The 2025 FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup tips off in Brno, Czechia, from 12-20 July, and the Australian Gems are primed to make a strong statement on the global stage.
Led by Head Coach Renae Garlepp, with assistants Jo Wood and Jack Fleming, the Gems are carrying momentum from their back-to-back FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup championships in 2022 and 2024.
This roster blends returning Asia Cup champions with emerging talents, aiming to balance experience and fresh energy.
“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.
Australia's Top Prospects to Watch according to FIBA.
Monique Bobongie – Guard
Ranked 10th in FIBA’s Top 20 Prospects, Bobongie brings WNBL experience from her time with the Canberra Capitals.
As a key contributor to Australia's U18 championship team, she offers leadership and all-around guard skills, impacting both ends of the floor.
Bonnie Deas – Guard
Tied at 17th in FIBA’s Top Prospects list, Deas impressed at the U18 level, leading in steals and ranking top five in efficiency.
She showcased her talents at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp and gained experience with the Sydney Flames in the WNBL.
Committed to the University of Arkansas, Deas is poised to make a significant impact in Brno.
Tournament Format
The 16 participating teams are divided into four groups of four. Each team plays the others in its group once during the Group Phase.
All teams then advance to the Round of 16, where they face cross-group opponents (e.g., Group A teams face Group B teams). Winners proceed to the quarterfinals, while losers enter classification matches.
Australia is placed in Group C, alongside:
- France (European U18 champions)
- Mali (African U18 champions)
- Brazil (South American powerhouse)
Australia's Group C | Schedule | |||
July 12 | 7:15pm AEST | v MALI | Watch Here |
July 13 | 10:00pm AEST | v BRAZIL | Watch Here |
July 15 | 4:15am AEST | v FRANCE | Watch Here |
All games will be held at the Starez Arena Vodova Hall 2 in Brno and broadcast for free on the FIBA YouTube channel.
📌 Please note: From the Semi-Finals (July 19) through to the Third Place Game and the Final (both on July 20), geo-restrictions may apply depending on your location.
Historical Context & Expectations
The Gems have a rich history in the U19 Women's World Cup, with a gold medal in 1993 and silver medals in 1997, 2019, and 2021. After a ninth-place finish in the previous edition, the team is eager to return to the podium.