PARIS (France) - The Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 is going to provide a platform for the biggest and best players on the planet to show their incredible skills and get fans on the edge of their seats.
In our two-part countdown which tips-off with the first 10 players, this is your ultimate guide to the players that really should be on your tournament watch-list.
Amy Akonkwo - Nigeria
The leading African player on recent form, the forward has been hugely influential for her country lately. Crowned MVP of the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2023 with more than 17 points and 8 rebounds per game, she continued to impress at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Antwerp.
Without her classy show in the win against Senegal, Nigeria might have missed out on Paris altogether. Strong and able to put points on the scoreboard, Okonwko will have a leadership role compared to Tokyo 2020. If she hits top gear, Okonkwo will prove 'Africa's Got Game'.
Yvonne Anderson - Serbia
Whenever Anderson is on the floor, Serbia seem to have an extra dimension to their game and that is not a surprise, since Anderson brings a lot of things to the table. Her veteran experience, her quickness, know-how and skills all combine to ensure her adopted country will continue to have a true leader and star player in their backcourt.
Outstanding at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Brazil, Anderson was the main reason Serbia made it to Paris. The way legendary head coach Marina Maljkovic talks about the playmaker with such praise tells you all you need to know about her qualities. She's often such fun to watch too - whether scoring, creating or even playing defense.
Julie Allemand - Belgium
It's not just Cats' fans who will be relieved that Allemand has recovered from injury in time to hit the court at this year' Games. Basketball fans in general love watching the guard at work and especially when wearing a Belgium national team jersey. The guard has played some of the best basketball of her career on the international stage.
Her ability to pass the rock is elite and it's that element of her game that lends itself so beautifully to Belgium's dynamic style of play. Allemand on the court pulling the strings is one of the reasons why the reigning Euro champs are so favored to make a push for a medal.
Lauren Jackson - Australia
The Aussie GOAT simply has to be on this watch-list as she prepares to land at the Olympic Games for a fantastic fifth time in her career. Even if her role has changed from previous editions, she showed at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney that she still has what it takes to post valuable cameos and even headline making performances.
That incredible 30-point display against Canada that landed the Opals a bronze medal on home soil was evidence of this. We will see what happens at her (second) swansong, but absolutely nobody would be surprised if we were treated to a second fairytale farewell.
Diana Taurasi - USA
GOAT Alert! Anything LJ can do when it comes to the Olympics, Taurasi can do one better as she gets ready for an eye-popping edition number six! It's impossible not to put the USA baller on the watch-list because all eyes will be on her throughout the entire tournament.
It's going to be another goodbye to a women's basketball legend and there is every chance that it will be a sixth gold medal hanging around Taurasi's neck. These days she might be more about coming off the bench, but you wouldn't back against her hitting a game-winner.
Alba Torrens - Spain
Keeping the streak of amazing veteran players going, Spanish legend Torrens will need to be at her best if Spain are to make a deep run and challenge for a podium place. She came alive and rolled back the years at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 to inspire a silver medal.
With Spain back on the global stage for the first time since Tokyo 2020 after missing the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022, they will want to make a splash. But that looks unlikely unless Torrens posts some of those trademark top performances from the wing.
Satou Sabally - Germany
The forward missed the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 and this means there is a huge buzz around the presence of Sabally, since she will play her first major tournament on the global stage as Germany make their Olympic debut. So far she has only ever played in qualifiers - such as the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Brazil, when she was superb.
Her size, quality, athleticism and overall impact at both ends of the court is likely to be significant. The 'Group of Death' means it will potentially be a rough first ride on this stage for her nation, but with Sabally in situ, their chances of success and advancing are higher.
Gabby Williams - France
With both the camera lens and fan attention likely to be focused powerfully on Marine Johannes and breakout teenage star Dominique Malonga, this almost suits Williams perfectly. That is because it is her unassuming leadership style and her actions on the court which makes her standout so much for France in a different way to some of her colleagues.
A defensive powerhouse, the forward has turned up the dial on offense for her country in past competitions. She was the best French player at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 and also at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Xi'An when she was crowned MVP. After missing the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 it's a big welcome back.
Rui Machida - Japan
One of the amazing headline stories of Tokyo 2020 when Japan made that historic and glorious run to their first Final, Machida was the baller who pulled the team's strings like a boss. She was the heartbeat and firstly equaled the Olympic assists record before beating it when she dished up 18 assists in the Semi-Final. That is simply elite.
Having not featured for Japan in the last three years, the return of Machida might mean her love affair with the Olympics is re-kindled. She might never be a player who puts many points on the board, but few players make passing the rock look so effortless and joy to watch.
Brittney Griner - USA
Epic at Tokyo 2020 and especially in the title game itself, Griner will wear a USA uniform for the first time since the last edition of the Games. It promises to be an emotional return to action, not only because of the gap between playing for her country, but because of the off-court experiences that the center has endured during recent times.
As has been the case at so many flagship events since she came onto the scene, having to guard Griner can be a nightmare for USA's opponents. Her imposing physical presence, experience and skills make her a force, so don't be surprised if she is dominant again.
Next time we will complete the stellar list with another 10 amazing players.
FIBA