MIES (Switzerland) - There's nothing quite like pulling on a national team vest and representing your country. And those Olympic Games could be very special.
At this year's showpiece event there are several ballers who have missed major tournaments in recent times with their respective countries.
But now very much locked, loaded and ready to go again, here are just some of the names that will be welcomed back with open arms.
Brittney Griner - USA
The experienced American center last appeared at Tokyo 2020 when she added another gold medal to her already glittering resume. Griner's well-documented off-court issues have prevented her from lining up for her beloved USA, but she's back in the mix and ready to go.
It could be an emotional experience for obvious reasons, but fans will remember she was absolutely epic at the last edition of the Games. A matchup nightmare for opposing defenders, she will again be a driving force for the holders and favorites.
Ezinne Kalu - Nigeria
Another player who last featured at Tokyo 2020, the influential playmaker was recently named on Nigeria's list of candidates and that was music to the ears of D'Tigress fans. For many years, Kalu was the turbine that powered the team and the backcourt general.
She has big experience of not just the last Games, but also the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 and she has been MVP of FIBA Women's AfroBasket. With her on board fit and focused on replicating past glories, Nigeria's prospects of causing an upset will rise up.
Rui Machida- Japan
An elite point guard, Machida showed her class at Tokyo 2020 by helping her team take a historic silver medal and setting an all-time record for assists in a game by dropping 18 en-route to the podium.
Her return is a huge positive as she provides Japan a totally different dimension. They missed her presence at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 when they were ninth and lalso ast year at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 when they relinquished their title.
Kyara Linskens - Belgium
Probably something of an unsung hero of Belgium's staggering rise to the top of the European tree and among the global elite, Linskens missed the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 earlier this year due to an injury.
That was a big disappointment with the event on home soil in Antwerp, but having helped Belgium win their first ever FIBA Women's EuroBasket title last year, the forward's presence will be welcomed. She can be a force at both ends of the floor.
Diana Taurasi - USA
Sat clutching her fifth gold medal at Tokyo 2020, everyone assumed Taurasi was calling it a day and hanging up her shoes on a phenomenal career. But nobody should ever assume anything when it comes to DT. Three years later she's staring at a jaw-dropping 6th Olympics.
Last featuring at Tokyo 2020, the veteran had wanted to play at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 but a quad injury ruled her out. Yes, there's a slight asterix against her name because she did feature at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024, but for a baller like Taurasi, it will only feel like she's truly back when on the court in for Paris 2024.
Marine Johannes - France
It's a very similar story for the French leader, since Johannes also played back in February at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024. She lit it up in Xi'An with a spectacular show that bodes well for this upcoming mission.
In reality it feels like Paris 2024 will truly see her make a big stage return after also missing the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney with injury and then the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023. Every French fan is licking their lips at the thought of seeing her.
FIBA