MUNICH (Germany) - With just 40 days to tick off the calendar before the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 tips-off, we're checking out the players flying high in the all-time scoring charts of the famous competition.
The list is packed with an array of prolific ballers who have all lit it up over the years at different editions of the prestigious event, with many regarded as legends of the game.
40. Olessia BAREL
CENTER
Birth date: 09/02/1960 Points: 479 Games played: 36 Participations: 6 (1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989) Medals: 🥇(1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989)
With six outings and six titles, Barel was part of the dominant Soviet Union that were crowned champions 17 times in a row, with the forward playing the latter part of that streak. Her size and strength extended the legacy and it was in 1985 when she excelled the most with almost 20 points per game, finishing as one of the top three scorers at that edition.
=39. Katerina ELHOTOVA
GUARD
Birth date: 14/10/1989 Points: 483 Games played: 46 Participations: 7 (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019)
A walking bucket from downtown if anyone left her open and most times even with a hand in her face, Elhotova was instant offense whenever she started or stepped onto the court for Czech Republic. Debuting as a teenager, she grew in influence quickly and racked up an impressive seven participations. Her best came when she inspired her nation to the 2011 Semi-Finals with a near 15 points per game.
=39. Gunta BASKO
SMALL FORWARD Birth date: 27/04/1980 Points: 483 Games played: 52 Participations: 7 (1999, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017) With stunning longevity that is no better encapsulated than her debut edition and farewell edition being a massive 18 years apart, Basko is a household name in Latvia. She has been a constant leader for her nation in the competition and while always being able to put points on the scoreboard, it was her do-it-all approach at both ends of the court and her energy and IQ that stood out.
=39. Ilona KORSTIN
GUARD
Birth date: 30/05/1980 Points: 483 Games played: 54 Participations: 7 (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) Medals: 🥇 (2003, 2007, 2011)🥈 (2001, 2005. 2009)
With three titles and six Final appearances at seven participations, Korstin was an integral part of the success that Russia attained. Her ability to make shots at big moments and score in many different ways was always crucial but she was often someone who played cameo roles too. Meanwhile, it might not look like it to the untrained eye, but Korstin had a mean streak defensively as well.
36. Eva NEMCOVA
FORWARD Birth date: 03/12/1972 Points: 485 Games played: 30 Participations: 5 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2005) Medals: 🥇(2005)
To win a FIBA Women's EuroBasket title 14 years after a debut at the event was quite a story for Nemcoova. A big scoring talent throughout her five participations, it was her veteran know-how that propelled Czech Republic to the top of the podium in 2005. Meanwhile, in 1995 while playing on home soil, she averaged a near 20 points per game and was second highest scorer at the event.
35. Anastasiya VERAMEYENKA
FORWARD / CENTER Birth date: 10/07/1987 Points: 486 Games played: 510 Participations: 7 (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021) Medals: 🥉 (2007)
One half of the 'twin towers' who catapulted Belarus to their greatest ever moment when they took the bronze medal in 2007 in Italy, Verameyenka has racked up an impressive seven participations. Curiously it is not her scoring skills that she is most known for, since she is a 'swat machine' on defense. But she does have great shooting range and has been an assassin with some dagger shots down the years.
34. Yelena LEUCHANKA
CENTER Birth date: 30/04/1983 Points: 489 Games played: 43 Participations: 5 (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015) Medals: 🥉 (2007)
The other half of the 'twin towers' that served Belarus so brilliantly, Leuchanka was an absolute warrior and colossus and very much the go-to clutch player in the big moments. At her last edition in 2015, she also completed the rare feat of posting a tournament double-double. Leuchanka also became a household name in Belarus because of her club exploits in EuroLeague Women and the WNBA.
33. Zuzana ZIRKOVA
GUARD
Birth date: 06/06/1980 Points: 490 Games played: 45 Participations: 6 (1999, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2015, 2017)
With a FIBA Women's EuroBasket career that spanned almost two decades, Zirkova has done it all in her six outings in terms of roles for her country. From a teenage bench player in 1999, to averaging double-digits at every edition she played and leading the team as the clutch baller and then one of the veteran leaders. The guard knew so many ways to score and was always top of opponents' scouting reports
32. Bozena SEDZICKA
FORWARD
Birth date: 27/09/1957 Points: 519 Games played: 43 Participations: 5 (1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987) Medals: 🥈 (1980, 1981)
A fabulous leader for Poland, she was a heartbeat and leading light in them making back to back Finals in 1980 and 1981. She eventually played in 247 games for her country in all competitions, with her younger sister Malgorzata Czerlonko also playing for the national team. Her appetite for basketball was huge and she went on to play in the World Veterans Championship.
31. Elisabeth RIFFIOD
CENTER Birth date: 20/07/1947 Points: 516 Games played: 45 Participations: 6 (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978) Medals: 🥈 (1970)
Considered as one of the best French and European centers ever, Riffiod was a tower of strength during her career and dominated in the paint. It's no wonder she was inducted into the French Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also the mother of French star Boris Diaw, while her other son Martin also played pro too. Her greatest moment at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket was making the title game in 1970.
30. Mariana BADINICI
SMALL FORWARD
Birth date: 26/03/1957 Points: 519 Games played: 43 Participations: 6 (1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1985)
One of the most revered Romanian players, Badinici could do it all and excelled at a time when Romania were constantly punching their ticket for the main event, unlike the lean time they have experienced in the past 20 years or so. The 1980 and 1983 editions witnessed her perform at her true peak and she managed to score more than 16 points per game at each of those events.
29. Rosa CASTILLO
FORWARD/ CENTER
Birth date: 14/02/1956 Points: 528 Games played: 41 Participations: 6 (1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1987)
Making her debut with the Spanish national team at just 18-years-old, it didn't take long for Castillo to become an integral part of the setup. Her skills in the paint were impressive and her scoring ability always stood out. Collecting 113 caps for her country in a 13-year career, she had six participations at the Final Round and only once failed to amass a double-digit scoring return.
28. Eva VITECKOVA
FORWARD
Birth date: 26/01/1982 Points: 532 Games played: 43 Participations: 6 ( 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) Medals: 🥇 (2005) 🥈 (2003) One of the most influential Czech players of the modern era, Viteckova was someone who could score inside, but also hurt teams with her shooting range. She made the title game at just her second edition in 2003 and then two years later, she was crowned a FIBA Women's EuroBasket champion. Viteckova was the leading scorer for her country, who posted a brilliant 8-0 campaign.
27. Margo DYDEK
CENTER
Birth date: 28/04/1974 Points: 536 Games played: 29 Participations: 4 (1993, 1999, 2001, 2003) Medals: 🥇 (1999)
To score all those points and not even hit 30 games in the competition is just one measure of why Margo Dydek is an absolute legend of the game. Not only in Poland or Europe, but worldwide - as evidenced by her induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame. Famously she was the centerpiece of Poland's greatest accomplishment in 1999 when they took a maiden title with her scoring 19 points per game.
=26. Nevriye YILMAZ
FORWARD/ CENTER Birth date: 16/06/1980 Points: 547 Games played: 38 Participations: 5 (2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015) Medals: 🥈 (2011) 🥉 (2013)
A Turkish legend, Yilmaz was the leader and go-to baller at the heart of Turkey's impressive rise to prominence. She was there before, putting in all the hard work and then during the amazing run to the maiden title game in 2011 and a bronze two years later. The forward had so many inside moves as the glue that kept the most successful Turkey team ever together.
=26. Anita Elize POUNTAIN
FORWARD
Birth date: 11/07/1960 Points: 547 Games played: 47 Participations: 7 (1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1989)
The fact that the Netherlands star was able to accumulate seven appearances at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket also tells a story about some of the glory days in the 1970's and 1980's when the Dutch teams were regularly competing at the top level. Pountain was one of the major reasons for that of course and as one of the best players ever from her country, was always leading with her scoring touch.
24. Anete JEKABSONE-ZOGOTA
GUARD Birth date: 12/08/1983 Points: 556 Games played: 30 Participations: 4 (2005, 2007, 2009, 2015)
Many would have loved this outstanding Latvian talent to have had more than four participations. However, despite only playing 30 games, the fact she has 556 points tells you everything you need to know about the walking bucket that was Jekabsone-Zogota. The leader of her country and popping more than 20 points per game at the 2009 edition on home soil, she was a big fan favorite.
23. Irene GUIDOTTI
SMALL FORWARD
Birth date: 11/03/1950 Points: 557 Games played: 45 Participations: 6 (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978) Medals: 🥈 (1970)
Trying to stop Guidotti was a tough assignment for any player who had the misfortune to pick up that role. Considered as one of the best French players ever and commanding huge respect, she racked up six participations at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket, helping France make the Final in 1970. Her finest production came in 1974 when she poured in a stellar 21.5 points per game.
22. Maria Magdolna JEREBIE
FORWARD
Birth date: 13/01/1963 Points: 562 Games played: 36 Participations: 5 (1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987)
A brilliant scoring machine, Jerebie was someone that tortured opposing defenses because of her talent and ability to make shots from all over the floor or at the basket. Her physical and mental strength was renowned and she was considered something of a phenomenon in Romania. Jerebie played at five editions and scored a mammoth 23 points per game at the 1983 tournament.
21. Jacky CHAZALON
GUARD
Birth date: 24/03/1945 Points: 565 Games played: 40 Participations: 6 (1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1976) Medals: 🥈 (1970) A FIBA Hall of Famer and French basketball legend who was once voted the player of the century in her homeland, the guard is considered as one of the most technically gifted players ever in Europe. In 1970, when she took France to the title game, Chazalon scored more than 20 points per outing and has received many individual distinctions for her play which had fans on the edge of their seats.
=20. Elena BARANOVA
FORWARD
Birth date: 28/01/1972 Points: 586 Games played: 51 Participations: 7 (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003) Medals: 🥇 (1991, 2003)🥈 (2001) 🥉 (1995, 1999)
Arguably one of the most under recognized Russian players ever, Baranova was an immense baller with massive talent, whose consistency was incredible and her main asset. The forward picked up five medals from her seven Final Round appearances, interestingly as part of the Soviet Union's last success in 1991 and then the first for Russia some 12 years later.
=20. Evladiya Slavcheva SLAVTCHEVA
FORWARD
Birth date: 25/02/1962 Points: 586 Games played: 51 Participations: 8 (1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993) Medals: 🥈 (1983) 🥉 (1989)
There are not many players in the history of the competition who can boast eight participations and had she not missed out in 1985, it would have been nine consecutive appearances. One of the best Bulgarians ever, male or female, the forward was instrumental in her nation making the Final in 1983 with a brilliant near 24 points per game which was the second highest in the tournament.
18. Bianca ROSSI
GUARD Birth date: 02/05/1954 Points: 587 Games played: 42 Participations: 6 (1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985)Inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame, the guard play of Rossi was revered during her era and beyond. Leading Italy in six Final Round appearances, she could create for others, but it was her ability to score and create opportunities for herself that always stood out. Rossi played in 225 games for her country in all competitions and racked up 2422 points during that time.
17. Judith Andrea BALOGH
FORWARD
Birth date: 16/03/1968 Points: 601 Games played: 33 Participations: 6 (1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1995, 1997) Medals: 🥉 (1985, 1987, 1991)
Putting the ball in the hoop was what Balogh did best and she was someone that other players were eager to watch because of the extensive skill set she had on offense in particular. A winner of three gold medals with Hungary, it was the 1991 edition that epitomized her influence as she poured in almost 20 points per game to finish as the second best scorer in the competition.
16. Evanthia MALTSI
GUARD Birth date: 30/12/1978 Points: 604 Games played: 43 Participations: 7 (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2017)
Maltsi was the driving force behind a glorious period for Greece at the Continental level when they competed with the top teams. Her seven participations saw her showcase her immense scoring abilities and none more so than in 2009 when she was crowned MVP despite Greece not even making the Semi-Finals. Meanwhile, in 2017, Maltsi did take them into the last four with typically brilliant displays.
15. Vanja VOJNOVA
CENTER Birth date: 27/12/1934 Points: 619 Games played: 45 Participations: 6 (1952, 1956, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1966) Medals: 🥇 (1958)🥈 (1960, 1964)🥉 (1954, 1962)
Enshrined into the FIBA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2007, the Bulgarian was a colossus on the court for her country. She scored 14 points per game to deliver their greatest ever moment when they were crowned champions at the 1958 edition in Poland. The powerful center also picked up two silver in what was three Final appearances, plus two bronze medals as well.
14. Catarina POLLINI
CENTER Birth date: 16/03/1966 Points: 640 Games played: 44 Participations: 7 (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995) Medals: 🥈(1995)
Inducted into the 2022 FIBA Hall of Fame, Pollini is a celebrated player who stepped out for a record 252 senior games for Italy between 1983 and 1996, as well as scoring a record 3,903 points. At the Final Round, her longevity and quality was underlined in leading Italy to seven consecutive editions, managing to reach the Final in 1995 where she picked up a silver medal.
13. Amaya VALDEMORO
SMALL FORWARD
Birth date: 18/08/1976 Points: 675 Games played: 51 Participations: 8 (1995, 1997, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) Medals: 🥇 (2013)🥈 (2007)🥉 (2003, 2005, 2009)
With an eye-catching eight editions, Valdemoro picked up five medals and went out in style by signing off with her first title and gold at the 2013 tournament. Before she arrived on the scene, her country had only pocketed one medal previously and Valedemoro used her scoring power and class to drive the transformation of Spain becoming regular contenders and eventually the standout nation.
12. Olga SUKHARNOVA
CENTER Birth date: 14/02/1955 Points: 677 Games played: 64 Participations: 9 (1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987) Medals: 🥇 (1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987)
There are not many players in the history of the competition who managed to amass no fewer than 9 participations, let alone collect nine winner medals, which makes her one of the most decorated players ever at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket. The center was a constant menace in a Soviet Union jersey for almost two decades, with her brilliant consistency in the paint offering a great platform.
11. Alba TORRENS
SMALL FORWARD Birth date: 30/08/1989 Points: 681 Games played: 46 Participations: 7 (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023) Medals: 🥇 (2013, 2017, 2019) 🥈 (2023)🥉 (2009
A three-time champion, Torrens was MVP in 2017 when she ensured Spain recaptured the title they had unexpectedly relinquished two years earlier. With her trademark smile and uber levels of popularity with fans - and not just those who are Spanish, Torrens is renowned for playing the game in the kind of engaging and entertaining way everyone loves. Plus, if you need clutch, then she is a lock. She comes into this event having helped her country make the 2023 Final when she won the first silver medal of her career in the competition.
10. Zsuzsanna BOKSAY
CENTER
Birth date: 13/10/1960 Points: 700 Games played: 46 Participations: 7 (1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993) Medals: 🥉 (1983, 1985, 1987) Hungary had not won a medal in 27 years and then along came the physical presence of Boksay in the paint and it was not long before she inspired three consecutive podium finishes. With her breathtaking accuracy and finishing ability, she was a massive part of three bronze medals and even when stepping out for her last Final Round appearance in 1993, she was the top scorer in the competition.
9. Lenke KISS
GUARD
Birth date: 08/10/1951 Points: 701 Games played: 44 Participations: 6 (1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1983) Medals: 🥉 (1983)
A phenomenal guard and scoring force, it is remarkable that Kiss exceeded 700 points from just 44 games. Her brilliance is reflected in the fact that she was the leading scorer at the 1978 edition with almost 23 points per game and then as second highest in the competition during 1980. She went on to open her own basketball Academy and passed on her vast know-how to thousands of kids.
8. Carla Ida DE LIEFDE
FORWARD
Birth date: 25/03/1950 Points: 703 Games played: 53 Participations: 8 (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981)
With 185 caps for her country and eight participations at the Final Round, the fact Dutch basketball enjoyed its most sustained and successful period was largely down to the brilliance of De Liefde. Once crowned European Player of the Year, her passion for the sport was massive. Her mother formed the club she stayed at all her career and she also then took the hand of another player in marriage.
7. Katalin RATVAY-CZIRAKINE
GUARD Points: 748 Games played: 55 Participations: 8 (1962, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976)
Hailing from a basketball family, her brother also played for the national team, with Ratvay-Czirakine making her name early in her carer when she top scored at the third of eight Final Round appearances. She poured in almost 21 points per game and remains one of the most gifted players to have missed the podium steps. A super talent, her best placing was 4th in her penultimate event.
6. Penka STOYANOVA
FORWARD Birth date: 21/01/1950 Points:777 Games played: 61 Participations: 8 (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981) Medals: 🥈 (1972) 🥉 (1976)
Stoyanova featured in a staggering 580 national team games and in eight editions of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket. The high point came when Bulgaria made the title game in 1972, with the forward netting almost 22 points per game as the second highest scorer in the competition. Her skills also led to her being the first Bulgarian female player to play professionally outside of her homeland.
5. Maria STEPANOVA
CENTER
Birth date: 23/02/1979 Points: 807 Games played: 60 Participations: 8 (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) Medals: 🥇 (2003, 2007, 2011) 🥈 (2001, 2005)🥉 (1999)
With a brilliant eight participations, the overriding feature of Russia winning three titles, two silvers and a bronze when she was in their lineup was Stepanova's value at both ends of the court. She was the rock upon which they built their success. Defensively she dropped the anchor and in scoring terms, her height, skills and basketball IQ all contributed to making her a nightmare matchup for opponents.
4. Agnes NEMETH
CENTER Birth date: 22/09/1961 Points: 813 Games played: 54 Participations: 8 (1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1997) Medals: 🥉 (1983, 1985, 1987, 1991)
The center was a dominant figure and played an incredible 367 times in a Hungary vest She appeared at eight editions of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket between 1980 and 1997, collecting a bronze medal on four separate occasions. The FIBA Hall of Famer average more than 20 points per tournament for her team across those quartet of podium finishes which underlines her stellar ability.
3. Sandrine GRUDA
CENTER
Birth date: 25/06/1987 Points: 839 Games played: 58 Participations: 7 (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021) Medals: 🥇 (2009)🥈 (2013, 2015, 2019, 2021)🥉 (2011)
Still active. it's jaw-dropping that Gruda could be about to rack up yet another appearance at the showpiece event for France this year when they take to the floor for the 2023 edition. Only once missing out on the podium when she has featured, that speaks volumes. A classy baller with a trademark baseline jumper that is like clockwork, Gruda is a legendary figure not only in France but across Europe.
2. Marija VEGER-DEMSAR
GUARD/FORWARD
Birth date: 26/12/1947 Points: 933 Games played: 53 Participations: 7 (1966, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978) Medals:🥈 (1968, 1978)🥉 (1970)
A Serbian legend, she was one of the most versatile and gifted scorers in European women's basketball history. Few who have ever stepped onto the court have had a jump shot as deadly or as easy on the eye. She took her team to the title game twice, won a bronze and in 1976 dropped a spectacular 41 points in a game against hosts Poland and averaged an eye-bulging 27 points per game.
1. Uliana SEMJONOVA
CENTER
Birth date: 09/03/1952 Points: 1014 Games played: 68 Participations: 10 (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985) Medals: 🥇 (1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985)
It's a perfect 10 gold medals from 10 participations for the top player in the list and a baller many believe was the best European ever. Semjonova was a giant who proved mostly unstoppable as the centerpiece for Sovet Union. The Latvian legend is the only person that's scored more than 1,000 Final Round points, with the FIBA Hall of Fame member a fitting baller to have at the number one spot.
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