One Golden State Valkyries center is ready to defy Great Britain’s underdog status.

Temi Fagbenle is thriving at the WNBA’s fresh expansion franchise – the Golden State Valkyries.

After plying her trade for the Minnesota Lynx during the first three years of her career, the 32-year-old took her talents around Europe, claiming several team and individual accolades in the process – including the 2024 Women’s British Basketball League Trophy and Most Valuable Player.

The reward for Fagbenle’s incredible heroics would be a move back to America to team up with the hottest property in the WNBA, the remarkable Caitlin Clark.

Yet again, the USC graduate was underappreciated and undervalued, averaging around 18 minutes on the court while recording 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds over 22 games, of which Fagbenle started only two.

Nevertheless, an expansion franchise commencing their journey in the beautiful San Francisco would provide a fresh start for the former London Lions player.

Since arriving at Golden State, Fagbenle has been trusted to start all ten games that she has featured in under the tutelage of head coach, Natalie Nakase – the first ever Asian-American to coach a game in the WNBA.

The star has repaid all faith entrusted in her with some magnificent performances so far this campaign – registering 10.3 points while shooting 54.3% from the floor, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, all of which are career highs in the WNBA.

Ready for a starring role in EuroBasket

When playing for Great Britain, Temi Fagbenle has oozed class and demonstrated that she can be an offensive powerhouse if that is what her teammates require.

During the EuroBasket qualifiers, the six-foot-four center has averaged 16.4 points with a field goal percentage of 57.1%, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.4 steals per game, exhibiting her intimidating stature in the paint throughout each matchup.

However, Fagbenle’s most impressive showing on both sides of the ball came against Estonia on November 12 – exploding for 32 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.

It is clear that if Great Britain wants to advance in an extremely competitive EuroBasket, head coach Anna Montañana must prioritise an efficient game plan that will allow Fagbenle to dominate inside.

Nevertheless, tests do not come much more difficult than Great Britain’s first fixture on June 19 – a resilient, and youthful Spanish national team.

If Fagbenle and her talented teammates can pick up a statement victory against the Spanish in their opening game of the tournament, then momentum could propel the side into exciting territory.