The inaugural FIBA Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) tips off on Monday, December 11, in Egypt, attracting 10 elite clubs across the continent. Rwandan representatives, REG Women, will, on their maiden appearance, be rubbing shoulders with the best of Africanbasketball powerhouses. ALSO READ: REG coach eyes podium finish at Africa Women's Basketball League Times Sport presents four top players to watch at the nine-day basketball showpiece. Tiffany Mitchell (REG) The American star, who plies her trade at WNBA side Minnesota Lynx, adds depth and skillset to Esperance Mukaneza’s group. She joins the Zone 5 silver medallists alongside American WNBA counterpart Nia Clouden who features for the Los Angeles Sparks. ALSO READ: WNBA star Tiffany Mitchell joins REG Women REG broke the bank to secure the services of Mitchell, hoping to see her bring her WNBA experience to the club ahead of debut appearance in the African club competition. Hagar Amer (Alexandria Sporting Club) The 1.86m Egypt international was named MVP of the 2022 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women in Mozambique, having guided Alexandria to a historic 65-58 win over Costa do Sol in the Final. Throughout Alexandria SC's six games of the campaign, the center averaged 15.3 points, 8.2 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game. She will be crucial again for the hosts as they look to retain the title in their backyard. Italee Lucas (InterClube de Angola) The 34-year-old Angolan-American guard is a two-time MVP of the Africa Champions Cup for Women which has rebranded to AWBL. The former WNBA star is expected to lead Angolan champions InterClube in their charge for the title. During the 2022 edition, Italee was instrumental as her side reached the semifinals although couldn't manage a podium finish. Victoria Reynolds (KPA) The American-born Kenyan was part of Kenya Ports Authority's team that dominated the Zone 5 qualifiers to finish top and book a place in the inaugural AWBL. Reynolds was named the tournament's MVP and was joined in the Team of the Tournament list by teammate Madina Okot, Kamba Diakite who played for Galdiators, Betty Kalanga from REG and Odille Tetero of APR. The Kenyan side, chasing a maiden podium on the international stage, will rely on the utility player to push their agenda against some of the best players in the continent.
