MUNICH (Germany) - Boasting many of the biggest women's basketball stars in the world, Europe packs a punch when it comes to elite level ballers lighting it up, but who's next in the talent pipeline? Our women's basketball specialist Paul Nilsen has taken on the task of identifying some of the continent's most exciting rising stars. He's been checking out who could be on course to become a senior superstar of the future. The list identifies the top players and prospects born in 2006 or later. It takes into account their achievements and performances to date, as well as their potential for the future. The selection of players is not ranked, with players listed in alphabetical order.
Nell Angloma - France
SMALL FORWARD
Birth Date: June 12, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in)
It's been quite the climb to prominence for Angloma after she impressed at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025, made serious waves with BLMA in EuroCup Women and was recently named December MVP of the French League despite her teenage status.
Physically strong and often unstoppable when powering her way to the hoop, she is super tough to slow down. Previously MVP of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024, her reputation continues to be enhanced and it feels like it won't be long before she becomes a regular senior starter for France - even if competition is tough for places.
Clara Bielefeld - Germany
GUARD / FORWARD
Birth Date: August 28, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 1.85m (6ft 1in)
The youngest player to have played for Germany, she took to the court at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 at just 17 years-old and that in itself speaks volumes about her skills. mentality and potential. Now she will be hoping that she can squeeze onto the roster for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 on home soil in Berlin.
Carving out a positive reputation for herself earlier in her youth career as MVP of the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2023 Division B, Bielefeld made everyone sit up and take notice with her length, defense and versatility. Now she's showcasing her talent in the NCAA with TCU and has had a solid start in her Freshman year.
Lena Bilic - Croatia
GUARD / FORWARD
Birth Date: May 2, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)
Daughter of FIBA Hall of Fame legend Danira Nakic-Bilic, the Croatian already has many of the attributes of her mom as she prepares to write a glittering career of her own. A scoring threat who can handle the ball, create for herself and others, her additional sky-high IQ means she is already emerging as an elite performer of the future.
Able to play as a forward and defensively savvy too, she's currently in her freshman year with the exceptional UCLA Bruins program. That came after lighting it up last year for her country at the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket, Division B 2025 when she showed her class almost 24 points per game to help Croatia get promoted.
Sarah Cisse - France
CENTER
Birth Date: January 26, 2007 (19 years old) Height: 1.90 (6ft 3in)
A powerhouse and growing talent who still has a big capacity to take her game to new levels, Cisse has already proven she has what it takes to become a future star for the senior French team. Her displays in EuroCup Women for BLMA saw her crowned monthly MVP earlier in the season and highlighted her physical prowess and maturity.
The center might not always produce huge numbers or spectacular plays, but her shot selection and finishing has her flying high in efficiency whenever she steps out in international or club competitions. Already a two time FIBA youth champion at U16 and U18, she's also caught the eye on the global stage at the U17 and U19 Worlds.
Joyce Isi Etute - Luxembourg
FORWARD
Birth Date: July 30, 2008 (17 years-old) Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in)
The forward has already harvested a double-double for Luxembourg in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers and demonstrated that despite being only 17 years-old, she has got what it takes to become an elite baller. It's no wonder that she hs had the pick of NCAA programs and committed to play for Texas.
Having posted blockbuster performances and standout numbers at FIBA youth events, the forward has accumulated a double-double across every tournament she has featured in. A super prospect with a big future, she is following in the footsteps of older sister Faith who now plays on the other side of the Pond with Oregon Ducks.
Awa Fam - Spain
FORWARD / CENTER
Birth Date: June 17, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)
After being crowned MVP of the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket 2024, hopes were high that the young powerhouse would be given an opportunity to shine 12 months later at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025. Handed her debut, Fam grasped her chance with both hands - headlined by an epic Semi-Finals display in Piraeus.
Her 21 points and 9 boards against France was one of the best performances of the tournament and gave another reason for Spanish fans to be excited by her ultra high ceiling. Also contributing nicely with Valencia Basket Club in EuroLeague Women and the Spanish League, she's continuing to take significant strides in her development.
Gabija Galvanauskaite - Lithuania
SMALL FORWARD
Birth Date: December 28, 2009 (16 years old) Height: 1.78 (5ft 10in)
A basketball prodigy, Galvanauskaite was just 13 years-old at her first FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket. She's played three editions and was Division B MVP last summer after taking Lithuania to the title with an eye-popping 19.0 points and 15.6 boards per game. She also played at the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket while only 15 years-old.
Since pushing on to make her senior debut in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers she has also played EuroLeague Women Qualifiers and in EuroCup Women with Kibirkstis-TOKS. Evolving into a baller that can play multiple positions, her scoring and rebounding power is huge, with her composure very good for her young age.
Gina Garcia - Spain
GUARD
Birth Date: April 2, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 1.74 (5ft 9in)
If you take only her numbers, then some might scratch their heads at why Garcia is on the list. But every so often a really top player comes along who is not only about stats. And, the Spanish playmaker might just fall into this category, having been named the MVP of the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket 2025 after leading Spain to glory.
That honor came despite being only 18 years-old. A classy facilitator with serious smarts, she handed out 9 assists in the Semi-Final with France and 12 dimes in the Final with Finland. This paints the picture of a player who could push on to eventually pull the strings at the top level and is currently in the NCAA with Kansas State.
Kate Koval - Ukraine
FORWARD
Birth Date: Jan 13, 2006 (20 years old) Height: 1.93m (6ft 4in)
Carving out a big reputation for herself with LSU having made the transfer from Notre Dame last summer, Koval is producing the goods with her new team as a sophomore. Her success is no surprise having alerted everyone to her talents back in 2021 with Ukraine when she amassed a spectacular 26 points and 14 boards per game at U16 level.
Her height, mobility and all-around game in the post - as well as on the defensive end, has had many fans and observers calling her one of the most improved and intriguing ballers in the college game. With more to come, the future is exciting for the frontcourt ace and the move to LSU looks to have been a smart one.
Iyana Martin - Spain
GUARD
Birth Date: Jan 18, 2006 (20 years old) Height: 1.74 (5ft 9in)
A special talent, the Perfumerias Avenida guard's fine 2024-25 rookie campaign led to her being voted EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year. That came prior to being handed a FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 place which ended up a bitter-sweet experience after a dream debut was followed by her tournament being cut short by illness.
A tremendous competitor with a devastating and fearless scoring touch, as well as a dogged mentality defensively, Martin has also been balling in EuroCup Women. Destined to be a senior national team star for years to come, it was rubber-stamped when she was FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 MVP on home soil in Madrid.
Somto Okafor - Spain
GUARD
Birth Date: September 11, 2008 (17 years old) Height: 1.76 (5ft 9in)
She had already landed an All-Star Five spot at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2024 to put up her name in lights and the guard then captured a global audience last year. She took the same accolade at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup when she posted a spectacular display for Spain in the Third Place Game.
She also won that individual All-Star Five honor as one of the youngest ballers in the competition and is even eligible to play at the next edition in 2027. Chased by all the leading college programs including the likes of South Carolina and UCLA, Okafor has committed to the latter. She will deliver super finishing skills and strong defense.
Sara Okeke - Spain
CENTER
Birth Date: Nov 17, 2007 (17 years old) Height: 1.93 (6ft 4in)
Yet another Spanish youth sensation, Okeke was in the limelight again last year when she was named MVP of the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket after showcasing her composure, work around the basket and dynamic skills. That came after being named to the All-Star Five at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024.
Athletic and powerful, she's been a menace for defenses throughout her youth career. She has also been noticed on social media for her dunking ability too - further emphasizing her physical prowess. And, if you are being chased by LSU, Tennessee, UConn, and South Carolina, you're firmly a five star recruit and able to make the elite level.
Daniele Paunksnyte - Lithuania
GUARD
Birth Date: July 21, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 1.78 (5ft 10in)
An do-it-all player that is always in the thick of the action in any game, Paunksnyte was a driving force for the history-making Lithuania team last summer that took a first podium finish and made the Final of the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket. Her 43-point display against Israel in the group phase was also an all-time high at the event.
Her exploits in a national team vest at youth level have fast-tracked her to the senior team and she recently took to the floor in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers. The guard has also had valuable experience playing this season with Kibirkstis-TOKS in both the EuroLeague Women Qualifiers and in EuroCup Women.
Jovana Popovic - Serbia
GUARD
Birth Date: October 5, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)
Anyone in any doubt as to the potential of Popovic just needs to firstly consider how she not only debuted at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 just 17 years-old but also excelled - as well as how she has signed with arguably the most famous college program of them all at UConn. If Geno Auriemma wants you, that is quite the endorsement.
Ever since she stepped onto the FIBA youth stage, the playmaker has been incredible - including playing at three editions of the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket. From multiple dazzling displays and numbers, to All-Star Five spots and rave reviews, Popovic has all the attributes to reach the top and will only get smarter under Coach Auriemma.
Gal Raviv - Israel
GUARD
Birth Date: December 25, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.77 (5ft 9in)
A walking bucket, the Israel guard is one of the most electric offensive players of her generation and that was evidenced by her record-breaking outings at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025. She is officially the most prolific scorer in competition history after posting an all-time high tally of 26.3 points per game
Stepping across to the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket and some seriously intense defensive attention, she still somehow topped the tournament's efficiency chart to show she is not only an amazing scorer. Currently shining in the NCAA with Miami Hurricanes in her sophomore year, there'll be a scramble for her signature when going pro.
Clara Silva - Portugal
CENTER
Birth Date: May 31, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Another baller who showed out spectacularly in Brno last summer at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup, Silva made the All-Second Team and was named Best Defensive Player of the tournament. That came just a year after she posted huge tournament double-doubles for Portugal at the U16 and U18 FIBA Women's EuroBasket.
More court time and success has come while suiting up for TCU in the wake of last year's transfer from Kentucky. Her height and accuracy around the hoop, as well as those excellent defensive skills means she will be Portugal's leader for many years to come - even if she didn't play as hoped at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025.
Sindija Sondore - Latvia
FORWARD / CENTER
Birth Date: March 22, 2010 (15 years old) Height: 1.86 (6ft 1in)
The youngest player on the list, Sondore is a brilliant prospect for Latvia and one of the best players of her age group already - if not also those who are slightly older. A frontcourt operator who is a great decision-maker, scorer, finisher and rebounder, she is also strong defensively too and able to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Averaging a double-double at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket, she landed an All-Star Five place to catapult herself further onto the radar. Now all eyes will be on how she develops in 2026 and especially at the renowned FIBA youth events, although she has already shown enough to get court time with TTT Riga in EuroCup Women.
Alicia Tournebize - France
FORWARD
Birth Date: July 21, 2007 (18 years old) Height: 1.94 (6ft 4in)
The forward made the switch from EuroLeague Women minutes with Tango Bourges Basket late last year to step out with the headline South Carolina program under the guidance of USA legend Dawn Staley. That is already paying dividends, with Tournebize having shown her sweet shooting action and extended range from downtown.
Also a killer of opponents in transition, she put herself on the radar last year with a famous dunk at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket. Daughter of FIBA of Famer Isabelle Fijalkowski, hooping is in her DNA and there's no doubt Tournebize can carve out her own outstanding legacy and should ultimately be destined for senior success.
Tilda Trygger - Sweden
CENTER
Birth Date: February 12, 2006 (19 years old) Height: 1.98 (6ft 6in)
It was a momentous 2025 after a FIBA Women's EuroBasket debut as reward for promise shown at youth level. While she didn't get many minutes, it shone a spotlight on her talents, height, mobility and extended shooting range. Standing out with North Carolina State, she's since been named on the list for Lisa Leslie Center of the Year.
She then dealt with the expectations placed on her to inspire at the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket and she delivered. Posting a brilliant tournament double-double, she fuelled Sweden's memorable run to the Semi-Finals. Now in her sophomore season with North Carolina State, she has been becoming increasingly influential.
Olivia Vukosa - Croatia
CENTER
Birth Date: September 7, 2008 (17 years old) Height: 1.94m (6ft 4in)
The center put everyone on notice with her breakout and eye-popping displays at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024, including posting the highest ever performance efficiency valuation in tournament and making history as the first player to hit 50. This past summer she starred for Croatia again at U20 level.
More huge numbers flowed, but it is the unique way she plays that has really caught the eye and led to everyone getting excited - including Coach Auriemma at UConn, which is the next destination for the teenager. He has talked openly about nobody before being quite like her. That size, post play and scoring from range are such a potent mix.
FIBA