Could this wild card team led by Parker and Petrovic get onto the podium in Tenerife?
NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - Open your mind and just imagine if FIBA gave me scope to select a wild card team for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Tenerife.
The only rule laid down is that whoever is chosen, they are obviously not representing any of the nations already qualified. Well, I think I have come up with an international side that would get onto one of the podium steps.
Epiphanny Prince (Russia)
With her vast EuroLeague Women, WNBA and international experience, the guard would be able to take on the best in Tenerife without any fear. She has done the business for Russia previously and her ability to play both guard positions would be very valuable.
Courtney Vandersloot (Hungary)
In the form of her career after another scorching EuroLeague Women campaign and would continue in this vein if she was to play in a major international tournament. While she only has one previous experience which was at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 with Hungary, I maintain she is one of the best players never to have played for USA.
Allie Quigley (Hungary)
Another contender in a team of players who could and arguably should have played for USA, Quigley is the second player in our line-up who opted to play for her adopted country, Hungary. Her scoring ability would be huge for this wild card team and she is living off the high of winning EuroCup Women with Galatasaray.
Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy)
The reigning WNBA champion is surely about to land another Italian title with Schio and then is rumored to be on the move. She erupted at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in what was one of the best-ever debut tournaments at the senior international level. She brings energy, aggression, clutch options and high offensive gears.
Alina Iagupova (Ukraine)
Probably in my top five of the best global players who are yet to compete in the WNBA, it is the FIBA World stage that would benefit from having the explosive and do-it-all Ukrainian sensation. Sweet handles, superb in transition, great range, power moves to the hoop and everything else - an unstoppable force when she is in full flow.
Sonja Petrovic (Serbia)
Hardly any explanation is needed for the inclusion of the Serbian who would make my World 12 roster anytime and would be a perfect wing player or forward to compete at the highest level against those who will be in Tenerife. She is one of world's very best and I think she would love this type of challenge.
Clarissa Dos Santos (Brazil)
In a line-up that is perhaps understandably skewed towards Europe and naturalized Americans, I had to find a spot for the Brazil forward. I think she would be very effective in Tenerife, using her power and smarts to bring some scoring and rebounding in the paint. Underrated by many, I love her game and approach.
Candace Parker (USA)
In the wake of announcing she has officially 'retired' from USA and therefore no longer an option (not that she has been for the past couple of years anyway), I can only imagine the fun of seeing Parker suiting up against her own country. Nothing to prove to me, that is for sure. A big name player and a centrepiece of this wild card roster.
Maria Vadeeva (Russia)
Much has been written about the Russian teenager recently after she wasn't taken in the Top 10 of the WNBA Draft and, as a real fan, I would hand her the chance to shine with my wild card side. It's a pity Russia didn't make it as I was looking forward to seeing Vadeeva at her first senior global tournament, having teared it up at U19 last year when she won MVP.
Jonquel Jones (Bahamas)
Jones is someone who is not likely to ever feature at a major FIBA international tournament and as one of the most talented players of her generation, that is a pity. I can't wait until she comes to EuroLeague Women after she tires of playing in Asia, but for now, let's get her rock-solid game and rebounding prowess onto my roster for Tenerife!
Isabelle Yacoubou (France)
Yes, I know, she has retired from international competition, but believe me, it is for practical reasons and not sentimental ones that I would ask Yacoubou to come out for one last major tournament. Seeing this hugely popular player back treading the FIBA boards would be tremendous and she is such an effective and experienced operator down low!
Amanda Zahui (Sweden)
With a couple of highly impressive EuroLeague Women seasons under her belt and now an established WNBA player, I think Zahui would be someone who can show she is still on the rise. The Swedish center would bring that scoring touch with her extended range and is always capable of cleaning up on the glass.
So, I am backing this team to give the likes of USA, Spain and Australia a serious, serious game. I might be back nearer the tournament to tweak this line-up – perhaps with 2-3 USA roster cuts from players with a point to prove.
Paul Nilsen
FIBA
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