Our super seven must-watch EuroLeague Women debutantes
MUNICH (EuroLeague Women) - As with any new season of EuroLeague Women, one of the biggest thrills is seeing a number of players taking their first footsteps in the competition.
Here is our pick of the debutantes you need to watch.
Breanna Stewart - Dynamo Kursk
Arguably the best player in the women's game right now has finally landed in the competition after opting to sign for Dynamo Kursk. Having won the WNBA MVP accolade, the WNBA Finals MVP award and then the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup gong only a few weeks ago, Stewart is on fire and has warned the best years are still ahead of her. Anticipation of her debut is huge and she should flourish under a coach like Lucas Mondelo, who will be sure to put a smile on her face and give her the freedom to enjoy her basketball and to shine as usual.
Jonquel Jones - UMMC Ekaterinburg
A little bit like Stewart, it has largely been assignments in Asia as well as the WNBA for Jones, but the powerful star is also now ready to finally line up in the competition. She will take her place on a UMMC roster that looks just as stacked as ever - if not even more so. The reigning champions will be big favorites and Jones will give them a new dimension around the rim - after all, she is someone who dunked in her first WNBA All-Star Game.
Bria Hartley - Fenerbahce
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All eyes will be on Hartley not only because she will finally get to show what she can do in EuroLeague Women, but because she has just been granted French citizenship - and that opens a potential door to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019. With this extra spotlight on her, this is going to be all about how she handles the pressure of playing for Istanbul giants Fenerbahce, having made the summer switch from Mersin.
Karlie Samuelson - Castors Braine
The versatility and quality of the Los Angeles Sparks and Great Britain national team player will be important for Castors Braine this season, with this link-up appearing to be the perfect fit on paper. Samuelson recently stepped into the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers and had an immense impact on the Brits, so expect her to do something similar for her new club team. She has a great attitude and is a team-orientated performer so the signs of a productive rookie season look good.
Marica Gajic - Hatay
There is little doubt that Gajic would appear high on any list of players who have not yet had EuroLeague Women minutes on their resume and the forward is about to show us why. Having made the move during the off-season from Mersin to Hatay, the forward can be a difference-maker for her new club. Her displays for Bosnia and Herzegovina have been outstanding and she has been showing why she is a WNBA draftee.
Amel Bouderra - Carolo Basket
It is astonishing to think that a player with the quality of Bouderra, who is an Olympian and played throughout her career in the highly-rated French League, will now make her debut in EuroLeague Women at the age of 29. Much of that is due to the fact that she has been a loyal and highly effective servant to Carolo Basket who have been EuroCup Women regulars. Now they are taking the step up, it is fitting that their skillful and highly entertaining playmaker will be present to pull the strings.
Alyssa Thomas - ZVVZ USK Prague
ZVVZ USK Prague have opted to hand Thomas a first EuroLeague Women outing and that means she will have the opportunity to showcase her skills that have lit up the WNBA at the Connecticut Sun. Thomas has spent previous seasons outside of her homeland lighting it up in the WKBL in Korea and will now give European fans a taste of what she is capable of. Namely points, rebounds and plenty of assists, since she has some super passing ability for her position.
We will also be picking out our top 20 players to watch this season,in coming days as well as the most exciting rising stars during coming weeks.
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