Potential No. 1 draft pick Awa Fam has signed on to also play in Project B 鈥� the new five-on-five basketball competition.
The young Spanish star was thrilled to be part of the fledgling organization that will play all over Europe, Asia and South America from November-April in mini 10-day stops.
鈥淚鈥檓 really excited. Any time you get the chance to be part of something new and competitive, it鈥檚 special,鈥� Fam wrote in an email to The Associated Press. 鈥淧roject B feels like a place where the game is continuing to grow, and I鈥檓 grateful to be part of that from the beginning. What stood out to me was the vision. It鈥檚 about high-level basketball, but also about investing in players and pushing the women鈥檚 game forward. That combination made it an easy decision for me.”
One of the stops on Project B’s tour will be in Valencia, Spain from March 12-22, 2027 where Fam is playing currently on a Spanish League team.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a different kind of energy when you鈥檙e building something from the ground up,鈥� Fam wrote. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to know we鈥檙e helping shape what this league can become for future players.鈥�
Fam will definitely be a lottery pick in the WNBA draft on April 13 and is thrilled to play against the best players in the world.
鈥淚鈥檓 very excited. It鈥檚 something I鈥檝e worked toward for a long time. Finishing the season strong with Valencia is a priority of mine right now as we are in season,鈥� Fam wrote. 鈥淚鈥檓 staying focused on the present, while continuing to work hard and improve my game every day. I鈥檓 ready for the next step and excited for what鈥檚 to come.鈥�
By committing to Project B and the WNBA, the 19-year-old center won’t have much of a break from basketball over the next 12 months. She isn’t too concerned.
鈥淚t鈥檚 all about preparation and taking care of my body,鈥� she wrote. 鈥淚鈥檝e been playing year-round for a while now, so I understand what it takes physically and mentally. I鈥檒l lean on my team, stay disciplined with recovery, and make sure I鈥檓 ready wherever I鈥檓 playing.鈥�
So far about a dozen players have said they’ll be playing in Project B, headlined by , , Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Mitchell.
Many young players from around the world are expected to play in the league as well.
鈥淲e believe there鈥檚 a global pool of talent that鈥檚 still largely untapped, and our focus is investing in that next generation by putting development at the center of everything we鈥檙e building. Awa is a perfect example of that,鈥� Project B chief basketball officer Alana Beard told the AP. 鈥淗er work ethic, her commitment to growth, and the trust she placed early in her journey with Valencia all speak to who she is as both a player and a person.鈥�
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