Maria Vadeeva


Maria Alekseyevna Vadeeva is a Russian professional women's basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks of the American Women's National Basketball Association. Vadeeva was the 11th overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.

Career

Europe

In 2014, Vadeeva began her professional career with Sparta&K Moscow, playing in the Russian Premier League and the EuroCup. In 2016, Vadeeva moved south and signed with Dynamo Kursk, still playing in the Premier League as well as the EuroLeague. In the 2016–17 season, Dynamo Kursk took home the title. Vadeeva played alongside the likes of Nneka Ogwumike, Angel McCoughtry and Epiphanny Prince.

National team

Youth level

Vadeeva made her international debut at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Bulgaria, where Russia placed sixth. Vadeeva once again participated, returning to the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Hungary, where Russia won the title, taking home their fifth Under-16 Championship. Vadeeva was then named to the national team for the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in her home nation. Russia would remain undefeated until the final, falling to the United States and taking home silver. Vadeeva was awarded a place on the All-Tournament Team.

Senior level

Vadeeva made her senior international debut at EuroBasket Women 2015, at just the age of 16. In her debut tournament, Vadeeva averaged 12.3 points per game and 5.9 repounds per game. Vadeeva was once again named to Russia's roster, for EuroBasket Women 2017 in the Czech Republic.