Team 2012-13: Elizabeth Basket Kirovograd (Ukraine-Higher League)
Career: Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine-UBL, 2008-11), Regina Bar Basket (Ukraine- Higher League, 2011-12), Elizabeth Basket Kirovograd (Ukraine-Higher League, 2012-13)
Despite having never played her club basketball outside of Ukraine, Iagupova is beginning to gain recognition not only at European level as the reigning FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year, but even in the United States too, because of her inspirational performances in a national team vest. It's little wonder she was recently drafted to the WNBA by Los Angeles Sparks and whilst the pick was subsequently voided due to a technicality, it drew this extraordinarily talented player closer the centre of the women's basketball radar. She was simply phenomenal at the U20 European Championship in Debrecen last summer, making the All Tournament Team with an eye-popping 27.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. She led the team in every statistical category and also led the way for the senior team in points and rebounds. With an incredible physical and athletic presence which allows her to rebound brilliantly and explode to the hoop, she can also destroy teams with her three-point shooting and unique style which sees the ball go way into the clouds before usually dropping through the net. The 21-year-old carries much of the hopes of Ukraine on her shoulders but she will thrive on that responsibility.
