BRNO (Czechia) - The FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup has seen some phenomenal players over the course of 40 years, but who are the biggest stars to have stepped out at the event?
Lining up 30 contenders and mixing it up across all continents and covering all four decades of action, here's the last installment, having already covered spots 30-11 in Volumes 1 and 2.
10. Caitlin Clark, USA (2019 and 2021)
Too much too soon to be so high on this list, even if she has played two editions and was an MVP? Perhaps, but what's she's shown so far in her record-breaking College career, lighting it up in the WNBA and with people projecting she'll be the most high-profile player (man or woman) at LA 2028, there's a strong case to be made!
9. Laia Palau, Spain (1997)
A great of Spanish basketball, the playmaker stepped out in 1997. It was a springboard for a stellar career, racking up so many records. Palau is a four-time Olympian, three-time FIBA Women's EuroBasket winner, Olympic silver medalist, has multiple FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup medals and is a revered EuroLeague Women legend.
8. Sonja Vasic, Serbia (2007)
Vasic played in 2007 as Serbia took bronze. The forward was then at the heart of Serbia's historic FIBA Women's EuroBasket title success in 2015 before being MVP with another title in 2021. She inspired a stunning Olympic debut and bronze in 2016 too, is a multiple EuroLeague Women champion and now a FIBA Central Board member.
7. Penny Taylor, Australia (1997)
In 1997, Taylor helped Australia make the title game for the first time and in 2006 she was MVP of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup as the Opals won gold and delivered their greatest ever moment. Also an All-Star Five member at the 2014 Worlds, the Aussie legend is a three-time Olympian and FIBA Hall of Fame entrant.
6. A'ja Wilson, USA (2013, 2015)
A double U19 Worlds winner, Wilson was outstanding in 2015 as MVP. Now the reigning FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup MVP, she also took that individual accolade at Paris 2024. With the potential to become an all-time great of the game, she is a superstar in the WNBA and looks set for more MVP's and golds with USA.
5. Margo Dydek, Poland (1993)
The towering legend made a big impression at the 1993 edition. The FIBA Hall of Fame fueled Poland's FIBA Women's EuroBasket title in 1999 and standing at over 7ft / 2.19m tall, she was unguardable. Loved and respected by many, Dydek passed away at just 37-years-old, but will never be forgotten for her contributions to the sport.
4. Lisa Leslie, USA (1989)
Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame last year, Leslie played at the second U19 edition in 1989. She went on to win four Olympic titles and as the USA's leading scorer on three occasions. The center also won two FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup titles and was MVP in 2002. A WNBA legend, she famously executed the league's first dunk.
3. Lauren Jackson, Australia (1997)
What a story and fairytale. From her 1997 appearance at the U19 Worlds to becoming a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup champion in 2006, to coming out of retirement in 2022 to win bronze on home soil in Sydney. Then also appearing at Paris 2024 for a fifth Olympic appearance and winning bronze. An absolute icon of women's hoops.
2. Diana Taurasi, USA (2001)
A leading contender in any women's basketball GOAT debate, Taurasi remains one of the most recognizable, revered and decorated players in history. An unprecedented six-time Olympic champion and three-time FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup winner, she also won a stack of EuroLeague Women, WNBA and individual honors.
1. Breanna Stewart, USA (2011 and 2013)
Two golds at FIBA U19 and one as MVP helped Stewie get on course to becoming arguably the best player on the planet. A three-time FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup winner and three-time Olympic gold medalist, she's took MVP and All-Star Five spots, also conquering EuroLeague Women and WNBA en-route to locked-in legend status.
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