Gems team confirmed for FIBA U19 Women's World Cup

Basketball Australia are announcing a 12-player Gems team that will compete at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in Czechia from 12 – 20 July 2025.

The team will be led by Head Coach Renae Garlepp with Jo Wood & Jack Fleming in support. Australia’s campaign starts in the Group Phase with fixtures against Mali (12 July), Brazil (13 July) & France (16 July).

“The biggest focus has been preparing for what we’ll face, physicality, pressure, and relentless competition,” said Garlepp.

“We’ve built that into every session and used it to guide selection. We looked for players who can handle the pressure, make smart decisions under pressure, and compete every possession.”

A core of the Asia Cup championship team in 2024 has been retained, but there's a focus on finding the right balance.

“That core group has definitely helped with the transition, however a lot changes in a year. The younger players came into camp and really performed. The exciting thing was how much they pushed the rest, which brought the best out of everyone. In the end, we backed the group that gave us the strongest mix of experience, hunger, and World Cup readiness,” added Garlepp.

“Everyone has a role to play and brings something unique to the group. We’re clear on the level we’re stepping into and there’s no room to ease in. We need to arrive with purpose, compete with confidence, and stay connected under pressure,” said Garlepp.