Ranking the Best International Stars at the FIBA World Cup
Six teams have advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup, with the United States leading a deep field. Emma Meesseman, Gabby Williams, and Iyana Martin have been standout performers outside the US, combining scoring efficiency with all-around play. Their contributions have been pivotal for Belgium, France, and Spain in group play.
Belgium's unbeaten group stage was powered by a veteran core, with Meesseman and Vanloo combining for over 34 points per game. France also finished 3-0, leaning on Williams' tournament-leading scoring output and Johannes' sharp three-point shooting to pace their group. Spain's Iyana Martin made history as the first under-21 player this century to post consecutive 20-point World Cup games.
Australia faces a significant challenge after Alanna Smith's tournament-ending injury, placing added responsibility on captain Ezi Magbegor. China's Xu Han has delivered strong numbers, though her team must defeat Puerto Rico to reach the quarterfinals. Hungary's Dorka Juhasz has translated her production to the international stage, averaging a double-double despite a difficult WNBA season.
This tournament may reshape perceptions of women's basketball beyond the United States, highlighting that elite international talent can rival WNBA stars on the biggest stage. Younger audiences could find new role models in players like Iyana Martin, potentially expanding the sport's global fanbase and inspiring grassroots participation in underrepresented markets. The performances may also influence WNBA scouting and recruitment, as international players demonstrate their value at the highest level of competition.