British basketball star Temi Fagbenle has opened up about her eventful 2024 WNBA season alongside Caitlin Clark, acknowledging the “outside drama” that surrounded the Indiana Fever locker room. Now captaining Team Great Britain at EuroBasket 2025, Fagbenle is embracing her leadership role while reflecting on the challenges and growth from her time in the U.S.
“There was a lot of outside drama,” Fagbenle admitted in a recent interview. “But Caitlin handled it with grace.”
🏀 From WNBA Spotlight to EuroBasket Leadership
Fagbenle, who played for the Indiana Fever during Clark’s high-profile rookie season, is now anchoring a British squad filled with semi-pro and amateur players. Despite a tough opening loss to Spain (85–70), she remains optimistic:
“Anyone can be beaten. It’s about toughness and grit.”
🌍 A Global Basketball Journey
- Background: London-born, Harvard-educated, and a WNBA veteran
- Current Team: Golden State Valkyries (WNBA expansion team)
- EuroBasket Role: Team GB captain and starting center
Fagbenle’s experience across the WNBA and European leagues gives her a unique perspective on the game’s evolving dynamics. She noted the differences in rules and playing styles, saying,
“In Europe, I can stay in the paint longer,” with a laugh.
💬 Embracing the Sixth Woman Role
Now 32, Fagbenle joins the Valkyries as a key bench player, embracing the challenge:
“People think we’ll lose a lot. They don’t understand. We’re ready.”
Once shy and reserved, Fagbenle has grown into a vocal leader both on and off the court, using her platform to inspire the next generation of British basketball talent.
Stay tuned for more updates from EuroBasket 2025.
