MUNICH (Germany) - A number of players are about to compete and show their skills in EuroLeague Women for the very first time in their respective careers.
We've draw up a watch-list of those rising stars who could be ready to shine in their first year playing in the competition.
Meanwhile you can also vote for who you think will have the biggest impact most by casting your vote in the fan poll below.
Awak Kuier - Umana Reyer Venezia
Center
Birth Date: August 19, 2001 (23 years old) Height: 1.94m (6ft 5in) Nationality: FIN
After two impressive seasons in EuroCup Women wearing Reyer colors, it's an exciting prospect to see what impact Kuier can now have at this elevated level. Her physical prowess is immense and she will continue to use her mobility and reach to underpin her offensive skills, while turning to her amazing wing span defensively and will block shots for fun. Also outstanding for Finland, she's still evolving and this season will be a great opportunity to take the next step.
Amy Okonkwo - Tango Bourges Basket
Forward
Birth Date: August 26, 1996 (28 years old) Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in) Nationality: NGR
The forward has had to wait a long time to play in EuroLeague Women, but she had already shown what she can do on the very biggest stages internationally. The FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2023 MVP, she was then the leading light in catapulting Nigeria to Paris 2024 and then playing a prominent role in their record-breaking run to the Olympic Quarter-Finals. Powerful, she'll be a factor at both ends, contributing plenty in the scoring and rebounding categories.
Iyana Martin Carrion - Perfumerias Avenida
Guard
Birth Date: January 18, 2006 (18 years old) Height: 1.74m (5ft 9in) Nationality: ESP
A massive talent who has shown her teeth at FIBA youth level, including on the global stage as TISSOT MVP of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 in Madrid, Carrion has a super balance of tenacity and composure. A seriously crafty guard, Carrion is a strong scorer and creator who uses her IQ to get the job done. Stepping up to this level means will be a challenge, but look out for glimpses of her quality throughout the season with Avenida.
Leila Lacan - Basket Landes
Guard
Birth Date: June 2, 2004 (20 years old) Height: 1.81m (5ft 11in) Nationality: FRA
It's been quite the 18 months for the guard after she won bronze on debut with France at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, starred in EuroCup Women with UFAB 49 and then played in the Olympic Final at Paris 2024 and grabbed a silver on home soil. Helping Basket Landes navigate the recent Qualifiers, she is looking like her energy, intensity and smarts could really make a big difference to her new club and help them stay competitive this season.
Carla Leite - Villeneuve d'Ascq LM
Guard
Birth Date: April 16, 2004 (20 years old) Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in) Nationality: FRA
Rising to prominence as MVP of the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket last year, Leite showed why she is such a stellar prospect. In a packed field of young French talents, she's made people sit up and take notice of her potential on both sides of the Atlantic. Rather than the College route, the guard is lining up for 2024 Finalists Villeneuve d'Ascq LM. She should thrive with Coach Rachid Meziane and has the ability to be a factor in a challenging season ahead for the team.
Matilde Villa - Umana Reyer Venezia
Guard
Birth Date: December 9, 2004 (19 years old) Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in) Nationality: ITA
The teenager has already showed plenty in her blossoming career - both in EuroCup Women, as well as in an Italian national team vest. Brilliant at youth level, while also making her senior tournament debut at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, Villa is viewed as a leader for her country for the next decade and beyond. Skilled, aggressive and purposeful, she will dish out assists, get to the hoop and make buckets in her first EuroLeague Women campaign.
FIBA