Perkins and Fagan chase FIBA World Cup glory

• Gems head coach Renae Garleep's under-19 Australian women's team is stacked with talent
• Highly sought after NCAAW prospect Sitaya Fagan is joined by NSW guard Ruby Perkins
• The Under-19 Women's FIBA World Cup is in Czechia in July, 2025

UC Berkeley-commit Ruby Perkins and prized US NCAA women's recruit Sitaya Fagan are in pursuit for Under-19 women's FIBA World Cup glory as part of the 12-player Australian Gems team revealed today (May 19, 2025).

The World Cup is in Czechia between July 12 and 20, 2025.

The younger sister of WNBA draftee Nyadiew Puoch, Manuela, also has the opportunity to make her mark against the best under-19 women's basketballers in the world.

The team will be led by head coach Renae Garlepp with Jo Wood and Jack Fleming assisting.

Despite finishing of 9th in 2023, the Gems have a strong history in the tournament, winning it in 1993 with Opals legend Michelle Brogan leading the tournament in scoring. The Gems have won silver in 2019 and 2021.

Gun NSW guard Jessie May-Hall, surprisingly, didn't make the cut.

Australia’s campaign starts in the Group Phase with fixtures against Mali (12 July), Brazil (13 July) & France (16 July).

Australian U19 Gems Team

• Monique Bobongie (QLD)
• Emilija Dakic (VIC)
• Bonnie Deas (VIC)
• Sitaya Fagan (VIC)
• Sienna Harvey (VIC)
• Callie Hinder (NSW/USA)
• Prasayus Notoa (QLD)
• Ruby Perkins (NSW)
• Manuela Puoch (VIC)
• Zara Russell (ACT)
• Madison Ryan (VIC)
• Monique Williams (WA)

Emus Coaching Staff:

• Head Coach: Renae Garlepp
• Assistant Coach: Jo Wood
• Assistant Coach: Jack Fleming