Basketball is a global game. The implications of such a phenomenon are increasingly visible in the WNBA, where players like Marine Johannes and former WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman are just two of a number of players to have emerged from outside the U.S. in recent years.
That collection should only grow. The 2024 WNBA Draft offered another glimpse into the international talent pool, with three such prospects — France’s Leila Lacan and Carla Leite and Australia’s Nyadiew Puoch — selected in the first round.
MORE: Australian stars Nyadiew Puoch, Isobel Borlase and Jaz Shelley selected in 2024 WNBA Draft
Given the strength of this year’s draft class, the fountain of youth looks destined to add intrigue to an already-captivating league. Even among their spry counterparts, though, Lacan, Leite and Pouch stand out. The biggest reason why, in addition to their foreign backgrounds, is their age: All three are mere teenagers, being selected at 19 years old.
There’s no guarantee that any of the three will make WNBA rosters straight out of the gate. But if they do, they’ll be the youngest players in the league heading into the 2024 season. The Sporting News takes a look at the next generation of WNBA hoopers.
