What happened: Pauline Astier brought her two-way energy to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup after she joined France's World Cup roster in late August. Her international run comes alongside her selection on Wednesday to the 2026 WNBA All-Rookie Team alongside Azzi Fudd, Flau'jae Johnson, Olivia Miles, Kiki Rice, and Sydney Taylor.

Why it matters: Astier secured a consistent starting role for the New York Liberty during the 2026 season and remained in the opening lineup through the WNBA Semifinals against Atlanta. Combining high-level international tournament play with full-time WNBA starter minutes positions the French guard as a core backcourt piece in Brooklyn.

What to watch: Astier projects to remain a fixture in the Liberty backcourt rotation heading into the 2027 WNBA offseason.