BRNO (Czechia) - The tip-off at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 has come into focus and the first ball will soon be thrown up.
It will signal a remarkable number of rising stars taking to the court in pursuit of ultimate glory and the coveted podium and silverware.
It will also provide an opportunity for a glut of the leading lights to showcase their skills and for fans to see the senior stars of the future.
We've picked out just 20 of the best prospects expected to impress on Czech soil and here's the first 10 ballers in the opening chapter of our two-part series.
20. Emilie Brzonova - Czechia
One of the best Czech prospects in the pipeline, Brzonova has turned heads with some nice displays at U18 and U16 in recent years. Also appearing at Basketball Without Borders 2024 global camp, this in itself underlines her potential.
The winger will have to deal with expectation as Czechia's marquee baller and has been adding to her skill-set and experiences by playing in Italy. She offers a scoring touch, composure, versatility and resilience.
19. Oummou Koumare - Mali
MVP of the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024 when she erupted with a spectacular 22.5 points per game to take Mali to the title, Koumare will be the go-to player again for her country. With Mali trying to sustain their amazing growth on the global stage during the last decade or so, they have a chance to do so with the free-scoring guard.
The other incentive to excel is that she may be called up for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025.
18. Otoha Goto - Japan
The Japan star lit it up last year at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 and finished as her nation's leading scorer with almost 16 points per game. The 19 points she dropped on USA and 24 points on Italy show how much of an offensive punch she carries.
Meanwhile with headliner Kokoro Tanaka absent and on senior duties, Goto must step up and lead her team as they look to meet expectations of squeezing into the Quarter-Finals.
17. Bonnie Deas - Australia
Impressing at U18 level last year when Australia took gold, she was unfortunate to miss out on an All-Star Five spot having lead the tournament in steals and finished top five for efficiency. Her all-around impact at both ends of the court will be felt.
The guard impressed at the BWB Global Camp last year and has also gained precious experience with Sydney Flames in the WNBL having committed to play with Arkansas in the NCAA later this year.
16. Sarah Cisse - France
A hard-nosed and physically dominant player in the paint Cisse produced a nice show last year at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 and was also a champion with France at U18 level. The center also played at the Nike Hoop Summit 2025 for the World Select Team.
Her game has been developing via the French Federation's renowned training program, including testing her skills in the highly competitive second tier league in the country.
15. Emilee Skinner - USA
One of the top ESPN Class of 2025 ballers, that status has been attained by Skinner because of her super scoring ability and her intense competitive approach. She made her FIBA debut last year at the U17 Worlds where she posted a modest tournament en-route to gold. However, there are hopes that if she is given the opportunity, she can show how much she has improved in the past 12 months and have an even bigger impact for USA in Brno.
14. Ayla McDowell - Brazil
An elite winger who has committed to South Carolina, McDowell has been balling for her country at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2025. That elevation to senior action came off the back of gaining an All-Star Five place at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup last year.
Her ability to guard multiple positions because of her athleticism and size is one of her main assets, while at U19 level, she will also impose herself on offense and likely land double-doubles.
13. Agot Makeer - Canada
An exciting combo guard or wing who can explode offensively on any given night, everyone witnessed her talent last year at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. She was a driving force in catapulting Canada to a silver medal with her scoring power.
Destined to play for South Carolina Gamecocks in coming years, her size, speed, ball handling and passing skills provide the platform for her to score in multiple ways and really spread the defense.
12. Tea Cleante - France
The French guard is someone who could feasibly climb the MVP ladder if she finds the hot-hand, since she has the offensive skills to finish as one of the leading lights for the podium chasers. Cleante has enjoyed a great platform playing for LDLC ASVEL Feminin - both in the French League and also in EuroCup Women too.
While sometimes she's a streaky scorer, there's no doubt she's adding impressive consistency to her game and is a great creator too.
11. Ines Sotelo - Spain
Sotelo looks set to be elevated to one of Spain's difference-makers and wil be trusted to carry the fight in the paint at both ends of the court. The center is growing her game nicely at Michigan State and will be looking for double-digit scoring returns and also crashing the glass to lead her country on the boards.
Watch out for her defense and in particualt challenging shots, which should see some spectacular blocks for the highlights reel.
Look out for the second part of our series as we continue the countdown from 10-1.
This is not an official FIBA player ranking or list of prospects and is for fan entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author.
FIBA