Gems Down Under: A look into our rising women's stars

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In a world where visibility often dictates opportunity, Australia’s rising women basketball stars are defying the odds.

Despite limited domestic media coverage and fewer pathways compared to their American counterparts, these athletes are making waves in the WNBA and on the international stage — rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a basketball powerhouse from Down Under.

A Legacy of Grit and Greatness

Australia’s relationship with the WNBA is steeped in grit, hustle, and perseverance — traits that legends like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird have long admired in their Aussie teammates.

From the dominance of three-time MVP and two-time champion Lauren Jackson to the pivotal contributions of Penny Taylor, and the defensive prowess of three-time WNBA All-Defensive Team member Ezi Magbegor during Phoenix and Seattle's championship runs. Australian players have consistently showcased their elite talent on the biggest stage.

Add to that this year's Co-Defensive Player of the Year and All-WNBA Defensive First Team member Alanna Smith.

What makes their journey even more remarkable is the path they’ve taken. Unlike many US athletes who rise through the NCAA system, these trailblazers often leap straight from high school or the WNBL into the WNBA draft, bypassing the exposure and development opportunities which come with college basketball.

Yet, they’ve not only survived — they’ve thrived.

New Pathways, New Dreams

Thanks to initiatives like Basketball Without Borders, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational and increased success in international tournaments, young Australian basketball talent is finally receiving the global recognition it deserves.

These programs have become vital stepping stones, helping athletes build relationships with scouts and showcase their skills on elite platforms before committing to US college programs.

The result? A surge of promising prospects who are not only attracting attention from top NCAA programs but also reshaping the narrative around Australian women's basketball. From dominating at FIBA youth tournaments to breaking recruitment records and earning WNBA draft selections, this new wave of talent is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport — both at home and abroad.

Australian College Prospects 

Lara Somfai – Stanford Cardinal Commit

Height: 6'4" | Position: Forward | High School: IMG Academy (FL)

Rankings: ESPN HoopGurlz #12 overall, McDonald's All-American, Nike Hoop Summit Team World

International Impact:

2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup: All-Star Five, 17.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG

2024 FIBA U17 World Cup: 14.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG; 23-point game vs Croatia

• Coach Kate Paye (Stanford): “She’s super, super competitive. I know every single day in practice, Lara’s going to be challenged — and that’s exactly what she wanted.”

Somfai’s rare blend of perimeter shooting and post dominance makes her a two-way threat. Her commitment to Stanford is a major win for Australian basketball visibility and development.

Sitaya Fagan – Most Heavily Recruited Aussie Ever

Age: 17 | Height: 6'4" | Position: Wing

Offers: 26 NCAA Division I, including South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, LSU

College Commitment: Fagan committed to USC on October 10

2025 FIBA U19 World Cup: 12.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG

2025 NBL1: 21.2 PPG , 10.5 RBS, 1.8 BLK, 2.4 STL

• Sam Tomlinson (Basketball USA Director): “Sitaya is a generational talent. In Australian women’s basketball, the next name after Lauren Jackson and Ezi Magbegor is Sitaya Fagan.”

• Fagan’s recruitment record is unprecedented. Her defensive mindset and rapidly developing offensive arsenal make her a future cornerstone for any NCAA program.

Zara Russell – Rising Star with WNBL & NCAA Interest

Age: 18 | Height: 6'1" | Position: Forward

College Offers: Cal, Louisville, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M, Utah, Wake Forest.

College Commitment: Russell committed to Cal University on October 10

2025 FIBA U19 World Cup: 7.2 PPG, 53.1% FG, 60% from three; 14 points vs Canada

2025 NBL1 Season: 17.0 PPG, 5.05 RPG, 1.41 SPG

WNBL Career: Signed with Canberra Capitals, captained CoE to NBL1 East Grand Final

• David Herbert (Centre of Excellence Coach): “She competes every second she’s on the court. Her willingness to listen, work, and develop her game is exactly what we look for.” 

Russell’s clutch performances and versatility have made her a top target for Power Four programs. Her defensive grit and offensive efficiency necessitated serious NCAA attention.

Australian WNBA Talents

Georgia Amoore – WNBA #6 Pick, Virginia Tech Legend

Age: 24 | Height: 5’6” | Position: Point Guard 

College Career: Virginia Tech: All-time leader in assists (656), third in scoring (1,853 pts)

Kentucky (2024–25): 19.6 PPG, 6.9 APG

WNBA Draft: Selected 6th overall by Washington Mystics

Coach Kenny Brooks (Kentucky): “She’s the best point guard in the country. She makes everyone around her better.”

Coach Vic Schaefer (Texas): “She’ll make you not sleep for three nights before you play her.”

Coach Kim Mulkey (LSU): “She’s a tremendous point guard who makes everybody else better. She’s fun to watch — if you’re not competing against her.” 

Amoore’s leadership, scoring, and playmaking – despite her size – have made her a blueprint for future Aussie guards. She is an interesting prospect for starting point guard on an upcoming Opals squad. Georgia is someone to monitor prior to the 2026 Women’s World Cup. 

Nyadiew Puoch – WNBA #12 Pick (Atlanta Dream), UC Capitals Forward

Age: 21 | Height: 6’3” | Position: Forward 

WNBA Draft: Selected 12th overall by Atlanta Dream

2025 NBL1: 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG in NBL1 South

2025 WNBL: 13.19 PPF, 5.14 RPG, 1.24 SPG for the Capitals 

WNBA Analyst (Her Hoop Stats): “Her wingspan and athleticism give her elite defensive upside. She’s already creating her own shot and improving her jumper.”

Pouch on Training: “Playing with Lauren Jackson and Leilani Mitchell has helped me on and off the court. Training with them every day has really helped.”

Pouch's raw talent and versatility make her a high-upside draft-and-stash prospect. She’s expected to develop into a key future contributor for Atlanta – especially alongside their dominant bigs in Brittany Griner, and Brionna Jones. 

Depending on her performance in this upcoming WNBL season – and potentially the 2026 WNBA season – Puoch could also have a case for a spot on the Opals squad. 

Jade Melbourne – One Of The Youngest WNBA Player, UC Capitals Leader

Age: 23 | Height: 5’10” | Position: Point Guard 

WNBA Draft: Picked 33rd overall by Seattle Storm (2022), now with Washington Mystics

WNBL Stats: 15.67 PPG, 6.76 APG, 5.76 RPG, 1.96 STLS; triple-double at age 20

WNBA Stats (2025): 5.9 PPG, 2.9 APG in 23.4 MPG

Coach Noelle Quinn (Seattle Storm): “She’s an exciting young talent with unlimited potential. Excellent passer and shot creator with defensive tenacity.”

Melbourne’s growth as a playmaker and leader makes her a role model for young Australian guards. A complimentary guard coming off the bench for the Mystics – her WNBA journey is just beginning.

The Road Ahead

While domestic coverage of women’s basketball in Australia still lags behind, the impact of these athletes is impossible to ignore.

They are not only representing their country on the biggest stages — from the WNBA, WNBL, to the biggest International Tournaments — but also inspiring the next generation of players to dream bigger.

The gems from Down Under are no longer hidden. They’re shining bright, and the world is finally starting to take notice.

This article was written by Ella Hewson.