10 must-watch stars of FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023

MUNICH (Germany) - The best players on the continent are getting ready to shine at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 in Slovenia and Israel and there are plenty of stars to look out for.

Here are 10 of the leading lights that all fans should have on the watch list - but who will make the biggest impact?

Make sure to take part in the fan vote at the bottom of the article!

Emma Meesseman - Belgium 

A true colossus and centerpiece of Belgium's super rise on the international stage, Meesseman is unstoppable when she hits a high gear and has posted some spectacular displays. Inspiring Belgium's bronze medals in 2017 and 2021, she made the All-Star Team on each occasion and will be a tour de force at this edition too. Recognized as one of the best players in the world, the forward comes into this edition in great form after taking a fifth EuroLeague Women winners' medal having helped Fenerbahce to a historic first title.

Maria Conde - Spain 

 

It was such a bitter-sweet experience for Conde two years ago when the joy of making her debut at the event was diluted by Spain giving up their crown and finishing in an unthinkable seventh place. But with the team having pushed a reset button, it is Conde who comes out the other side of that process as the new anticipated leader as the next generation look to turn up the heat. Her passion, intensity, ability to shift the momentum of games with her wing play will all be vital and that should put Spain back in the medal hunt.

Cecilia Zandalasini - Italy 

The FIBA Women’s EuroBasket has always held a special place in the basketball journey of Zandalasini. It was during a spectacular debut in 2017 when she truly announced her arrival on the big stage and made the world sit up and take notice of her talent. Such was the impression made, she gained All-Star Five status even though Italy finished in seventh place. A momentum-shifter and built for the clutch, Zandalasini is not just a go-to option, but also a leader on the floor and could certainly be named an All-Star Five member again.

Teaira McCowan - Turkey 

A walking double-double any time she steps onto the floor, McCowan is a towering presence and nightmare for opposing defenses because of her sheer size alone. Joining Turkey during the last qualifying windows, the center made an instant impression with some eye-bulging numbers in points and rebounds. A nightmare matchup for any team, she will clean up on the glass, convert an array of putback scores, exploit the pick and roll and drop anchor defensively in the paint too. The center will be Turkey's go-to star by far.

Teja Oblak - Slovenia 

Ever since Slovenia's 2017 debut, Oblak has been a leader for her country. 'Captain Fantastic' continues to be the reference point on and off the court as one of the most respected and accomplished guards in Europe. Her ability to create for teammates or score big buckets will be precious as usual, with her calm and assured approach absolute gold dust for the co-hosts, who will be under big pressure to perform well on home soil. Oblak makes her team tick and if she can find her usual high gear, Slovenia's chances improve.

Temi Fagbenle - Great Britain 

A massive player Fagbenle brings quality and strength and has just been named captain. She was the pivotal figure when the underdogs made an amazing run to the 2019 Semi-Finals - making the All-Star Five as the tournament's top scorer with 20 points per game. She led the team in efficiency, scoring, rebounding and blocks during the recent Qualifiers games and this speaks volumes about her influence. If back to her best after the hand injury that curtailed her club season at Praha, Great Britain could be dark horses.

Aleksandra Crvendakic - Serbia 

 
The transition from being a prominent and important player to an actual leader of this team was delayed when injured for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022. However, its now time for the forward to turn up the dial if Serbia want to get back onto the podium. She can answer the call and had the ability to make big shots from outside and pull great moves inside. She showed her class in the Qualifiers and arrives having helped to deliver CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld a first EuroLeague Women Final Four and Final appearance.

Valeriane Vukosavljevic - France 

The time is now for the winger to step up and cement her place as a leading light for France. With a couple of high-profile absences impacting on the roster, her role and influence must be accelerated. She's previously made modest contributions, but now could be the difference-maker for the team with her athleticism and ability to score inside and out. She has played some of the best basketball of her life this past season in EuroLeague Women with Praha and if she can replicate this, it could help fuel a gold medal outcome.

Julie Allemand - Belgium 

An exciting playmaker who has been at the heart of Belgium's success, Allemand is a quality player who has posted some superb displays at all the major tournaments, including a joint assists record at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. She won FIBA Women's EuroBasket bronze in 2017 and 2021 with her country and comes into this competition having gained EuroCup Women and French Championship honors with LDLC ASVEL Feminin. She'll pull the strings as impressively as always for the podium contenders.

Maria Fasoula - Greece  

 

Fasoula is now the leading light for Greece now and has taken huge strides since the 2021 edition - as evidenced by her inclusion in this season’s All-EuroLeague Women Second Team for her work with Perfumerias Avenida. An imposing physical presence, she uses it so well in both the high and low post, with her shot selection very impressive and a big contributor to classy and efficient displays. Leading Greece in efficiency, scoring and rebounding during the Qualifiers, expect Fasoula to repeat this feat at the main event.

So many great players... but who is your pick?

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