Ezi shines as Praha claims EuroLeague crown

Praha have captured their second EuroLeague Women championship, defeating CIMSA CBK Mersin 66-53 in the final of the inaugural Final Six tournament in Zaragoza, Spain.

Australian centre Ezi Magbegor played a pivotal role in the Czech side's championship run, earning a well-deserved spot in the EuroLeague Women Final Six All-Star Five for her outstanding contributions throughout the tournament.

All-Star Recognition

Following the tournament, Magbegor was rightfully named to the EuroLeague Women Final Six All-Star Five, joining an elite group of performers who excelled on basketball's European stage.

The All-Star Five featured three players from the champion Praha side: Magbegor, MVP Brionna Jones, and Valeriane Ayayi. They were joined by Natasha Howard from runners-up CBK Mersin and Gabby Williams from Fenerbahce Opet, who secured third place with a 59-49 victory over Valencia Basket Club.

Magbegor's Semi-Final Masterclass

The Australian Opals star saved her most impactful performance for when it mattered most. In the semi-final clash against the heavily favoured Fenerbahce Opet, Magbegor delivered a performance that will long be remembered in EuroLeague Women folklore.

The 24-year-old exploded for a massive double-double, posting 16 points and an incredible 16 rebounds. Her dominance on both ends of the court was the pivotal factor in Praha's upset victory over the back-to-back champions, demonstrating why she's considered one of the world's premier centres.

Throughout the competition, Magbegor showcased her all-around brilliance, averaging 11.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, along with an impressive efficiency rating of 20.3. Her ability to control the glass while contributing offensively established her as an indispensable piece in Praha's championship puzzle.

On To The WNBA

Magbegor's next step will be to join her Seattle Storm teammates in the WNBA, with the fifth-year WNBA veteran kicking off her pre-season on May 6th against Connecticut.

A Decade in the Making

Ten years after claiming their first title, ZVVZ USK Praha once again hoisted the coveted EuroLeague Women trophy, delivering a fairy-tale ending to legendary coach Natalia Hejkova's illustrious career. For Hejkova, who also guided the team to their 2015 triumph, this championship marks her sixth EuroLeague Women title – a fitting conclusion to her remarkable journey in basketball.

The path to glory wasn't easy for the Prague club. They first defeated Beretta Famila Schio in the quarter-finals before pulling off a significant upset by eliminating two-time defending champions Fenerbahce Opet in the semi-finals – a match where Magbegor's contributions proved decisive.