Awa Fam: Valencia Basket Star and Future WNBA Pick on Patience, Courage, and Family

Just days before being selected third overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm — matching the draft position once held by Pau Gasol in 2001 — Spanish basketball prospect Awa Fam opened up about her journey, values, and aspirations in a candid conversation featured on Levante-EMV’s InspiraDones program. The 19-year-old Valencia Basket center, born in Santa Pola to Senegalese parents, reflected on the foundational role of her family, the importance of staying grounded, and balancing athletic ambition with personal life ahead of her WNBA debut.

From Valencia Roots to WNBA Prospect

Awa Fam Thiam made her professional debut for Valencia Basket on December 2, 2021, at just 15 years, 5 months, and 15 days aged — becoming the youngest player ever to appear for the club in Liga Femenina Endesa action. Her early impact was immediate; during her third career game, she recorded 11 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists for her first double-double, finishing with a player efficiency rating of 23.

She remained with Valencia through the 2023-24 season before being loaned to Gernika KESB for the 2024-25 campaign. On May 28, 2025, Fam re-signed with Valencia Basket through 2029, demonstrating the club’s long-term commitment to her development. During the 2025-26 season, she appeared in 39 games across EuroLeague and Liga Femenina Endesa competition, averaging 8.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game, with a season-high 17-point performance against Fenerbahçe Opet on October 16, 2025.

International Experience Shaping a Professional Mindset

Fam’s rise has been closely tied to her progression through Spain’s youth national team programs. She represented Spain at the FIBA Under-16 European Championship in 2022 (held in Portugal), where she averaged 13.1 points, and 10.1 rebounds. She also competed in the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in 2023 and the FIBA Under-19 World Cup, gaining valuable experience against elite international competition.

At the senior level, Fam has played for Spain’s national team across three tournaments, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds. Her exposure to both youth and senior international play has provided a well-rounded foundation as she transitions to the WNBA.

The Influence of Family and Personal Philosophy

In her interview with InspiraDones, Fam spoke openly about the central role her parents, Madoumbe Fam and Arame Thiam, have played in her life and career. Emigrating from Guédiawaye, Senegal, to Alicante, Spain, they instilled in her the values that now guide her approach to basketball and life.

“My life motto is to have patience and be brave,” Fam said, a sentiment that encapsulates her mindset as she prepares for the next chapter. She credited her family for teaching her to remain humble despite early success and emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective amid growing attention.

She also discussed the balance between athletic ambition and personal well-being, noting that staying connected to her roots and family helps her manage the pressures of elite competition. Her reflections touched on broader themes in women’s sports, including progress made and challenges that remain for female athletes striving for equity and recognition.

A Historic Draft Moment

On April 13, 2026, the Seattle Storm selected Fam with the third overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She joined fellow lottery picks Azzi Fudd (first overall) and Olivia Miles (second) as part of a highly touted draft class. Fam became just the ninth international player in WNBA history to be selected in the lottery without having played college basketball, continuing a rare but impactful pathway into the league.

Her selection drew comparisons to Pau Gasol, who was also chosen third overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks (though his rights were later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies). While the leagues and eras differ, the parallel highlights the growing global recognition of Spanish basketball talent on the world stage.

Looking Ahead to Seattle

Fam is set to join the Seattle Storm for the 2026 WNBA season, bringing her interior presence, rebounding ability, and developing offensive game to a franchise aiming to build around its young core. The Storm, who hold her WNBA rights following the draft selection, have expressed enthusiasm about her potential impact both on and off the court.

As she prepares to leave Valencia Basket and begin her professional career in the United States, Fam remains focused on the principles that have guided her thus far. Her journey from a teenager making history in Liga Femenina Endesa to a WNBA draft pick underscores the rapid evolution of women’s basketball globalization — and the enduring importance of family, patience, and courage in navigating that path.

For continued updates on Awa Fam’s transition to the WNBA and her progress with the Seattle Storm, follow official team announcements and league coverage throughout the 2026 season.