Meet Anastasiia Kosu: Russia’s Rising WNBA Star Who’s Turning Heads in the U.S.
If you’re watching the Minnesota Lynx take on the Chicago Sky and thought, “Who is that Russian dynamo wearing No. 7?” you’re not alone. Anastasiia Olairi Kosu is the latest international sensation to make waves in the WNBA, and she’s already proving she’s more than just a curiosity.
From Kursk to the Lynx: A Rapid Ascent
Born on April 21, 2005, in Kursk, Russia, Kosu began playing basketball at just 6 years old. By 14, she was leading Russia’s U16 team to a European Championship, earning MVP honors with 27 points and 14 rebounds in the final against Lithuania. Her dominance continued at the U19 World Cup in 2021, where she became just the seventh player in tournament history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game .
Kosu’s club career began with Dynamo Kursk, where she quickly rose through the ranks. After the club’s suspension in 2022, she joined UMMC Ekaterinburg, one of Europe’s premier women’s teams. In the 2023–24 season, she was named Eurobasket.com’s Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year, while also earning a spot on the All-Russian PBL First Team .
A Global Stage Awaits
On April 14, 2025, Kosu was selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Draft marking the first time in seven years that a Russian player had been chosen in the draft . Standing 6’1” with a versatile forward’s game, she brings elite rebounding, defensive instincts, and a high basketball IQ to the Lynx roster.
“I Want My Father to Be Proud”
Kosu’s journey is deeply personal. Her father, a former professional basketball player in Spain, passed away when she was just six years old. She has dedicated her career to honoring his memory, saying, “I set a goal for myself to achieve high success in this sport so that my father could be proud of me” .
Why You Should Watch Her
Kosu is more than a curiosity she’s a future cornerstone of the Lynx and a potential breakout star in the WNBA. Her combination of size, skill, and international pedigree makes her one of the most exciting young talents in the league today. Whether you’re a Lynx fan or just a lover of international hoops, keep an eye on No. 7.
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