SYDNEY (Australia) - Make sure you're ready as soon as the curtain is raised in Sydney next month, since the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup has witnessed some exceptional debut displays down the years.

Here are the best from the past six editions of the flagship tournament. Let's remember those and keep in mind: who is going to be next in a few weeks? Maybe our breakout players to watch?

Emma Meesseman - Belgium (2018)

This was not only a memorable day for Meesseman as it was also the first time her country had appeared at the prestigious event and both the forward and her team wasted little time in making a splash. The Cats' centerpiece caught fire from the first tip as Belgium sailed past Puerto Rico 86-36, with Meesseman racking up 16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks. The first-timers would push on to make the Semi-Finals and win hearts in Tenerife for the quality of their team-orientated playing style.

Brittney Griner - USA (2014)

This was not just a special display because it returned some nice numbers for the USA center, it captured the imagination of the world after Griner threw down a dunk in her first outing in the competition. This came alongside 15 points. 8 rebounds and 4 spectacular blocks against China. Having made a big impact from the ouset, she finished the competition clutching a gold medal as USA topped the podium in Istanbul. 

Yelena Leuchanka - Belarus (2010)

It was a proud day for Leuchanka when she made her debut at the 2010 edition in Czech Republic, with Belarus making a first appearance at the same time and just two years after a first Olympic bow. The imposing center was terrific and harvested an outstanding double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds against China. To make it even sweeter, Belarus reminded everyone they were the real deal by taking a 68-57 victory and that was en-route to making the Semi-FInals.

Yayma Boulet Peillon - Cuba (2006)

In terms of numbers, there has never been any first day showing by a debutante quite like that registered by Cuba's Boulet Peillon back in 2006. She accumulated a quite breathtaking and jaw-dropping double-double of 36 points and 18 rebounds in a 75-70 triumph against Chinese Taipei. While Cuba got off to a winning start in Brazil, they fell short of making the Quarter-Finals, finishing the tournament with a 3-5 record.

Edwige Lawson-Wade - France (2002)

The guard had a distinguished and celebrated playing career and one high point was a first footstep on the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup stage 20 years ago. Lawson-Wade came out to play hard for France in their first game of the 2002 edition in China, amassing 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals in a convincing  92-61 victory against Cuba. However, the tournament eventually ended in disappointment, with France on the wrong end of a blowout at the hands of Australia in the Quarter-Finals.

Jurgita Streimikyte-Virbickiene - Lithuania (1998)

The Lithuanian legend took to the court for the first time in the competition when it was held in Germany 24 years ago and made an instant impression with a superb individual display. She was the standout player in an 82-53 first day success against Senegal, with a trademark effort at both ends of the court - very much a feature of her game. Streimikyte-Virbickiene finished the contest with an all-action 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 steals, with Lithuania going on to make the Quarter-Finals but having to settle for 6th place.

FIBA