UCLA Women's Basketball: 2 Bruins Starred For Team Germany In FIBA U19 World Cup This Summer

Representing on all ends!

The offseason in collegiate sports can sometimes serve just as important as the regular season when it comes to the futures of star athletes. Time away from the team and constant games/practices allows players to rest from the grueling season while also having the opportunity to individually improve their own skillsets and come back next year even better.

Therefore, there are a number of priorities when it comes to the offseason and certain players opt to travel or return home for a while before getting back to work. During the high school days, star basketball players would usually opt to hit the AAU and EYBL scene to continue playing organized basketball that would allow scouts to get a look at them.

With that being said, this continues at the college level and even though EYBL is no longer in play for these athletes, international play is and some of your own UCLA Bruins took full advantage of the opportunity to represent Team Germany in the 2023 FIBA Women's Eurobasket. Lina Sontong and Emily Bessoir both suited up for the country and were able to remain competing over the summer

"The forward duo of rising sophomore Lina Sontag and rising redshirt junior Emily Bessoir culminated their competitions with the German National Team at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Eurobasket in July. The pair contributed to the team’s execution of securing the nation’s first Olympic qualifier performance in history. Shortly thereafter, Sontag participated in the 2023 FIBA U-20 Women’s European Championship."

(Via Daily Bruin)

Bruins head coach Cori Close is happy to see her players not wasting time in the summer and simply said if they want to win during the season, they must work hard now.

“March doesn’t happen in March,” Close said. “March happens right now in your level of commitment in the offseason in your level of being able to do things that other people aren’t willing to.”

(Via Daily Bruin)