NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen Women’s Basketball Worldwide) – While it may seem a little premature to be thinking of next year’s WNBA draft, it’s important to think about some FIBA players who will be looking to impress during 2018 tournaments.

So, here is my initial watch-list podium of non-American players we may see getting drafted next year. Or, at least being in the conversation. Although I would add the caveat that I am not sure it is going to be a deep talent pool and there could possibly no First Round picks. Nevertheless, there are some very interesting prospects for the future – that is for sure.

Li Yueru (China)

Probably the best player in the world at her age outside of the USA, it is only her nationality and the fact Chinese players don’t play in the WNBA that will probably prevent her from doing what she should be doing – making her debut during 2019. Let’s get this straight from the outset, the frontcourt star was phenomenal in 2017-18 in the Chinese League – seriously outstanding. She averaged a stellar double-double campaign of 17 points and 10 rebounds, in the WCBA, going up against opposing players such as Breanna Stewart, Sylvia Fowles, Jonquel Jones and Morgan Tuck.

I can only imagine what Yueru will be like with another full WCBA campaign under her belt. Throw in the fact that the teenager is a senior star already for her country after excelling in Bengaluru during 2017 and could be one of the players to watch at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup this September, the WNBA needs players like this to make inroads into the Asian market.

Just a pity the risks will mean it probably won’t happen, but if the commercial powers could grease the wheels, the WNBA would have quite a player to build something special around. And, I have been heartened by Park Jisu being given a chance with Las Vegas Aces this year.

Zala Friskovec (Slovenia)

I firmly believe that Friskovec is one of the best 1999-born European players and is a big favorite of mine because I just love her do-it-all-game and her smarts are off the chart. She was just 18 years old last summer when she played ‘up’ for Slovenia at the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship and carried her country to a historic first Final and silver medal in Matosinhos. She averaged 14.9 points, 6.6 boards and 2.4 assists per game and then went to Sopron and was impressive again at U18 level, racking up 15.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4 assists per game.

Even if she has not played outside of her homeland at club level and only represented Celje in one of the poorer European Leagues, surely a career at the elite level beckons. If I was a EuroLeague Women GM, I would be chasing her. I think she is a bonafide possible ‘glue’ player for any top level team in the longer term. That might not sound exciting, but players like this don’t come along that often. She is likely to feature during July at the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship in Sopron and I can’t wait to see her on the court.

Ezi Magbegor (Australia)

I know Magbegor must already be showing up on the center of the radar as far as the smarter WNBA clubs are concerned. Certainly it is hard to have ignored her terrific athleticism and spectacular shot blocking capacity shown at youth level for both the Sapphires and Gems.

A reigning U17 World Champion and two-time FIBA U19 Worlds competitor, I have listened to many observers concerned that her shot and post moves are not sufficiently developed. But, there is no doubt she has the raw talent, the athleticism and has been improving, so she must be in the conversation.

Magbegor has been playing pro-ball with Canberra Capitals and may yet get a spot on the Opals roster for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Tenerife. She recently won gold with her country at the Commonwealth Games. I like her and feel that in the medium term, she can be a real handful at the senior level.

As this year unfolds, I will check back with any further contenders, perhaps looking at some of the surprise selections that WNBA clubs should be at least keeping an eye out for.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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