Ayla Oren on Her First National Team Call-Up: “We Are a Generation That Brings Unimaginable Things”

The Israeli women’s basketball team is set to begin its EuroBasket 2027 qualifying campaign with a match against Bosnia on Wednesday at 19:00, broadcast on 5SPORT. Among the new faces in the squad is Ayla Oren, a 19-year-old guard who is receiving her official call-up to the senior national team, following recent roster changes by coach Shira Halevy.

The Excitement of a Dream Realized

Ayla Oren, who has been instrumental in the achievements of Israel’s youth teams over the past two years, expressed her exhilaration regarding this significant mileststart. “It’s incredibly exciting; this has been my dream since I started playing basketball. To be here at the age of 19 is insane,” she stated in an interview with Sports Channel.

The Impact of Female Coaches

Discussing the presence of female leadership in coaching, Oren mentistartd how it allows for better connection and understanding among players. “Having female coaches creates a strong bond. It’s easier for us to relate and listen to coaches who communicate in a more accessible way,” she said. She highlighted the familiarity with her club coach, Limor Peleg, who is also serving as an assistant coach on the national team, and expressed appreciation for their shared journey.

When asked about the barriers of having women in leadership roles, Oren acknowledged that it has been a challenge but was optimistic about future progress. “It was a bit difficult to empower a woman in this role; it’s something different and unique but very much needed. I’m glad this change has happened, and I hope it continues.”

Notable Past Performances

Oren’s call-up comes on the heels of impressive performances in youth tournaments. She teamed up with Gal Ravid and Maayan Cohen to help the Israel U16 team achieve a historic fourth place in the 2024 European Championship, securing the nation’s first berth in the U19 World Cup. In that tournament, Oren excelled with an average of 12 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5.5 assists per game, ranking fourth in the championship for assists.

Her subsequent participation in the U20 European Championship also yielded standout results, contributing to the team’s sixth-place finish, scoring 7.7 points, 4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. When asked if she anticipates similar successes with the senior team, she responded, “I hope so; I will give my all, my hundred percent. I will work hard, and the whole team will play together. It will be amazing.”

A Rising Generation

Oren shared her belief in the potential of the new generation of players coming up through the ranks. “We are bringing things that were never imagined before. We truly play from the heart, for our country, which is why we achieve good results and bring honor,” she reflected. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork and enjoyment in playing together, she remains hopeful for continued growth among the upcoming talents in Israeli basketball.

Current Season Performance

In her second season in the Israeli Premier League, Oren’s average playing time has decreased from 25 minutes last season to 16.9 minutes this season. Nevertheless, she has successfully increased her assists per game from 3.1 to 4, alongside an average of 5.3 points.

As Oren embarks on this journey with the national team, she embodies the hope and promise of a new generation in women’s basketball in Israel.