Jana El Alfy: A Basketball Prodigy from Egypt

In the pulsating world of African basketball, a luminary is on the rise — Jana Ehab Elalfy. The esteemed heiress to her father, Coach Elalfy, mentor to Egypt's national women's team, Jana's journey has been etched with destiny's ink.

From the tender age of 14, she found herself summoned to the hallowed grounds of the NBA junior academy, a stepping stone in her illustrious career. "It's a pivotal moment for me; my dream is to grace the WNBA," she declares with unwavering confidence.

Universally lauded by NBA coaches, Jana, despite her youth, possesses an extraordinary blend of physical prowess and relentless aggression in the paint. Today, having matured under her father's guidance and with a stint in the national U16 team, she proudly wears Egypt's colors on the global stage.

Her standout performance against New Zealand — 32 points and 26 rebounds — etched a memorable victory, 69/47, in the annals of Egyptian basketball. Born into a basketball-centric family, Jana, the elder sibling, not only guides her younger brothers but aspires to follow in the footsteps of WNBA icon Diana Taurasi.

As the U18 team prepares for Madagascar, Jana's mantra — Patience, Love, Celebration — resonates in their every move. Facing formidable opponents like Mali and Angola, Jana's focus is unwavering: "My priority is the final victory, and for that, I will do everything to help the team."

Adversaries, take heed — Jana, dreaming of succeeding her father as a coach, is poised to inscribe her name in the rich tapestry of Egyptian basketball history.

‍Biography

Position: Center
Height: 6-5
Class: Redshirt Freshman
High School: Al Ahly Sporting Club
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

As a Freshman (2022-23):

• Enrolled at UConn in January 2022.
• Joined the team but did not compete.

Egypt Basketball:

• Member of the Egyptian National Team program since 2021.
• Led the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup with 21.4 points per game.
• Dominated the 2022 U18 Women's African Championship, leading with 24.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, securing silver.
• Competed in the 2021 FIBA U16 African Championship and the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup.

Before UConn:

• First UConn player from Egypt.
• Played for Al Ahly Sporting Club.
• Active participant in the NBA Academy Women’s Program since 2019.

Personal:

• Daughter of Dina Gouda and Ehab El Alfy.
• Her father is the head coach of the Egyptian women’s national team.

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[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]