LIETUVA.BASKETBALL introduces Lithuanian basketball fans to the best female basketball players on the planet, who will be the most interesting to watch at the upcoming World Championship.
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USA
A’ja Wilson (“Las Vegas Aces”). Four-time WNBA MVP, three-time league champion, two-time world and two-time Olympic champion. In 2022, she was recognized as the MVP of the World Championship, and in 2024 in Paris – the basketball player of the Olympic Games. A. Wilson is the brightest star of the USA national team, capable of dominating in various spots on the court and successfully playing in multiple positions.
Breanna Stewart (“New York Liberty”). Two-time WNBA MVP, three-time league, three-time world, and three-time Olympic champion. She started her professional career a decade ago, but considering everything she has already achieved on and off the court, it seems she has been playing at the highest level for much longer. “Stewie” stands out both in offense and defense. In a star-studded team, her work on her side of the court can be especially important.
France
The French are considered the main rivals of the USA national team. These teams faced each other head-to-head in the final of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Marine Johannes (“New York Liberty”). One of the most impressive basketball players in the world. The guard shoots three-pointers incredibly easily even when shooting from one foot, is creative, and makes hard-to-predict passes. A true court visionary, not without reason called MJ23.
Gabby Williams (“Golden State Valkyries”). Physically, she is an almost perfect athlete, and her talent may even surpass her impressive athleticism. G. Williams stands out in defense, versatility, and the ability to determine the outcome of games.
Belgium
The Belgians are the 2023 and 2025 European champions. At the 2022 World Championship held in Australia, they finished fifth.
Emma Meesseman (“Fenerbahçe”). The player decided to take a year off from the WNBA and focus entirely on the World Championship. E. Meesseman is the face, leader, and MVP of the Belgian national team. She plays the center forward position but sees the court like a point guard. More precisely – she combines the qualities of all positions in one player.
Julie Allemand (“Toronto Tempo” / “Fenerbahçe”). Probably the most improved player during Belgium’s victorious period. Today she is the main point guard for the EuroLeague champions “Fenerbahçe” and the Toronto team playing in the WNBA. J. Allemand was recognized as the MVP of the World Championship qualifying tournament held in Wuhan and the EuroLeague Final Four.
The host of the championship has not had major achievements in recent years but will try to use the home court advantage at the World Championship.
Germany
Satou Sabally (“New York Liberty”). After the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she became the brightest face of the German national team on the international stage. It is concerning that since June 23, S. Sabally has been unable to play due to a concussion. In the United States, it is being considered whether she will be able to appear in this WNBA season. Most likely, the same question is being asked in Germany.
Leonie Fiebich (“New York Liberty”). S. Sabally’s teammate in New York, who also ended up on the injured players list. The defense of the “Liberty” team is greatly missed due to the player’s foot injury since early July. However, it is believed that L. Fiebich should return at least by the end of the WNBA season, so she is expected to be seen at the World Championship as well.
Spain
“La Familia” should never be underestimated. The Spanish national team is undergoing a generational change – alongside the historic core of the team and experienced stars, young players who will form the new national team are taking increasingly important roles.
Alba Torrens (“Palma de Mallorca”). A symbolic player of the Spanish national team and her entire generation. Six-time EuroLeague champion, twice named the MVP of this tournament. With the Spanish national team, she has twice triumphed at the European Championship, won three World Championship medals, and earned a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. This World Championship may become the last dance of the basketball queen.
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Australia
The Australian national team, which has constantly deserved much attention, is aiming for a podium finish at this year’s World Championship.
It is unfavorable for the Italians that in the second stage their Group D will clash with Australia’s Group C. Therefore, the Australians may become Italy’s opponents in the fight for a place in the quarterfinals.
Ezi Magbegor (“Seattle Storm”). A tall, agile, and athletic player, very useful on both sides of the court. She is especially dangerous to opponents in defense – she can guard shorter players after substitutions, block shots near the basket, and at the same time be important in offense in the paint.
Alanna Smith (“Dallas Wings”). A modern tall player who can shoot from afar, stretch the floor, play “two-on-two” situations, attack facing the basket, and defend reliably. At the beginning of August, A. Smith had already scored 21 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots in 32 minutes. This showed that the player has regained good athletic form.
It is also worth mentioning separately the captain of the Australian national team Sami Whitcomb (“New York Liberty”). She is already 37, but the guard was recognized as the MVP of the World Championship qualifying tournament.
Rising Stars
Each team playing in Berlin combines experience and youth. The biggest stars are already well known to basketball fans, but the championship will also feature talents who are just making a name for themselves.
Dominique Malonga (France). A 20-year-old, 198 cm tall, and incredibly athletic player. She is one of the players whose status may completely change after the World Championship. In the “Storm” roster, D. Malonga averages 17.4 points.
Awa Fam (Spain). One of the most interesting young European centers. The World Championship may become the tournament where the promising player turns into a basketball player established at the highest level.
Zhang Ziyu (China). FIBA has already introduced her as a 220 cm tall teenager who has attracted global attention. Born in 2007, the player will be interesting to watch just to assess whether she is ready for such a large-scale stage.
Caitlin Clark (USA). She hardly needs an introduction. The guard represented the main USA team only in the qualifying tournament, where she was recognized as the MVP. C. Clark can hit three-pointers, create opportunities after screens, and has exceptional court vision. What will CC demonstrate at the World Championship?
Paige Bueckers (USA). An elegant and versatile player. She can score after dribbling, drive to the basket, and create opportunities for teammates.
This is only part of the large group of talents who will step onto the court in Berlin from September 4–13. This list should also include Rui Machida (Japan), Dorka Juhasz (Hungary), and Kamilla Cardoso (Brazil).
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