Elina Syniakova, a leader of the Ukrainian U-20 National Team, has arrived at her university’s training camp in Texas and begun preparations for the new NCAA season.
Following her performance at the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket, Elina has joined her new team, where the coaching staff had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. The university made significant efforts to bring Elina to the program and help her continue her basketball career in the United States.
At the 2026 FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket Division B, Syniakova was one of the key players for the Ukrainian national team. Over seven games, she averaged 14.1 points and 8.9 rebounds, along with 0.7 assists and a 16.4 efficiency rating per game. In total, Elina recorded 99 points and 62 rebounds during the tournament.
Syniakova came close to recording a double-double several times and posted a 13-point, 14-rebound performance against the Czech Republic and a 20-point, 12-rebound game against Romania. In the final games of the tournament, she also recorded 14 points and 9 rebounds against Albania and 18 points and 9 rebounds against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Her performance at the European Championship generated significant interest from universities. Now, Elina is entering a new stage of her career as she begins full preparation for the NCAA season.
Elina’s American basketball journey has included playing at Louisiana Tech, followed by Butler Community College. During the 2025–26 season, she helped Butler achieve a successful campaign and is now moving on to the next level of American college basketball.
Elina also brings considerable international experience. She has represented Ukraine at different youth levels since 2021, and at the 2026 U20 European Championship she became one of the key players for the Ukrainian team.
Now the focus is on preparing for the new season and making the most of her experience. Elina already understands American basketball, knows the demands of the college system, and has experience competing at the international level.
We expect a very successful season for Elina Syniakova and believe this year can become an important step in the continued development of her career.