A Spanish teen sensation is turning heads, but will she be a lottery pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft? Awa Fam, a 19-year-old basketball prodigy, is making a compelling case that teams should take a chance on her.
Fam's talent is undeniable, and her resume is impressive for someone so young. She signed her first professional contract at just 15 years old with Valencia in Spain's Liga Femenina de Baloncesto. Standing at 6'4", Fam dominates the paint with her size, but her skills go far beyond that. She possesses an array of post moves, exceptional footwork, and the ability to drive to the rim or hit mid-range jumpers. But here's where it gets intriguing: Fam isn't just a one-dimensional player.
Her court vision and passing skills are advanced for a young center, and she has the defensive prowess to match. Fam's versatility makes her a potential game-changer for any team. And this is the part most scouts might miss—her impact goes beyond the stats sheet.
In a recent game against IDK Euskotren, Fam came off the bench but still managed to be a key contributor. She played the second-most minutes, scored 17 points on high efficiency, grabbed 9 rebounds, and even dished out an assist. Valencia won 69-54, and Fam's performance was a significant factor. What makes this even more remarkable is that she is the youngest on the team by a two-year gap.
Fam's next challenge is a true test of her abilities. Valencia will face Fenerbahce, a Turkish powerhouse with a frontcourt rotation of WNBA players Iliana Rupert, Emma Meesseman, and Monique Billings. Meesseman, a former Finals MVP, and Billings are seasoned veterans. If Fam can hold her own against this elite group, it would be a statement performance, potentially solidifying her as a top draft pick.
Should the WNBA teams be prioritizing raw talent over experience? Fam's case sparks an interesting debate. Do you think she deserves a lottery pick? Share your thoughts in the comments!
