6 Italee Lucas (ANG)
13/11/2017
Julio Chitunda's African Message
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Top 10 players to watch at FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017

SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda's African Message) - As nine clubs from across Africa do battle in the Angolan capital of Luanda for the crown of the annual FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women (ACCW), here's a look at the top 10 players to watch.

Some of them have been so influential to their clubs and national teams that they need no introduction.

However, it's never too late to remind why this year's ACCW is worth following.

1. Italee Lucas (InterClube/Angola)

Arguably one of the finest Africa-based players, Lucas is the most spectacular player at ACCW 2017. The Angolan international is a legitimate contender for the MVP award not only because her InterClube are the most successful club in the ACCW history with five titles, but essentially because of her charismatic leadership on and off the court.

2. Sarah Chan (Ferroviario de Maputo/South Sudan)

Chan wasn't named to the ACCW 2015 All-Tournament team by accident. Her versatility to attack the basket and rebounding ability sets her apart from her opponents.

3. Gisela Vega (Ferroviario de Maputo/Argentina)

An experienced power forward who has spent most of her career in European basketball, the Argentine's aggressiveness and passing ability represents an added bonus for the Mozambican champions.

4. Anabela Cossa (Ferroviario de Maputo/Mozambique)

A three-pointer specialist like no other. A sharpshooter who has built her name for herself on the continent of Africa, Cossa tends to step up when her team needs her most. If Ferroviario are to reach the ACCW 2017 final, Cossa needs to be at her very best.

5. Ginette Makiese (GS Petroliers/ DR Congo)

Makiese may have had a modest display at FIBA AfroBasket Women 2017, but the Congolese power forward-center came to Luanda ready to regain her top-rebounder credential. And her 15 points and 10 rebounds per game - two games into the ACCW 2017 - speak for themselves. 

6. Felmas Adhiambo (Kenya Ports Authority/Kenya)

At 21 years of age and a huge margin for progression, Adhiambo is probably one of brightest talents Kenya women's basketball has witnessed in recent years. Although Kenya Ports Authority were trounced 75-43 on Day 1 against African powerhouse Primeiro D'Agosto, the 1.82m forward finished with an impressive game-high 16 points and eight rebounds. 

7. Alicia DeVaughn (Primeiro D'Agosto/USA)

A terrific rebounder who had a short-lived stint with the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks, DeVaughn offers D'Agosto a much-needed physicality in the paint.

8. Hilda Hindasi (Equity Bank/Kenya)

For years, Hindasi has been regarded as one of Kenya's finest guards.  The 32-year-old refines her game with an impressive shooting ability. 

9. Leia Dongue (Primeiro D'Agosto/Mozambique)

Two ACCW MVP awards (2013 and 2014), countless nominations to the tournament's All-Star team translate Dongue's talent.

10. Nesrine Taibi (GS Petrolies/Algeria)

The left-handed small forward may not be the most spectacular player at the competition, but Taibi's composure to attack the basket, combined with her terrific passing ability means business for the Algerian champions.

The ACCW 2017 runs until Sunday, November 19.

Julio Chitunda

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.

Julio Chitunda

Julio Chitunda

Julio Chitunda, a University of Sheffield alumni and former semi-professional player, has worked for a number of Portuguese media outlets as well as The Press Association and covered international basketball for over a decade. Through his column, he offers an insight into basketball on the world's second biggest continent.