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In a move underscoring their ambitions, Project B’s leadership has made a bold declaration about her potential, viewing her as a cornerstone for the league’s future.

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According to the latest updates, potential No. 1 draft pick Fam is officially heading to the global basketball league, becoming the latest addition to a growing list of elite names joining the new five-on-five tournament. And in doing so, she’s stepping into a league that already sees the “next global superstar” in her.

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“She has the potential to be the next global superstar,” Project B co-founder Alana Beard said in an interview with FOS. “A lot of people don’t know her because she is in Spain. But I can tell you just from my impressions of her, she’s going to surprise a lot of people.”

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Project B’s rollout has largely been built around established WNBA stars like Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, and Kelsey Mitchell. So when a 19-year-old who hasn’t even made her WNBA debut yet gets pulled into that mix, it says everything you need to know about how this league views her.

But even for Awa Fam, this decision was straightforward.

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“I’m really excited. Any time you get the chance to be part of something new and competitive, it’s special,” she said in an email sent to The Associated Press. “Project B feels like a place where the game is continuing to grow, and I’m grateful to be part of that from the beginning.”

However, for her, what stood out wasn’t just the competition, but the vision behind this league.

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“It’s about high-level basketball, but also about investing in players and pushing the women’s game forward. That combination made it an easy decision for me.”

With Project B set to operate across multiple continents, with tour-style stops in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, they are bringing together both established stars and emerging international talent. As a cherry on top, there have been reports of multi-million dollar salaries being offered to the top players.

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So it is clear that they are positioning themselves as more than just another offseason option. They are trying to become a global hub, and one step towards doing that is signing Awa Fam.

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Why Awa Fam Is Worth the Hype

All the buzz around Fam didn’t start overnight.

Even before she started making the headlines, the 19YO Spanish prospect was already playing for Valencia Basket (one of Europe’s top programs) well before most players her age even step into college basketball. That experience in her resume alone sets her apart. But that’s not it!

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Standing at 6-foot-5, Fam brings a rare combination of size, mobility, and skill that immediately jumps out. She’s not your traditional big. She can switch defensively, handle the ball in space, and make reads that most players at her position simply don’t see.

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In many ways, she brings a Victor Wembanyama-like profile to the women’s game. A tall player who doesn’t just live in the paint, but moves fluidly, handles in space, and can stretch the floor instead of being limited to traditional post play.

And while her numbers in Europe might not always jump off the page as she averaged 7.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, the hype is not just about what she is right now; it’s about what she can become.

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That’s one of the biggest reasons why she’s widely projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft.

In a league where elite frontcourt can define a franchise, her profile is hard to pass up. And even though the transition from Europe to the WNBA comes with its own challenges, Awa Fam isn’t shying away from what lies ahead.

“It’s all about preparation and taking care of my body,” she said. “I’ve been playing year-round for a while now, so I understand what it takes physically and mentally. I’ll lean on my team, stay disciplined with recovery, and make sure I’m ready wherever I’m playing.”

With the WNBA Draft set for April 13 and the Dallas Wings holding the No. 1 pick, many analysts believe she could be the franchise’s choice to go first overall.

With the spotlight growing and opportunities lining up on multiple fronts, it’s hard not to see Awa Fam as the next name set to take the women’s game global.

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Written by

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Ojus Verma

664 Articles

Ojus Verma is a College Basketball and WNBA author at EssentiallySports. As head of the Analysis Desk and a former player with 13 years of experience, he specializes in decoding tactics, player development, and the evolution of rivalries shaping the game. Ojus’ coverage of the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese saga, dating back to their college days, has earned recognition for its balance of insight and context.

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Aatreyi Sarkar

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