DONGGUAN (China) - Emily Potter can't wait to test her mettle against some of the continent's best as she joins Cathay Life in the recently opened FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia (WBL Asia) 2025.
The 29-year-old is excited to take part in yet another FIBA club competition after spending four of the past five years playing in the EuroCup Women, in which she's built quite a reputation as a reliable center.
"I am so excited for this opportunity," she exclaimed.
"Very thankful to be here and see how our team plays against other championship clubs from around Asia," she furthered. "I think this tournament is an amazing thing to showcase the basketball of Asia."
The Canada women's team standout signed with the Tigers last August, marking her return to Asia after two years or since helping Beirut Club nab the Lebanese Women's Basketball Championship title back in 2023.
"I am very happy to be here. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming and I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the culture and basketball in Chinese Taipei," expressed the former University of Utah star.
Now, she's coming into the WBL Asia as one of its more anticipated figures, all because of her experience as a professional - particularly from her different stints in the aforementioned European club tourney.
She began her EuroCup Women career with KP Brno of Czechia in 2020 and 2021, with the latter her most impressive campaign to date as she finished with per-game averages of 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds.
That solid run attracted a lot of other ball clubs, of course, and by 2023 she'd find herself signing with Greek hoops royalty in Panathinaikos. Potter would then join KKZ Crvena zvezda two years later.
Yes, she did play for two of basketball's most recognizable clubs in the globe, and made sure to do her part. She posted 13.6 points and 7.6 rebounds with PAO, and then tallied a 13.3-8.3-1.1 stat line with the Red Star.
"I have loved playing in the FIBA EuroCup," she said.
"Playing for historic clubs like Panathinaikos and Crvena zvezda was a dream come true! They have had so many years of success and support, and I was very grateful to be a part of those organizations," she added.
Potter truly enjoyed the times she played in the EuroCup Women but what excites her, really, is the idea of learning further about the game of basketball in whichever she plays in - Chinese Taipei included now, of course.
"To play against the best teams from different countries and see how I measure up is always what I want to do," offered the 1.96 M (6'5") bruiser. "There are so many different ways to play basketball."
"And, I want to see how I can play differently in different clubs and in different styles," she furthered. "There is always more to learn in playing basketball, and I have loved each stop in my journey that brought me here."
Definitely, Potter would appreciate it even more should she and Cathay Life finally take home the championship after settling for a silver-medal finish in the 2024 inaugurals. And they're ready for whatever comes their way.
"We are going to China to try 110-percent to win," she assured. "As a team, we will play really, really hard and aggressive and I love that style. We have many different ways we can attack and score."
"After a second place finish last year, I do not think any team will underestimate Cathay Life," added Potter, "and we need to prove again this year that we are a quality team."
FIBA