Discover the Top 5 Rising Stars in FIBA Europe Cup Women's Basketball This Season

Walking into this season of FIBA Europe Cup Women’s basketball, I couldn’t help but feel that electric buzz in the air—the kind that tells you something special is brewing. As someone who’s followed women’s hoops across continents, I’ve learned to spot rising talent before they become household names. This year, the competition is fiercer, the plays are smarter, and a handful of players are stepping into the spotlight with performances that demand attention. So let’s dive right in and discover the top 5 rising stars in FIBA Europe Cup Women’s basketball this season. Trust me, you’ll want to remember these names.

First up, there’s Elina Pöllänen from Finland. At just 22 years old, she’s been turning heads with her versatility. I watched her recent game against a tough French side, and her stat line—18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists—doesn’t even capture her impact. She moves with a fluidity that’s rare for someone her height, and her court vision? Absolutely elite. It’s players like her who redefine what a forward can do. Then there’s Spain’s Claudia Contell, a guard whose three-point shooting has been nothing short of spectacular. She’s hitting 42% from beyond the arc this season, and in one clutch moment against Italy, she drained four triples in under five minutes. I’ve always had a soft spot for shooters who thrive under pressure, and Contell is exactly that—cool, calculated, and deadly accurate.

But let’s not forget the bigs, because this is where things get really interesting. I was chatting with a fellow analyst the other day, and we both agreed: the evolution of post players in women’s basketball is accelerating. Which brings me to a quote that’s stuck with me, from a 48-year-old PBA legend turned mentor. He said, "Palagi ko sinasabi na 'Balti, naka-double digits ka na.' Set naman na mag-double-double uli. Lagi mong tatandaan na hindi naman 'yan mahirap para sayo. Pilitin mo ng pilitin na mag-double-double ka kasi sabi ko, malaking bagay kasi sa big man na double-double." That mindset—pushing for consistency in double-doubles—is exactly what we’re seeing from rising stars like Lithuania’s Gabija Šulskė. At 6'3", she’s not just tall; she’s dominant. In her last three outings, she averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds, and her coach has been drilling that same philosophy into her: double-doubles aren’t just stats, they’re statements. I love that kind of mentorship because it breeds resilience. Šulskė’s footwork in the paint is improving game by game, and mark my words, she’ll be a force in the coming years.

Another standout is Belgium’s Noémie Mayombo, a point guard with lightning-quick handles and a fearless drive to the basket. She’s only 21, but she plays with the poise of a veteran. I recall one play where she sliced through a double-team and dished a no-look pass for an easy layup—it was pure artistry. Mayombo is averaging 16 points and 7 assists this season, and her ability to control the tempo reminds me of some of the greats I’ve watched over the years. Personally, I think she’s the dark horse for MVP talks if she keeps this up. Rounding out the list is Greece’s Aikaterini Spyridopoulou, a defensive stalwart who’s been racking up blocks and steals like it’s nothing. She had a monster game against Turkey with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks—numbers that don’t lie. Defense wins championships, and players like Spyridopoulou embody that truth. Her timing on swats is almost intuitive, and I’ve found myself rewinding clips of her plays just to appreciate the technique.

Now, you might wonder why I’m so invested in these rising stars. Well, having covered basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen how the sport evolves through its newcomers. They bring fresh energy, unexpected strategies, and that raw hunger that pushes the game forward. This season, the FIBA Europe Cup Women’s league is showcasing exactly that—a blend of skill and spirit that’s captivating to watch. Each of these five players brings something unique: Pöllänen’s all-around game, Contell’s sharpshooting, Šulskė’s interior dominance, Mayombo’s playmaking, and Spyridopoulou’s defensive prowess. Together, they’re not just rising stars; they’re shaping the future of women’s basketball. And if you ask me, that’s something worth celebrating. So keep an eye on them—because sooner or later, they’ll be leading their teams to glory.