Top 10 Rising Stars in FIBA Europe Cup Women's Basketball This Season

Watching the FIBA Europe Cup Women's basketball season unfold has been one of my genuine pleasures this year. As someone who's followed women's basketball across continents for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for spotting emerging talent before they become household names. This season has been particularly thrilling because we're witnessing a fascinating convergence of styles—American collegiate discipline blending with European tactical sophistication, and young local talents rising to challenge established stars. What strikes me most is how these players aren't just statistically impressive; they're changing games, lifting their teams, and frankly, making me reconsider my own understanding of player development timelines.

Let me start with someone who's completely captured my attention—and I suspect will dominate conversations soon. At just 22, Spanish guard Claudia Contell has been nothing short of revolutionary for her squad. I tracked her last three games specifically, and her numbers—18.9 points, 7.2 assists, and an absurd 45% from beyond the arc—only tell half the story. What the stats sheet misses is her preternatural court vision. I've rarely seen a young player who can read defensive rotations as quickly as she does. There's this particular play against a French team last month where she drew two defenders, delivered a no-look pass to the weak side corner, and created an open three that essentially sealed the game. That's not just skill—that's basketball IQ at an elite level. Frankly, I'd place her ceiling higher than any guard I've seen come through the Spanish system in recent years.

The transition from collegiate success to professional impact has never been more evident than in American import Jennifer Miller, who joined German side TSV Wasserburg after a standout NCAA career. Her adaptation to the European game has been remarkably smooth—she's averaging a double-double with 16.3 points and 11.1 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field. What impresses me most isn't just her production but how she's adjusted her game. European defenses are much more tactical than what she faced in college, with complex zone schemes and sophisticated help defense. Yet she's developed a reliable mid-range jumper that's become virtually unguardable. I've spoken with several coaches in the league, and they all mention how she's already among the most difficult matchups they've faced this season.

Speaking of transitions, watching players develop from different basketball backgrounds reminds me of Quentin Millora-Brown's situation that I've been following closely. Fresh from his championship stint with the UP Fighting Maroons in Season 87 of the UAAP, he's predictably becoming a hot commodity. While he's not in our women's league focus, his development trajectory illustrates something important about these rising stars—the value of championship experience at any level. That winning mentality, that understanding of high-pressure moments, translates directly to what we're seeing with several young players in the FIBA Europe Cup Women's competition. Serbian center Jovana Boricic embodies this perfectly. At 6'5", she's not just tall—she's fundamentally sound in ways that many veteran centers aren't. Her footwork in the post is textbook material, and she's shooting 68% on attempts within five feet of the basket. What's remarkable is her defensive growth; she's increased her blocked shots from 1.2 per game last season to 2.8 this year. That kind of defensive leap in a single offseason is extraordinary.

French point guard Marie Dubois represents what I consider the new wave of European guards—players who combine traditional playmaking with modern scoring efficiency. Her 19.4 points and 6.8 assists would be impressive enough, but it's her efficiency that truly stands out. She's shooting 49% from the field, 42% from three, and 88% from the free-throw line. Those aren't just good numbers—they're elite efficiency marks that rival established WNBA All-Stars. I've been particularly impressed with her late-game execution. In close contests, her usage rate increases significantly, yet her efficiency barely drops. That mental toughness in crucial moments is something you can't teach, and it's why I believe she'll be representing France in major international tournaments soon.

Italian forward Sofia Ricci brings a dimension we're seeing less of in modern basketball—a true back-to-the-basket game combined with perimeter skills. At 6'2", she can comfortably operate from the high post, attack closeouts, and even bring the ball up in transition. Her versatility creates nightmare matchups for opposing coaches. I've noticed defenses often have to choose between playing her with a traditional big who can't handle her mobility or a smaller forward who gets overpowered in the paint. Her statistical profile—15.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists—underscores this unique skill set. Personally, I'd love to see her develop a more consistent three-point shot, as that would make her virtually unguardable at this level.

Greek shooting guard Eleni Papadopoulos represents what I consider the most exciting development trend—players who excel in specific, high-value skills. Her three-point shooting isn't just good—it's historically good for her age. She's connecting on 46% of her attempts from deep while taking nearly seven per game. That volume and efficiency combination is rare at any level of professional basketball. What's more impressive is how she creates these shots—through sophisticated off-ball movement, using screens intelligently, and having a quick release that doesn't require much space. I've charted her movement in several games, and her understanding of spacing and timing reminds me of some of the great shooters I've studied over the years.

The development of Dutch center Annika de Jong demonstrates something crucial about player progression—sometimes the most significant growth isn't in scoring but in the subtler aspects of the game. Her scoring has increased modestly from 11.2 to 13.8 points per game, but her defensive impact has transformed completely. She's become one of the league's best pick-and-roll defenders, using her length and improved footwork to contain guards while still protecting the rim. Advanced metrics show her defensive rating has improved from 104.3 to 91.7 this season—a dramatic leap that doesn't always show up in traditional box scores but wins games.

What strikes me about Polish forward Zuzanna Kowalczyk is her relentless motor. She might not have the prettiest game or the most refined skills, but she outworks opponents consistently. Her 12.3 rebounds per game lead the competition, and 4.2 of those are offensive boards that create extra possessions. In a close game against a Turkish team last week, she grabbed three consecutive offensive rebounds leading to five crucial points that swung the momentum completely. That kind of effort-based impact is contagious and elevates entire teams.

The emergence of Belgian guard Lisa Vermeiren highlights another trend I've noticed—players who develop through different pathways than the traditional academy system. She played university basketball in Belgium while competing in domestic leagues, and her basketball IQ reflects that diverse experience. Her understanding of offensive sets and defensive rotations is advanced for a 23-year-old, and she's become the primary playmaker for a surprisingly competitive Belgian squad. Her assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.8-to-1 is among the best I've tracked in European women's basketball over the past five seasons.

What makes this generation of rising stars particularly fascinating to me is how they're redefining positional expectations. We're seeing guards who rebound like forwards, centers who initiate offense, and wings who defend multiple positions seamlessly. The game is becoming more positionless, and these young players are at the forefront of that evolution. Their development isn't just about individual skills but about expanding their understanding of how to impact winning beyond traditional statistical measures.

As the season progresses, I'll be watching these players closely, not just for their statistical production but for how they're changing the game itself. The future of European women's basketball looks remarkably bright, and frankly, I believe several of these names will be featuring in the WNBA within the next 2-3 years. Their rapid development suggests we're entering a new era where the gap between European and American basketball continues to narrow, creating more exciting basketball for all of us who love this game.