KURSK (Russia) - It might be a year or two before Anastasiia Kosu makes some noise in EuroLeague Women, but there's no doubt this is already a young star firmly on the rise.

The forward burst onto the scene last summer wearing a Russia national team vest when collecting MVP honors at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship. She was the unstoppable driving force behind her country being crowned champions - despite the fact she was only 14-years-old.

Her skillful performances and outstanding athleticism made people sit up and take notice of her sky-high potential; not only with Russia, but also in EuroLeague Women with Dynamo Kursk as she continues to climb through the club's ranks.

"I WOULD LIKE TO BRING A GREAT BENEFIT AND GIVE BACK TO THE TEAM, THE COACHES, AND THE DYNAMO CLUB IN GENERAL."

Having picked the ball up at a very early age, Kosu can already celebrate a whole decade of basketball education with Kursk, often playing in older age groups because of her physicality and skills - but still winning a stunning number of accolades.

During this time, the teenager has also benefitted from being able to watch an array of the biggest EuroLeague Women stars at close quarters. 

Indeed, Dynamo Kursk finished top of the EuroLeague Women podium in 2017 as they made history with their first title.The team was packed with stars such as Nneka Ogwumike, Angel McCoughtry, Epiphanny Prince and of course, Maria Vadeeva - someone who knows what it is like to be touted as the future of Russian basketball and to become a EuroLeague Women standout.

Now Kosu is potentially able to follow in her footsteps, having recently made the important transition to the Dynamo Kursk first team and getting an opportunity to compete in the Russian Cup.

"It is a great honor for me to play for the main Dynamo team," she enthused.

"I would like to bring a great benefit and give back to the team, the coaches, and the Dynamo club in general - all of whom have put a lot of work and knowledge into my development.

"Already slowly, I'm starting to get used to being part of the core team. As I grow up in basketball, I strive to develop my personal qualities as a player on the court and I think that I will succeed in the main team of Dynamo," added Kosu.

With that important breakthrough having recently taken place, the next logical progression would be for her to become one of the youngest players to ever participate in EuroLeague Women.

The record was broken last season by Juste Jocyte of LDLC ASVEL Feminin, who along with Kosu, was the other big talking point at the U16 tournament last year as she led Lithuania to a maiden Final at the event, prior to then suiting up with the senior team for the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers. With the duo both shining, the future of women's basketball in Europe looks bright.

However, having  the spotlight thrust upon you at such a young age can also become a distraction or a burden. Importantly, Kosu already knows what it is like to have expectation put on her shoulders, with people inside Kursk having taken a keen eye on her development since day one.

 
And, rather smartly for a young athlete, she is already taking time to highlight, recognize and appreciate how important those around her have been in helping her get to this juncture of her blossoming career.

She explained: "When I was a very young age, there was excitement on the court, but I never felt fear. Much has changed over the 10 years of my training process as a young player. I have matured, got stronger and learned to play in different positions. 

"All this became possible thanks to the coaches of SDYUSHOR, Dynamo-Juniors, the Dynamo-Farm team and the main team of Dynamo - as well as the coaching staff of the Russian U16 national team, who have put all their basketball knowledge into me."

"I HAD A DREAM TO PLAY FOR THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL TEAM, AND IT CAME TRUE."- Kosu

That golden experience and the adulation of being handed the MVP award last year was a definite high point for Kosu and it has whetted the appetite for what could lie ahead if she keeps focused and working hard.

"When you start playing basketball as a child, every team victory or individual award is the most precious for you," she stated.

"But if you single out one thing, then at the moment for me the most previous victory and well-deserved award is the one that I received at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship in 2019.

"I had a dream to play for the Russian national team, and it came true."

Of course it won't only be Kosu herself excited by the possibilities of what it could mean when she inevitably progresses to the senior Russian side.

 
With her country having not featured at a global event since the 2012 Olympics, Russia are determined to rekindle their former status as a leading nation in the women's game.

So having never really been able to call on the dynamism or athleticism of a player quite like Kosu, perhaps she will one day provide the 'X-Factor' they need to accomplish that mission.

But first, the forward will want prove herself both domestically and in EuroLeague Women - with time very much on her side to do so.

FIBA