Ola Kosu Gives Advice To European Minnesota Lynx Players Adjusting To American Basketball

The WNBA regular season is less than a week away, and the teams are already cutting their training camp rosters to take the final roster to the season. The Minnesota Lynx coach, Cheryl Reeve, offered an encouraging perspective on roster cuts and player journeys. The franchise already waived three players in the preseason and kept its faith in multiple rookies that the franchise selected from the draft.

One player that the franchise is looking at is Emma Cechova, with the Czech star shining for the team in the pre-season games. Another European star and a 2025 WNBA draft selection, Anastasiia Kosu, looked to come forward and share her experience with other foreign players who find it difficult to adjust to American basketball.

Ola Kosu Looking To Help Minnesota Lynx’s European Players Adjust

It’s difficult for the college stars to even settle in the WNBA with the difference in the level of play and terminology. Caitlin Clark also spoke about mentoring Raven Johnson, who came through the American basketball system, and helping her understand the system. While the player finds it a big adjustment, it’s an even bigger challenge for players coming from other countries.

Ola Kosu, who spent one season with the Lynx, has a solution for this as she said, “For sure enjoy the basketball here and just don’t be shy. That’s American basketball, you don’t have to be shy, and don’t overthink, just do your best and that’s it, because Emma (Cechova) did it today really well, for a lot of minutes”

Ola Kosu’s advice to the Euro players on the Lynx who are coming to the United States for the first time

“for sure enjoy the basketball here and just don’t be shy. That’s American basketball, you don’t have to be shy, and don’t over think, just do your best and that’s it,… pic.twitter.com/5cRBhB1miC

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 2, 2026

In recent years, there have been many foreign stars entering the league with different roots and different backgrounds, in 2026 only the UCLA star Gabriela Jaquez spoke highly about her Mexican roots, while Temi Fagbenle opened up about her Nigerian roots. But players who come directly from foreign countries find it difficult, as they have to adjust to cultural differences and playing differences.

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Coach Reeves might have found a perfect gem, though, as Emma Cechova managed to keep it real and delivered on the floor.

Emma Cechova Ready To Shine For Minnesota Lynx

At 21 years of age, Emma Cechova proved to be one of the best backup centers, as the team is looking to maintain the depth. During Minnesota’s 73-66 victory over the Toronto Tempo, the European prospect recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and four blocks in 24 minutes on the floor.

But it’s not just one game wonder that must be a barometer to test her capabilities; her international career is also impressive. In the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, Cechova had 14.4 points and six rebounds per game average and had an incredible 23-point, 13-rebound performance against China.

🚨 FINAL SCORE AND TOP PERFORMER 🚨

Emma Cechova led the way in the @minnesotalynx's victory over the Toronto Tempo, 73-66!

In her first ever preseason game she logged 16 PTS, 6 REB & 4 BLKS#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/GNNtjFkCWq

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 2, 2026

With Olivia Miles as a perfect playmaker for the side, the Czech international could also be a perfect addition, pushing them closer to their championship dream.