Gems Preview for the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup
The FIBA Women’s U19 World Cup will kick off this weekend, with the Australian Gems looking to cement their place on the international stage in the Czech Republic from July 12-20th.
After a disappointing ninth-placed finish in 2023, a revamped squad featuring the future of women’s basketball will take on the world’s best in Europe.
The Southside Flyers’ Manny Puoch and the UC Capitals’ Monqiue Bobongie, alongside former Sydney Flames guard Bonnie Deas, will add some much-needed experience in high-pressure games.
View this post on Instagram
With Sitaya Feagin and Ruby Perkins rounding out the team, the Gems squad will head into the tournament as a clear finalist contender – ranking fifth in the FIBA (Girls) World Rankings.
The first hurdle will come early with Australia set to play in Pool C, also known as the “Group of Death”. The team will be up against FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket Championships in France, Brazil and Mali
With the Group considered one of the hardest to play in, the Gems will need to bring their A game in order to reach the podium.
Speaking with Basketball.com.au, Sydney Flames assistant coach and Gems Head Coach Renae Garlepp believes Australian values will get them over the line.
“I think we’re going to be gritty and hardworking, and then offensively we want to play to the strengths of the players we’ve got,” Garlepp said.
“We’ll be free-flowing and try to play off the natural instincts of the incredible talent that we have. We’re going to be fun and gritty, and we want to get our hands dirty and be super physical.”
With a similar core to the team that went undefeated in the U18 Women’s Asia Cup in 2024, this year’s U19 World Cup is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Every game will be live-streamed on the FIBA YouTube Channel.
See the full fixture for Australia in Pool C below:
Australia vs Mali, July 12 at 7:15pm (AEST)*
Australia vs Brazil, July 13 at 10pm (AEST)
Australia vs France, July 16 at 4:15am (AEST)
Group of 16
Australia vs Argentina, July 17 at 4:15am (AEST)
*FIBA statement on the non-participation of Mali
See the full Gems squad below:
Monique Bobongie (UC Capitals)
Emilija Dakic
Bonnie Deas
Sitaya Fagan
Sienna Harvey
Callie Hinder
Prasayus Notoa
Ruby Perkins
Manuela Puoch (Southside Flyers)
Zara Russell
Madison Ryan
Monique Williams