Agnes Emma-Nnopu: The hustle behind TCU’s run

• Agnes Emma-Nnopu represented Australia at junior levels, including winning a silver medal at the U19 World Cup and bronze at the U17 World Cup
• She recently signed a three year deal with the WNBL's Sydney Flames
• In her final  season at TCU, she averaged 6.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, helping the Horned Frogs reach the Elite Eight for the first time

Agnes Emma-Nnopu has been a force in Australian basketball for years, but her latest chapter at Texas Christian University (TCU) has cemented her as one of the most exciting prospects in the game.

The Ocean Grove athlete joined me for a chat on The Crumbs podcast where she reflected on her journey, her ambitions, and the unforgettable moments from TCU’s most successful season in their program’s history.

A Journey Across Continents

Emma-Nnopu’s basketball journey has taken her from Nigeria to Australia, then across the Pacific to the United States. After honing her skills at the AIS, she began her college playing career at well-respected Stanford University.

“The AIS really helped me on my journey to college basketball,” she said when asked about how she ended up at Stanford.

“The academic side of things was definitely part of my decision-making process, but Stanford presented me with great on-court opportunities as well.”

Graduating two years later, Emma-Nnopu transferred to TCU, where she became a cornerstone of the Horned Frogs’ program. She spent three years repping the TCU colours, and forming bonds with her teammates that helped shape the great team success they saw in 2025. They’re relationships that will stay with her far beyond her college basketball days.

"Leaving TCU was bittersweet," she admitted on The Crumbs podcast.

"The US became home for those last five years, and I made a lot of connections. But it just gives you another place to fly to."

The Hustle That Defined TCU’s Season

TCU’s historic run to the Elite Eight was fuelled by a team-first mentality, and Emma-Nnopu embodied that spirit. While the headliner was often superstar Hailey Van Lith who made history herself with a season that saw her break the TCU single season points record, it was a team effort that drove on-court results.

Known for her relentless hustle, Emma-Nnopu averaged 10.7 rebounds in her first season at TCU, with a standout ability to secure offensive boards.

"Mark Campbell didn’t sell me a dream," she said of her coach.

"He was straight up about what he was looking for. He had a vision for TCU, and I wanted to be a part of that."

Her impact was undeniable, with teammates and coaches praising her as the backbone of the team.

A Night to Remember at the WNBA Draft

For Agnes Emma-Nnopu, attending the 2025 WNBA Draft was more than just witnessing basketball history — it was a celebration of friendships, hard work, and dreams coming true. Sitting among the crowd, she watched as her childhood friend Georgia Amoore was selected sixth overall by the Washington Mystics, making her the highest-selected Australian player since Liz Cambage.

"It was incredible," Agnes shared.

"Seeing Georgia get drafted, knowing how much work she’s put in since we were kids, was just surreal. I was so proud of her."

But the excitement didn’t stop there. Several of her teammates also heard their names called, marking the next step in their professional careers. Agnes was right there to congratulate them, soaking in the electric atmosphere of the night.

Van Lith was drafted 11^th by Chicago, and TCU teammate Madison Conner was taken by Seattle at pick 29. To add to the excitement, former Stanford Cardinals teammate Kiki Iriafen was drafted as the fourth pick by Washington, just two ahead of fellow Aussie and friend Georgia Amoore.

"The energy in the room was unreal," she said.

"You could feel the anticipation, the nerves, and then the pure joy when names were announced.

"I got to hug my friends, celebrate with them, and just take in the moment. It was something I’ll never forget."

While she wasn’t among the draftees this year, Agnes left the event more motivated than ever. With her sights set on the WNBA, she’s determined to continue working toward her own draft moment in the future.

Representing Australia and Looking Ahead

Emma-Nnopu’s commitment to Australian basketball remains strong. A four-time medalist for Basketball Australia, she has her sights set on the ultimate goal—wearing the green and gold at the Olympics.

"My number one goal with basketball is to put on that green and gold in an Olympic Games," she declared.

With signing to the Sydney Flames in the WNBL, she’s taking the next step toward that dream. The Flames’ roster is stacked with talent, including fellow AIS alum Shaneice Swain, who Emma-Nnopu has trained with previously. She was full of praise when asked about the opportunity to play basketball in Sydney, and suggested the chance to experience a new city outside of Melbourne was part of the decision to sign with the Flames.

"Sydney just seemed like the best fit," she explained.

"I have aspirations for the Olympics and the WNBA, and I feel like this is the best step for me. And, I love to travel, even if it is to other parts of Australia, so I’m excited to spend some time in another part of the country.”

NBL1 Presents Aussie Players with Great Opportunities

Returning from the USA after her stellar final year of college ball with TCU, Emma-Nnopu is already back on the court, this time with NBL1 South club Knox Raiders.

Taking the court in what has become a very competitive league, she is revelling in the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming WNBL season when it kicks off later this year.

“I’m playing alongside some great players, including Kristy Wallace,” Emma-Nnopu said.

“Just listening to her, watching how she goes about her preparation, the chance to work out with her regularly, that’s a great chance for me to learn how to become the best player I can be.”

“I’m a huge supporter of NBL1 and encourage Aussie basketball fans to get behind the league. There’s some great basketball being played in our own backyard, and players are travelling to Australia from allover the world to be part of it. Plus, Aussie talent has found a place to prosper.”

A Future Full of Possibilities

Beyond basketball, Emma-Nnopu has ambitions in medicine, with plans to pursue a career in the field after her playing days. But for now, she’s focused on making an impact on the court, whether in the WNBL or eventually in the WNBA.

"I want to play in the Olympics. I want to play in the WNBA. I want to take basketball as far as I can," she said.

With her relentless work ethic and unwavering determination, there’s little doubt that Agnes Emma-Nnopu will continue to make waves in Australian and international basketball.