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How Syracuse women's basketball built a powerful international recruiting pipeline

Syracuse, N.Y. -- Of the 14 scholarship players on the Syracuse women's basketball roster this season, seven were born in places other than the United States.

There's Tiana Mangakahia, the Australian point guard, and Digna Strautmane, the forward from Latvia. Both were important starters and contributors during SU's 2017-18 season. This year, the Orange adds a trio of French players, a wing from the Czech Republic and returns a Canadian guard.

The abundance of international talent is not accidental. Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman three years ago determined the most efficient way to restock his basketball program, particularly with forwards and centers, might be to shop the international market.