My All-Star West Europe line-up
NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen’s Women’s Basketball Worldwide) – If there is one match-up which is not currently played in the women’s game, but I would love to see more than any other, it is a West Europe versus East Europe clash.
Ahead of next month’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers and with EuroLeague Women, EuroCup Women and the European domestic leagues all in full swing, it has caused some great debate on social media. Having drawn a line down through the map of Europe, I then got to work on the rather fun, but intensely difficult task of deciding this first roster.
So excited to get this debate going! An international level Euro West v Euro East game. Who would be on rosters & who would win? BRILLIANT 💪 pic.twitter.com/BM9NcgRd4M
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) October 16, 2017
The only rules were one naturalized player and that it must be an actual team capable of being put out on the floor - not just a collection of names. So, here is who I [eventually] chose and why.
Anna Cruz (Spain and Dynamo Kursk)
A combo guard with experience is a no-brainer and especially a reigning EuroLeague Women and EuroBasket Women champion. Has any player re-shaped a career to the level of Cruz down the years? I doubt it. To have shifted from the two spot to playmaking duties at the highest level and deliver success in the WNBA, EuroLeague Women and for her country is astonishing. A player I could trust 100%!
Olivia Epoupa (France and Galatasaray)
The electrifying pace of Epoupa would bring this West team something very different that the East team would need to cope with. For some, it might be a slightly controversial choice, since the guard is not quite the finished article, but is progressing nicely. I've watched her since debuting at youth level and have enjoyed her exciting journey. With Celine Dumerc retired, she has has a huge role to now play with France.
Marta Xargay (Spain and ZVVZ USK Prague)
Starting five or finishing five, Xargay is the one player I would struggle to leave out of either – even in a star-studded roster like this. That is the biggest compliment I can pay her. I have regularly drooled over those defensive capabilities and that 'hard as nails' attitude. But in the past two years, her leadership has rose to the fore and with the WNBA experience offering an extra dimension, she's much more of a threat offensively too. One of the first names on my ‘wish-list’ if I win the lotto and have millions to spend on a club!
Marine Johannes (France and Tango Bourges Basket)
A highlights reel in motion, the things that Johannes offers are things that most other players can’t do and that is what is so appealing. Dynamism personified, her guard skills and ability to make an impact on the wings is something just so enjoyable to watch. Once she lit it up at EuroLeague Women level last season off the back of her surprise Olympic slot in Rio, it was rubber stamped that she is a centrepiece of the new women’s basketball generation. She has arrived on the big stage and will be staying for a long, long time.
Kim Mestdagh (Belgium and Yakin Dogu Universitesi)
Perhaps a surprise choice to some people which I understand, Mestdagh is such a good three-point shooter, well balanced and efficient – attributes I really like. Now deservedly playing in EuroLeague Women at Yakin Dogu Universitesi off the back of that historic podium finish with Belgium at EuroBasket Women 2017, it’s been down to hard work and getting better every year. It didn’t go unnoticed how consistent she was with Flammes Basket Carolo during past seasons. A player you can never sleep on - even for a moment, or 'swish'!
Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy and Famila Schio)
The hottest property in the women’s game right now after going from playing for Italy at a youth tournament, to winning a WNBA title in 15 months. It is a truly incredibly rise to prominence. To understand it, you just need to look at what she did at both the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2016 and then EuroBasket Women 2017. I was telling everyone before the latter she was WNBA material and she proved it. No longer a mere volume shooter and scorer, she has fine-tuned the athleticism and physical attributes to become an all-around player. It is frightening how much talent she has and is a game-changer at all times.
Alba Torrens (Spain and UMMC Ekaterinburg)
The EuroBasket Women 2017 MVP loves the big occasion and saves her scorching best for when she is wearing national team colors. She is the prime example of someone who just revels in representing her country and that smile when she is playing good, just gives her team-mates, coaches and the fans such a sense of confidence. Running the floor, shooting the ball, getting to the bucket and pretty much anything else you need, Torrens brings it. A heavyweight in every respect.
Endy Miyem (France and Famila Schio)
One of the most underrated players around and one of the best 10 modern day players to have never played in the WNBA, Miyem is simply a warrior. She has often operated in the shadow of other players such as Sandrine Gruda or Isabelle Yacoubou, but don’t let that fool you. This is a superb player in her own right and she deserves so much more recognition for the physicality and IQ she brings to the court – without fail. More fight than flair at times, but every team [even the great ones] ideally need an Endy Miyem.
Emma Meesseman (Belgium and UMMC Ekaterinburg)
Loved her game since she was 16 and now a worldwide star, Meesseman is just so flexible because no matter who she is alongside in the paint, she always seems to be a such a great foil. She can take a backseat and play cameos, or she can use her smarts and mobility to lead with headline performances. On top of everything, has there ever been such a low maintenance yet top drawer player? A coach’s dream, super team-mate, idolized by fans, you are looking at the full package.
Ann Wauters (Belgium and Yakin Dogu Universitesi)
No All-Star roster would be complete with a legend of not only EuroLeague Women, but women’s basketball in general. The Belgian is a colossus in every respect and a ‘golden oldie’ who just keeps getting it done. It seems pointless continuing, because it’s Ann Wauters for goodness sake – what else do you need to know?
Sancho Lyttle (Spain and Unattached)
The EuroBasket Women 2013 MVP and someone many feel should have been in the All-Star Five at EuroBasket Women 2017 [including Lucas Mondelo], the forward has been such a consistent performer at the highest level down the years. Her defensive capabilities are priceless and even if she is in the twilight of her career, her know-how can’t be ignored. Spain look a very good team without her, but a great team with her. Go figure.
It's my All-West Europe Roster ready to face my All-East Europe Roster - I am still deciding on the East...... But just 👀at this line-up! pic.twitter.com/rVrpwe1yhz
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) October 17, 2017
Amanda Zahui (Sweden and ZVVZ USK Prague)
A towering presence in the paint for club and country, Zahui has rocketed to prominence. She has conquered the WNBA and having posted a great EuroLeague Women debut season at Nadezhda, she is now tearing it up with Prague. I confess that I was 50/50 whether she would be elite when I watched her as a youth player. But, she has blossomed in amazing fashion and there is much more to come. I am a huge fan and thrilled for her.
Next week I will go through my All-Star East Europe line-up, while the following week, reveal who I think would win this imaginary All-Star game and why! Plus, who might coach the respective teams.
Paul Nilsen
FIBA
FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.
FIBA takes no responsibility and gives no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of the content and opinion expressed in the above article.
