MADRID (Spain) - After missing out on the last edition of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Spain will arrive in Berlin this week ready to make amends after selecting an exciting final roster for the showpiece.
Naming a strong mix of experience and dynamic young talent, Spain will be chasing a fourth medal in five editions of the famous competition, having taken third place in 2010 and 2018, either side of making the 2024 title game.
It is perhaps the presence of two of the best young guns in the global game that will have fans most excited for the possibilities in the German capital.
Awa Fam and Iyana Martin showed last year on their major tournament debuts at FIBA Women's EuroBasket just how much of an impact they can have in a national team jersey - with both living up to the immense promise they showed at FIBA youth level.
Fam will bring power and skills in the paint, with Martin an exciting scorer and also an intense competitor that fits perfectly into Spain's traditional strengths.
The centerpiece of the team is likely to be Megan Gustafson, who showed at Paris 2024 how she can post some dominant performances against the top teams in the world.
She also showcased her forward play at both ends of the floor during the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan earlier this year.
In terms of leadership, Spain have an outstanding veteran presence. Not least, the legendary Alba Torrens who continues to provide the know-how every top team needs - especially with young players still taking their first steps.
That experience is also bolstered by Maria Conde and Mariona Ortiz, the former ready to light it up on the wing and the latter set to pull the strings from the playmaking spot.
Elsewhere on the roster, there will be a big focus on Raquel Carrera and whether she can find top gear. If she does, it will transform the prospects of Spain as the frontcourt ace can be unstoppable on her day. It will also be an ovedue debut in the competition for the talented forward.
Meanwhile the energy and guard play of Maite Cazorla will also be essential as Spain prepare to step into a wide-open group. They will tip-off their campaign in a blockbuster against host nation Germany, before then facing Mali and Japan.
FIBA