forward
Birth Date: May 13, 1993 (31 years old) Height: 1.93 (6ft 4in)
Stats: 24.1 EFF / 18.1 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 4.5 APG Looking to become the most decorated EuroLeague Women baller of the modern era, Meesseman would take a record-breaking seventh title if Fenerbahce Opet are successful. Her influence remains unrivalled and having shown over the years her capacity to deliver in the biggest moments, it would be no surprise if she completed the feat. From clutch buckets, to super smart assists and overlooked defensive qualities, she's already in legend territory.
Valeriane Ayayi (ZVVZ USK Praha)
Small Forward
Birth Date: April 29, 1994 (30 years old) Height: 1.84 (6ft 0in) Stats: 16.8 EFF / 13.3 PPG / 7.3 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.2 SPG Ayayi has been a great asset again for Praha and not least because this has arguably been her best ever campaign in the competition. With serious injuries to other leaders such as Teja Oblak and Maria Conde at different times, the French ace has held everything together in a big way for the Czech club. From her inside-outside threat, to work on the glass, she has excelled. But will a first ever winners' medal be incoming - or even a first Final appearance?
Iliana Rupert (CIMSA CBK Mersin)
Center
Birth Date: July 12, 2001 (23 years old) Height: 1.94 (6ft 4in)
Stats: 21.6 EFF / 16.5 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.7 APG The French center has been outstanding all season. With potential to be named EuroLeague Women MVP, she's reached the final three of that race after not missing a beat all season with Mersin. She's been the foundation of their title challenge as she also looks for a maiden Final appearance or a first winners' medal. If Mersin do make history and Rupert's dreams come true, she'll have a big role to play as she utilizes her size, skills and composure.
Amy Okonkwo (Tango Bourges Basket)
Forward
Birth Date: August 26, 1996 (28 years old) Height: 1.88 (6ft 12in)
Stats: 17.0 EFF / 15.4 PPG / 5.3 RPG A superstar for Nigeria during recent years, including during their historic Olympic accomplishments at Paris 2024, Okonkwo has transferred that influence to EuroLeague Women. She's posted a remarkable rookie season with Bourges and been the leading light on their run to the Quarter-Finals. A headline-maker for the French club, she has used her super combination of strength and scoring power to great effect and will do the same in Zaragoza.
Alina Iagupova (Valencia Basket Club)
Guard / Forward
Birth Date: February 9, 1992 (33 years old) Height: 1.86 (6ft 1in)
Stats: 11.8 EFF / 11.9 PPG / 3.9 APG / 3.4 RPG / 2.1 SPG If Iagpuova finds top gear for Valencia Basket club, she could prove unstoppable. Once she gets rolling, the Ukrainian is a tour de force and will tear her opponents to shreds driving to the hoop or with her trademark high-arcing three-point shots. Physically elite and in a skills sense too, she is chasing the second title of her career having been part of a history-making Fenerbahce team who won the silverware for the first time two years ago.
Gabby Williams (Fenerbahce Opet)
Forward
Birth Date: September 9, 1996 (28 years old) Height: 1.80 (5ft 11in)
Stats: 19.8 EFF / 14.1 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 3.8 APG / 2.8 SPG Another superb season now sees the French national team star as a potential EuroLeague Women MVP, having secured a top three place in the voting. Williams has impressed with her stellar efforts at both ends of the court. Defensively supreme, she's also netted more than 14 points per game and is looking to win the title in her first season with Fenerbahce. She was Final Four MVP with Sopron three years ago when they beat the Turkish giants.
Marine Johannes (CIMSA CBK Mersin)
Guard
Birth Date: January 31, 1995 (30 years old) Height: 1.77 (5ft 10in)
Stats: 11.7 EFF / 12.3 PPG / 3.7 APG / 2.0 RPG One of the superstars of the women's global game, Johannes continues to be a walking highlights reel and she will have fans off their seats in Zaragoza with her amazing capacity to entertain. She is also looking to make up for lost time, having missed a massive chunk of the season with an injury. If Mersin manage to make history and get that first title, it would also be a first for the French guard, who's limitless talent could possibly be the difference-maker.
Dorka Juhasz (Beretta Famila Schio)
Center
Birth Date: December 18, 1999 (25 years old) Height: 1.92 (6ft 4in)
Stats: 14.9 EFF / 8.9 PPG / 8.8 RPG It's been quite the season for the Hungarian center in the competition. Her impact has mirrored that of the team and it is no coincidence that the massive uptick in Schio's form came alongside her producing a string of majestic displays. Even if her actual numbers are not eye-popping, it is the towering presence of the 1.92 Juhasz along with her quality play that matters most for the Italians. Will she be the one to possibly inspire them to a maiden Final?
Leonie Fiebich (Valencia Basket Club)
Guard / Small Forward
Birth Date: January 10, 2000 (25 years old) Height: 1.92 (6ft 4in)
Stats: 11.2 EFF / 10.4 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 2.2 APG An exciting mid-season arrival, the presence of Fiebich not only strengthens Valencia's overall depth of rotation, but provides them with a baller that thrives in this competition. The German was an exceptional leader for Casademont Zaragoza last year and so loves to put on a show at the Pabellon Principe Felipe. Valenica have already landed in the Semi-Finals for the first time and with Fiebich gaining momentum, more history could follow.
Brionna Jones (ZVVZ USK Praha)
Center
Birth Date: December 18, 1995 (29 years old) Height: 1.90 (6ft 3in) Stats: 21.7 EFF / 17.6 PPG / 9.5 RPG You can take it to the bank that Jones will be a handful in the paint and an anchor on defense. Her physicality and efficiency on the court makes her such a tough baller to match up with and as her near double-double season would testify, she is likely to be their star baller. Looking for her first Final appearance in the competition of even better, the first EuroLeague Women title of her career, get ready to see Jones dominate under the hoop for Praha.
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