Five rookies ready to impress in EuroLeague Women

MUNICH (Germany) - At the start of every campaign, there's always a group of players preparing to make their first footsteps in EuroLeague Women - and there's much to love about this year's class.

Here are just some of the leading lights to put on your watch-list of EuroLeague Women rookies, making their Regular Season debuts.

Napheesa Collier - Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding

She had only been with the team a matter of days when Collier picked up MVP honors at the SuperCup Women in Lyon as her new side won the silverware for the first time. The forward has great quality offensively and is an absolute beast of a scoring machine.

She can't be slowed down when she gets into her stride and can also be a colossus on defense. Even for stacked teams like Fenerbahce, that kind of edge matters. It's a great addition for the juggernauts and she'll be devastating alongside Emma Meesseman.

Dorka Juhasz - Beretta Famila Schio

There will be a lot of excitement as Juhasz comes back to Europe after being away for several years in College basketball with Ohio State and the revered UConn program. She will have learned so much working with legendary FIBA Hall of Famer, Geno Auriemma.

 

Schio will love having  her height, length and wingspan as a big  boost at both ends. She's a good matchup on defense and will give opponents headaches offensively. Her physical attributes, post moves and maturity are also things Hungary could benefit from too.

Janelle Salaun - Villeneuve d'Ascq

Coming off the summer success of a bronze at her first FIBA Women's EuroBasket, the French young gun will have confidence she can make a splash in this first season. Her contribution of 6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in Ljubljana was welcomed. 

Of course, like every French player, she will have Paris 2024 in her sights. Having already previously competed in the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers, it was EuroCup Women where she excelled in Villeneuve's ride to the EuroCup Women Final. Her mobility, size and IQ are a great mix.

Luisa Geiselsoder - Basket Landes

Another player who made a fine impression at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, the forward was a key component for Germany as they made the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. She averaged 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per outing.

 

It would be fair to say her numbers don't really showcase her overall influence in Ljubljana.  Having played in EuroCup Women previously, the step up will be tricky, but Landes looks like a really great fit. Her strength and composed play should be a nice addition for them.

Shyla Heal - Polski Cukier AZS UMCS Lublin

The Australian will hope a first step in EuroLeague Women will light a fire under her career. A star guard in FIBA youth competitions, she's dipped in and out of the Opals team, but a strong season in a top level competition like this might just cement her a regular spot..

 

Last weekend she gave a glimpse of what she is all about with an influential display for her team in the Polish SuperCup Final. Heal helped her team to take the silverware with an impressive 18 points and 8 assists against fellow EuroLeague Women side Polkowice.

Who is your favorite to have a break-out year in EuroLeague Women?

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