Azania Stewart

D.O.B:
13/03/1989

Height: 6′5″

Weight:

Position: Centre

Notes:

A call-up to the senior GB team for the 2010 campaign, Stewart is another woman to have emerged from the UK and made a name for herself in the ranks of US collegiate basketball.

A 6’4” centre from Wood Green, London, Stewart took up basketball at the age of 15 after being spotted playing netball. Such was her development that she was offered the opportunity to attend high school in Virginia, at Notre Dame Academy, a move which showcased her abilities on a national stage. In the 2007-08 season, the last of her three years at the school, Stewart was named an EA Sports First Team All-American and led her team to a number four ranking in the nation while averaging 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

Not surprisingly, Stewart also attracted attention from colleges, signing at the University of Florida. Before her 2008-09 freshman season, however, Stewart had to have a non-functioning kidney removed, forcing her out for six weeks, but still went on to average over 10 minutes a game off the bench for the Gators, in which she logged 3.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 block per game.

The summer of 2009 also saw Stewart take her first steps in international basketball, as a member of the Great Britain team at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia. Stewart turned in an eye-catching tournament, averaging 11 points and 9.3 rebounds per game over seven games, including a phenomenal 18-point, 18-rebound display against the Czech Republic.

With that kind of form behind her, upon returning to the Gators for the 2009-10 season, Stewart had earned her position as a starter and went on to average 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks over 27 games, form that ensured she received her first call-up to the GB senior team for the 2010 summer campaign.