MEXICO CITY – Freshman Sira Thienou from Oxford is set to make her mark on the international stage, representing her home country of Mali at the Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico City from August 19-25. The Bamako native has been honing her skills throughout the summer, and now she’s ready to help her national team in their quest to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Thienou is no stranger to international competition. She made a significant impact at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she averaged an impressive 15.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over seven games, leading Mali to a strong fifth-place finish. Her international resume also includes appearances at the 2022 FIBA U18 African Women’s Championship and the 2019 FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship, showcasing her talent on various stages.
Before her college career, Thienou played her final two years of high school in the United States, attending Shining Stars Sports Academy in Petersburg, Va. There, she earned the title of NISSA Conference Player of the Year in 2024 and gained recognition as a four-star recruit by Prospects Nation. Her development continued with her participation in the prestigious NBA Academy Women’s Program, further refining her game.
Mali is aiming to make its second consecutive FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup appearance, having returned to the tournament in 2022 after a 12-year hiatus. Thienou will play a crucial role as Mali competes in the three-game group phase, with hopes of advancing to the 2026 World Cup in Germany.
With a bright future ahead of her, both at the collegiate and international levels, Thienou’s performance in Mexico City will be closely watched as she continues to represent Mali on the world stage.
