Rising stars ready for potential senior breakout in first Qualifying window

MUNICH (FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) –The opening FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers window could be a launch-pad for the senior careers of multiple rising stars across the Continent.

We look at some of the promising players who have already shone brightly at youth level, but could now make a breakthrough for their respective senior teams. Or, those looking to push on, having already been given a brief taste of action previously.

Agnes Studer – Hungary

The point guard is perpetual motion whenever she is on the floor and likely to be handed an opportunity after a sensational time for Hungary earlier in the summer at U20 level. That led to deserved All-Star Five recognition and she has since showcased her energy, court vision and intensity in both EuroCup Women and the Hungarian League with KSC Szekszard.

Melisa Brcaninovic – Bosnia and Herzegovina

A phenomenon at youth level, the hopes and dreams of Bosnia and Herzegovina will one day lie squarely on her shoulders. While not hugely athletic, her strength and shooting range are impressive and she has scored more than 20 points per game in her last three youth tournaments. Just 18-years-old, it looks like opportunity knocks at the senior level and she could be brought off the bench to add a scoring touch.

Anna Makurat – Poland

Still only 17-years-old, but possessing maturity beyond her years, Makurat is in line to take her first footsteps with the seniors. She is used to playing with older personnel as she starred for her country at U20 level in Matosinhos and regularly plays nice minutes in the highly competitive BLK and EuroCup Women with Basket 90 Gdynia, where she is averaging almost 10 points per game.

Klara Lundquist – Sweden

Having gained a brief taste of senior action in the last Qualifiers for FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017, but now with another prolific youth summer on her resume, the exciting Lundquist has cemented her status as the future of Swedish women's basketball backcourt. If she gets more court time, she will shoot the ball with confidence and could be a real scoring contributor - although she will now have to show her smarts and that she can play with smart shot selection.

Zala Friskovec – Slovenia

The historic step by Slovenia reaching a first youth Final at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017 was not just down to Annamaria Prezelj and Larisa Ocvirk, who played at FIBA EuroBasket Women Final Round, earlier in the summer. It was also Friskovec who turned heads with her efforts. She might not be a headline-maker, but she still has real quality and is a highly valued 'glue' player. Her inclusion is rich reward for promise shown and she could be a central pillar for the senior team for many years to come.

Veronika Vorackova – Czech Republic

Even if Vorackova caused much excitement by actually making it to the FIBA EuroBasket Women Final Round on home soil earlier this year, her dream has only just started. The 18-year-old only managed a handful of minutes during a difficult tournament for the hosts, but will be expected to now have an increasingly influential impact if given the chance by new head coach, Stefan Svitek. Especially as she is getting great experience at club level and in EuroLeague Women at ZVVZ USK Prague.

FIBA