MUNICH (Germany) – With the likes of Emma Meesseman, Marine Johannes and Satou Sabally cemented as some of the biggest basketball stars on the planet, there’s no doubt Europe has got serious game at the elite level.

But who’s next?

Our women’s basketball specialist Paul Nilsen has taken on the challenge of identifying the continent’s brightest rising stars and checking out who could be destined to become superstars of the future.

The list identifies the top players and prospects born in 2005 or later, taking into account their achievements and performances so far, but even more importantly, potential for the future.

The selection of players is not ranked, with players listed in alphabetical order.

SMALL FORWARD

Birth Date: June 12, 2006 (18 years old)
Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in)

Heading into the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2024, Angloma was renowned for her rock solid performances having taken France to silver in 2023 and other medals at U16 and U17 level. But she then went one better in Portugal, not only taking gold, but being crowned the MVP of the competition. Clutch in the Final, she was amongst the leaders in many different categories in the tournament, with her growth since the previous edition obvious.

The MVP accolade seems to have inspired her to turn things up during the current club season where she has been excellent for BLMA and helped them make the last eight of EuroCup Women. Averaging more than 13 points per game and shooting 55 percent from the field, it mirrors her accomplishments in Matosinhos and there is more to come. Physically strong, mentally tough and with a nice basketball IQ, she could soon push for senior action.

GUARD

Birth Date: July 26, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.76m (5ft 9in)

A walking bucket. Aarnisalo has proven herself as a scoring machine both at youth level with Finland and even for the senior Susiladies side. The guard’s maturity and talent are highlighted by the fact that the teenager has already featured in three different FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifying campaigns. Although in some ways, that is not a surprise considering her staggering average of almost 19.0 points per game across FIBA youth competitions.

Currently in her freshman year in the NCAA, she is part of an outstanding UCLA team making history with their unbeaten season. The Bruins will only get to see more and more of the guard’s top drawer skills in the future and the beauty of Aarnisalo is that she is not only about scoring, but is a creator and strong rebounder for her position.

GUARD

Birth Date: December 30, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.76m (5ft 9in)

These are exciting times for Bartelme, since the playmaker has made the step into the senior Slovenian set-up, helped by her impressive showings at youth level. Not least, playing a major role in her country winning their first title at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket last year when she not only collected a gold medal, but was also named to the All-Star Five after posting some fantastic performances.

The guard still has so much untapped potential and most observers are waiting to see what happens when she steps outside of her homeland where she still suits up for Cinkarna Celje. A move to the next level will be a great test for Bartelme and that is something to be excited about because she has the leadership qualities, composure and skills to potentially be an elite performer in the pro-game.

GUARD / FORWARD

Birth Date: August 28, 2007 (17 years old)
Height: 1.85m (6ft 1in)

Having been named MVP of the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Division B, Bielefeld turned heads with her displays and she continued her nice work at U18 level last summer. While not necessarily a prolific scorer, her all around game is impressive and she catches the eye because of her length, often much taller than her opponents.

That length in particular makes her an impactful defensive presence in different ways, while offensively she has a very nice passing range and her creative skills are growing. Her biggest asset is her ability to cover multiple positions, from guard to wing. This degree of versatility is gold. Currently playing in the DBBL with Herner, she’s set to play in the NCAA at TCU in the 2025-2026 season and German basketball will be following her progress keenly.

GUARD / FORWARD

Birth Date: May 2, 2007 (17 years old)
Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)

One of the best ballers of her generation, Bilic has no doubt gained the benefit of having her mom as a former player and legend. Danira Nakic-Bilic was enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame Class last year and if Lena gets anywhere near her accomplishments in the future, then she will have had a great career. The signs are so positive that she can be an elite performer and star in her own right.

A strong player in the backcourt or on the wings, Bilic has an exceptional IQ, is defensively a powerhouse and she can shoot too. All of those attributes have already been seen at various FIBA youth tournaments where she has often proven unstoppable, posting big numbers. Next stop? Renowned NCAA program UCLA for 2025-26.

FORWARD

Birth Date: February 10, 2006 (18 years old)
Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)

Another stellar Croatian talent, Bozan is a forward who is projected to have a potentially big future at the very top level. She’s already impressing in the NCAA with Nebraska during a productive freshman season – at least taking into account she was a very last second recruit and arrival at the program, meaning she is only just catching up.

Her track record and performances at FIBA youth level have been superb in the last couple of years when stepping out at U18 and putting up some serious numbers. A smart baller and strong in the paint, Bozan can also stretch the floor at times and if she develops her shooting range she could be on course to make it all the way to the very top.

GUARD

Birth Date: August 26, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.76m (5ft 9in)

The French guard is an incredible competitor and a driving force on any team she plays for. That grit, determination and ability to take care of the intangibles as well as being nicely equipped with plenty of skills is a potent mix. It’s one that has delivered All-Star Five status at both U18 and U20 level. Also excelling at the U17 Worlds, the inaugural Nike Hoops Summit and Basketball Without Borders Global camp in the past, she’s a fine prospect.

In the past two club seasons she has shown she can cut it and be impactful at the pro-level while she is still learning – impressing in EuroCup Women with UFAB 49. With impressive maturity, she is playing her way into senior team contention and has the level of defensive toughness that would fit well with the identity France has.

POWER FORWARD

Birth Date: October 24, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.83 (6ft 0in)

From the first moment she wore a Luxembourg jersey, Etute has put up some sensational and unbelievable numbers. Her resume is already glittering when it comes to individual recognition, collecting multiple MVP and All-Star Five awards in her FIBA youth tournaments.

Incredibly, the forward then put up more dazzling stats at senior level, including a stellar double-double in the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers. She’s also been dominant in EuroCup Women and is now a freshman at the University of Oregon, who will benefit from her strength in the paint and her supreme rebounding ability.

FORWARD

Birth Date: July 30, 2008 (16 years-old)
Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in)

A formidable performer at FIBA youth events, the forward has accumulated a double-double across every tournament she has featured in. Now she is in the process of stepping up with the senior Luxembourg team as they continue their quest to make history with a first ever place at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Final Round.

At the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket last summer, she packed a huge punch and showed her qualities among many older ballers. A brilliant prospect, she is so strong taking the ball to the hoop and on the block. But she also reads the game really well too and will be inundated with NCAA offers in preparation for her likely College route.

FORWARD / CENTER

Birth Date: June 17, 2006 (18 years old)
Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)

A FIBA Women’s EuroBasket debut might be lying in store later this year for Fam as she makes the transition from youth star into senior performer with Spain. The MVP of the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket 2024, she has showcased her extraordinary physical prowess, power and athleticism. Combined with her quickness for her size, footwork and finishing, which are all improving, she is looking like a future standout at the very highest level.

Indeed Fam already knows what it takes to compete in EuroLeague Women, having stepped out with Valencia Basket Club previously. Now with Gernika in the Spanish league, she continues to grow and could be one of the main options in the paint for her country for many years to come.

GUARD

Birth Date: March 18, 2007 (17 years old)
Height: 1.78m (5ft 10in)

Perhaps slightly different to many players on this list and maybe even the exception, Giacchetti is not a baller who has put up eye-popping numbers – even at the many FIBA youth events that she’s played in. Yet the Italian guard has still impressed enough to be on most lists of the exciting prospects on the Continent. That reflects her game.

She is so dynamic and energetic, has great handles, superb passing vision and will score at the bucket under pressure – often down the stretch in games when she is happy to take the responsibility. She’s also gained valuable experience in EuroCup Women with La Molisana Campobasso and is a future senior team leader in the making.

SHOOTING GUARD/ SMALL FORWARD

Birth Date: November 19, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.84 cm (6ft 0in)

Undeniably a phenomenon because of how young she was when she broke records for her first appearances with Lithuania’s senior side when 13 years old, Jocyte also became the center of attention in EuroLeague Women as she took to the court to play minutes on a stage that everyone else her age could only dream of. She’s since attained recognition and EuroCup Women silverware with LDLC ASVEL Feminin, where she continues to grow in influence.

Stunning as MVP when taking her country to gold at U18 a few summers ago, her immediate focus is being a centerpiece of Lithuania trying to reach the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket for the first time in a decade. Easy on the eye because of how smooth and graceful she plays, her skill level is huge and she always seems to have time to spare in most situations. It’s a mark of a great player and Jocyte is still on track to do amazing things in her career.

FORWARD

Birth Date: Jan 13, 2006 (19 years old)
Height: 1.93m (6ft 4in)

Playing during the pandemic hit 2021 summer for Ukraine, Koval put up jaw-dropping numbers at the FIBA U16 Women’s Challengers of more than 26 points and 14 rebounds per game. A few months later and she was playing and studying Stateside, was listed as a five star recruit by ESPN and has remained there ever since. Currently making a splash in her freshman season at Notre Dame, Koval is showing why she is rated as one of Europe’s best.

While a lot of emphasis is naturally on her size and strength which sees her regularly destroy opponents in the paint, she also has nice hands and footwork too – her development aided by playing FIBA 3×3 in the past. Her capacity for growth is huge and there is a feeling that there is plenty of scope to evolve and will become one of the leading ballers in the NCAA and a top level pro-athlete.

CENTER

Birth Date: November 16, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.98 (6ft 6in)

While Malonga initially gained significant attention for her dunking exploits, the teenager is now a bonafide rising star of a stellar French senior team. With an unforgettable Paris 2024 experience on her resume, the Olympic silver medalist could be in line for more glory at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025. While at club level, she has been sensational for LDLC ASVEL Feminin and if they continue their run, EuroCup Women MVP is attainable.

Physically imposing because of her epic size and wingspan, her tremendous athleticism and rapidly accelerating skill level means she is a walking double-double. So many people hyped her up when she was younger and coming through the youth ranks, it’s testament to her mental strength that she has been able to meet and even exceed those big expectations. Now she might just evolve into one of the most dominant ballers in the women’s game.

GUARD

Birth Date: Jan 18, 2006 (19 years old)
Height: 1.74 (5ft 9in)

Having just signed off on a brilliant rookie season in EuroLeague Women with Perfumerias Avenida, there is nobody left in any doubt that Spain have a seriously special talent on their hands. The guard is on a trajectory that is seeing her fast-tracked to senior stardom and with her scoring ability alone, she could be a leading light at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025.

Her fearless and hard-nosed mentality on top of her scoring touch is what makes her a strong candidate to be a superstar. She has taken it to many of the best players in the world wearing an Avenida vest. But few will be surprised based on her youth career as an unstoppable scoring machine – including being crowned the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2023 MVP on home soil in Madrid.

GUARD

Birth Date: October 5, 2007 (17 years old)
Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)

In the last two summers, Popovic has turned up the dial at FIBA youth level and made everyone sit up and take notice. But if you hit the rewind button a little further, the fact that she wore a Serbia vest at no fewer than three editions of the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket shows the level of maturity she had even as a 14-year-old baller.

At the U18 tournament in Matosinhos last year she made the All-Star Five and that was timely recognition for her ever-improving game. A scorer and creator who loves to lead on the floor, her 28 points and 6 assists in the Third Place Game highlighted why she is likely to be a baller built for the clutch and the big-time. She has also put herself further into the limelight with impressive displays at last year’s Basketball Without Borders Europe camp.

CENTER

Birth Date: May 31, 2006 (18 years old)
Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)

Landing a number of tournament double-doubles at U16 and U18 level, Silva has established herself as one of the leading performers at FIBA youth tournaments. That was underlined by her making the All-Star Five last summer on home soil in Matosinhos when she helped Portugal reach the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2025.

Currently in her freshman Year with the University of Kentucky, she is already making positive waves with the Wildcats and winning weekly honors. Highly-rated and with scope to flourish and move up another gear, she has excellent mobility and movement to go with her height, good footwork and a nice touch around the basket. If she continues to develop, she could potentially establish herself as the most talented Portuguese player in decades.

FORWARD

Birth Date: November 23, 2005 (18 years old)
Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)

Sivka had already been on the radar for those watchers of youth basketball when she burst onto the mainstream scene in 2023 during a pivotal year in her blossoming areer. She appeared off the bench for Beretta Famila Schio in their first ever Final Four before then showing her class for FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 co-hosts Slovenia with some impressive minutes and contributions.

She was then crowned FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket MVP as she took her country to a historic first title, showcasing her diverse skill-set, dominant wing span and great versatility. Also impressing at the Nike Hoops Summit, she is set to be a leader for Slovenia for many years to come. Most recently she surprised many by switching to France for the current season where she has stepped out for Tarbes, including in EuroCup Women.

FORWARD

Birth Date: Mar 25, 2005 (19 years old)
Height: 1.92m (6ft 4in)

Having been destined to play at the University of Washington, Soltau de-committed and is now a pro in the Spanish league with Gernika. It’s been a key time of late since she’s broken into the senior Germany team – this is hugely exciting for a nation on the rise who will co-host the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket this year and even if this event comes too soon for her, there’s also the hosting of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026.

A power forward who is very long and loves to block shots and cause problems in the paint for her defenders down the other end of the floor, she has enjoyed an eye-catching FIBA youth career. Even if individual accolades have not flowed because of her team’s lower finishes, she’s smashed it with 17.0 points and 9.0 boards across five events.

CENTER

Birth Date: September 7, 2008 (16 years old)
Height: 1.94m (6ft 4in)

The youngest baller on the list, the center has already made everyone sit up and take notice on a global level after a spectacular effort at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2024. Vukosa came up with the highest ever performance efficiency valuation in tournament history and the first player to hit 50 in the category. She also had another game where she put up a 20 and 20 plus double-double.

That came after starring at the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket 2023 when she made the All-Star Five. The Croatian center does most of her damage in the paint where she is statistically dominant, but is so dangerous as she has solid handles and a nice shooting range. It’s no wonder she is being touted as a five star NCAA recruit.

FIBA