Global comeback countdown: The Top 8 most anticipated returns

MIES (Switzerland) - A number of big-name ballers are all preparing to make their respective returns to the global stage at the upcoming FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2024.

 

 

We have picked out eight ballers that are looking forward to getting back into a national team uniform after missing out on recent tournaments. 

8-Gabby Williams - France

After being ruled out of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 which was a hammer-blow to the title prospects of France, Williams is back in the mix and that is an immeasurable boost to the Olympic host nation. She was outstanding in her last major tournament when she really did it all at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney. She led France in both efficiency and scoring, with her leadership essential in safely guiding them into the Quarter-Finals. Her all-around influence at both ends of the court will be significant as France fine-tune their preparations.

7-Natalie Achonwa - Canada

Having celebrated becoming a mother, Achonwa is returning from maternity leave to try and help Canada continue making an impact at the global level. With her in situ, they made that terrific run to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 18 months ago and without her in the lineup, they struggled a little at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023 last year. Her return brings a super mix of veteran know-how, composure, size, skill and competitiveness.

6-Yueru Li - China

Having played a leading role in catapulting China to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Final, she didn't get a return ticket to Sydney for the FIBA Women's AsiaCup 2023 after being sidelined with an injury. It didn't stop China claiming gold, but there is absolutely no doubt that they will benefit from having one of their best ballers back under the basket. Especially since she has broadened her horizons of late playing EuroCup Women with Besiktas. 

5-Satou Sabally - Germany

Sabally missed out at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 as Germany returned to the Continental flagship competition for the first time in more than a decade. However, despite not being available last year, she recently played in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers which is a can opener for her to play in Brazil for her country and help them make history. Even better, the powerful forward could do so alongside her sister Nyara.

4-Brittney Griner - USA

It will be an amazing moment for Griner who has not been balling at a tournament since Tokyo 2020 due to her well documented issues off court. It will be a return that cuts firmly into mainstream media for obvious reasons, but the absolute basketball headline is that the reigning champions are about to welcome back one of their 'A-Listers'. A towering figure and a brilliant player, her presence is a blow to any nations with gold medal aspirations. 

3-Rui Machida - Japan

Japan fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that for the first time since Tokyo 2020, they will have Machida pulling the strings in the backcourt. Her mind-blowing and record-breaking efforts in the Japanese capital are still vivid and in truth, Japan have not looked the same since she stepped out of the side. Coincidence? Maybe. But to see her passing the rock again in a Japan vest would be quite special - if she is indeed named in the final 12 for Sopron.

2-Marine Johannes - France

Incredibly, Johannes has not started a major tournament for France since Tokyo 2020 either, when her nation landed on the third podium step in the Japanese capital. She was ruled out of action with an injury at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022, right on the eve of the curtain being raised in Sydney. Then, she didn't appear at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, but now she's ready to roll and entertain again for the 2024 Olympic hosts. That highlights reel is already bracing itself to be stuffed with her trademark assists and three-point stepbacks. 

1-Diana Taurasi - USA

Last featuring at Tokyo 2020, it was widely viewed that Taurasi had bid farewell after a truly spectacular career for the USA. However, a cheeky post-game comment about liking the city of Paris left some people wondering if she was serious or not about extending her stay at the top. And, so it has come to pass, with the superstar also eager to get back having expressed regret at not stepping out for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022. She will be a key component for USA as they use the Tournament in Antwerp to get ready to defend their crown later this year.

FIBA