The Top 8 rising star ballers ready to make a splash

MIES (Switzerland) - There's an array of young gun ballers who are all looking to show their worth when the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2024 swing into action.

 

 

While some have been already been selected, others are sweating on their final roster spots. Focusing on athletes born in 2002 or after, here's a selection of those who get an opportunity to shine. 

Aika Hirahsita - Japan (14 January 2002)

With big tournament experience already, the forward has appeared at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023. The former was a disappointment as Japan missed the top eight, but Hirashita was a bright spot. She will continue her development and show her extended shooting range, as she keeps delivering on the promise she showed at the FIBA U17 and U19 Women's Basketball World Cups. 

Jade Melbourne - Australia (18 August 2002)

Melbourne hit the heights quickly with a debut bronze medal in Amman, Jordan at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021. That came after playing in the FIBA U17 and U19 Women's Basketball World Cups when showing her potential. Despite not stepping out at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 or last year's FIBA Women's Asia Cup, she's dropped major numbers for Canberra in the WNBL and the Opals will welcome that scoring touch in Belem. 

Cassandre Prosper - Canada (25 June 2005)

Prosper put her name up in lights with some exceptional displays at the youth level for Canada with sparkling production at the FIBA U17 and U19 Basketball World Cups, so it was only a matter of time before she would get fast-tracked to the senior level. In her two outings at the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023, she has shown she can contribute off the bench and is a bonafide team leader for the future. 

Dominique Malonga - France (16 November 2005)

You have to love the size and athleticism that Malonga brings to the party and this young player could be an absolute baller for France for the next 10-15 years. Her length and wingspan is crazy, she blocks shots for fun and can dunk. Her monumental double-double of 18 points and 10 boards at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup two years ago showed her potential and while she still has some basketball growth to undertake, she's a super prospect.

Isobel Borlase - Australia (12 September 2004)

The excitement will be huge for Borlase, ahead of a senior team debut in Belem. This is a rich reward for the skills and contributions she has given to the Gems at two editions of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup. She was impressive last year in Madrid at the event and has since erupted in the WNBL with almost 16 points per game with Adelaide. She can score inside and out, with many people in Australia excited at the level she could reach in the game. 

Syla Swords - Canada (28 January 2006)

Likely to be the youngest player at any of the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. this shows just how mature she is for a 2006-born baller and also how much trust Canada head coach Victor Lapena has in the young guard. Last year she had minutes at the Pre-Qualifying Tournament, plus the FIBA Women's AmeriCup. Learning all the time, she is composed and showed at youth level in the U17 and U19 Worlds she can be a star with the seniors.

Reka Dombai - Hungary (16 September 2002)

Hoping to squeeze into the final 12 having played in FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers, Dombai would seal a senior tournament debut if she manages to grab her place. Impressive at youth level here she has excelled at both the FIBA U17 and U19 Worlds, the guard has been balling in EuroLeague Women with Serco UNI Gyor where she's gained valuable experience. If she makes it, she'll be thrilled and if not, you can bank on her presence in future comps.

Nastja Claessens - Belgium (2 December 2004)

Another seriously exciting young baller looking to make the transition to senior action at a major tournament, the glorious and historic FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 title for the Cats came just too soon for Claessens. But the talented forward continues to make strides and this could see her edging into the 12 for Antwerp. She is a smart and efficient player who could play minutes off the bench and whatever happens, the long-term outlook is seriously good.

* All players on this list are subject to being selected for the FIBA WOQT's by their respective National Federations. 

FIBA