Gems will be 'fun and gritty' and get 'hands dirty'

• 'Hunger Games': How coach Renae Garlepp chose her Gems
• Hidden Australian Gem Callie Hinder is ready to be X-Factor
• Australian teen big US colleges are fighting over

Australian Gems head coach Renae Garlepp, has declared her under-19 women's FIBA World Cup team would carry on that famous Aussie tradition of being hard-nosed and relentless.

“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 told basketball.com.au.

“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.”

This Gems squad highlights the different pathways available for star juniors these days and Garlepp spoke about the opportunities out there, whether that be in the USA college system or the WNBL in Australia.

“There's just so many opportunities now and so many different pathways to the top,” she said.

“I think you'll find now that for every single player, not everyone will have the same journey, and that's okay.

“It's going to be really interesting to follow which way people go; if it's the WNBL or college or whichever way it looks, there's no right or wrong.”

The Australian Gems are set to take on the world at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in Czechia, which tips off this weekend.

Drawn in what many would call a Group of Death, the Gems — who are Asian U18 Champions — will face African U18 champions Mali and European U18 champions France, as well as Brazil, in Group phase games.

The Gems head to the World Cup with a strong squad of rising stars, many of whom have committed to major college programs in the States or WNBL teams here in Australia.

The level of talent coming through the ranks is going to be on full display in Czechia and Australian basketball fans should be excited for what’s ahead.

Monique Bobongie, Bonnie Deas and Manuela Puoch all have WNBL experience. Bobongie and Deas both revelled in large roles for Canberra and Sydney last season and will be key cogs for the Gems.

Deas has committed to the University of Arkansas for this coming college season. While Prasayus Notoa didn’t play in the WNBL, she spent pre-season with Townsville and continued to train with the team throughout the season.

Sitaya Fagan (class of 2026) is perhaps the most exciting prospect we’ve seen in a number of years, and she is being chased by just about every major college program in the USA. She’s a defensive menace, with athleticism that creates havoc, while she possesses a myriad of moves that make her a deadly threat on offense too.

Ruby Perkins (class of 2026) has committed to the University of California, Berkeley after receiving offers from across the States, and her speed makes her a must-watch point guard. Emilija Dakic (University of Florida), Sienna Harvey (University of Washington) and Monique Williams (Vanderbilt University) will all be heading off to college later this year.

Callie Hinder and Zara Russell (both class of 2026) are both uncommitted, having received offers from college programs throughout the USA. Meanwhile, Madi Ryan might be just 16 years old, but she proved herself at the U17 World Cup last year and has limitless potential.

WHEN THE AUSTRALIAN GEMS PLAY

Australia will play Mali in the opening game of the tournament, tipping off on July 12 at 7:15pm (AEST). With a quick turnaround, they face Brazil on July 13 at 10pm (AEST), before perhaps the game of group phase play when they battle France on July 16 at 4:15am (AEST).

All games are live streamed on the FIBA YouTube Channel. The replays will be available here at basketball.com.au

USA enters the tournament as the #1 ranked country, and will clearly be the team to beat, boasting superstar incoming college freshmen Sienna Betts (UCLA) and Jazzy Davidson (USC), while Jerzy Robinson was MVP of the 2024 U17 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Spain, Canada, France and Australia round out the top five ranked teams.

THE COACH’S BREAKDOWN

Garlepp knows the squad better than anyone, and she gave an inside look at each player, highlighting what fans can look forward to seeing from each.

• ‍Monique Bobongie: An instinctive and naturally talented player, who can impact the game in so many ways. She also brings a sense of calm and intelligence.
• Emilija Dakic: Brings relentless effort on the defensive end and is the kind of teammate every team needs. She's reliable in tough matchups and brings great energy to the group.
• Bonnie Deas: Tough as nails. She competes on both ends of the floor, puts her body on the line, and has a versatile skill set that adds real value to the team.
• Sitaya Fagan: A high-level athlete who can affect the game at both ends. She’s a rim threat, changes shots defensively, and has serious upside within our system.
• Sienna Harvey: An X-factor. She plays with flair, has made strong defensive strides, and we’re keen to see her dynamic style in our system.
• Callie Hinder: She’s new to the Australian scene but already making an impression. Legit 6’6”, blocks shots without fouling, finishes well, and gives us a strong interior presence.
• Prasayus Notoa: Has a high basketball IQ and sees the game exceptionally well. She lifts everyone around her with her decision-making and composure.
• Ruby Perkins: Brings a competitive edge and drives her team forward at both ends. She’s a versatile scorer, who finds ways to impact the scoreboard and spark momentum.
• Manuela Puoch: Strong, physical, and selfless. She anchors the group with her screening, rebounding, and voice - always making those around her better.
• Zara Russell: Great athlete and an instinctive cutter. She fills gaps, crashes the offensive boards hard, and finds ways to create extra possessions.
• Madison Ryan: The youngest in the group but already showing poise beyond her years. Versatile across multiple positions, reads the game well, and can score from anywhere.
• Monique Williams: Has a strong frame and great feel for the game. She gives us a solid interior presence with her IQ and ability to finish plays.