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.
MORE: Grades for each pick in Round 1 of the 2024 WNBA Draft
Youngest WNBA players in 2024
If Lacan, Leite and Puoch make the opening-day rosters for their teams — an uncertain proposition — the trio would slot into the WNBA as the league's youngest players.
Fellow international selections from this year's draft could join them: Isobel Borlase of Australia was picked in the second round, and Nastja Claessens of Belgium and Matilde Villa of Italy were picked in the third.
All six of these players turn 20 in this calendar year — the youngest, Villa, will not turn 20 until Dec. 9. WNBA Draft eligibility rules state that international players must turn 20 years old during the calendar year of their selection to be eligible for the WNBA Draft.
Any of these players would displace fellow foreign talents Jade Melbourne (Australia), 21, and Sika Kone (Mali), 21, as the youngest players in the league.
WNBA international draft rules
Players who were born and reside out of the United States and have not played in the American collegiate system are required to turn 20 during the calendar year which the draft is held to be considered eligible for the WNBA draft.
In contrast, NCAA players must turn 22 in the same year as the draft in order to be eligible.
From Her Hoop Stats:
Players deemed to be international have a different set of rules determining eligibility for the draft. In order to qualify as an international player, they must have been born and reside outside of the United States. They may play professional or amateur basketball prior to being drafted, but they cannot play collegiately in the United States.
If the player meets those requirements, they will automatically become eligible for the draft in the calendar year that they turn 20 years old. However, if an international player chooses to play collegiately in the United States, they then have to follow the “domestic” draft eligibility rules.
Those two extra years can pay off handsomely for franchises if the players are ready. Take the Storm, who enjoyed years of success with Australia's Lauren Jackson leading the way. Seattle selected the Hall of Famer with the first overall pick in the 2001 draft. She was just 19 years old at the time.
MORE: Complete list of 2024 WNBA Draft picks
What is 'draft-and-stash'?
WNBA teams don't have to roster their international draft picks right away. They can maintain the rights to the picks but to let them continue to play in their domestic leagues (e.g., an Australian player playing in Australia's WNBL) for a few years.
There's a host of reasons why a franchise would choose to leave their international prospects abroad. There are precious few roster spots available in the WNBA, just 12 per team. Maintaining the rights to a highly-touted player without having to sacrifice a roster spot out the gate could be a sensible choice, especially if that player gets more playing time overseas.
Borlase, Claessens, Lacan, Leite, Puoch and Villa are far from finished products at this stage in their careers. And despite their glimmering potential, don't be surprised if you don't see them on WNBA rosters for a year or two.
