Helena Pueyo, a name synonymous with selfless play during her standout career at Arizona, is now making major waves on the international stage. The former Wildcat guard has been named to the prestigious All-EuroLeague Third Team and is a finalist for the EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year award, cementing her status among Europe's elite.
EuroLeague represents the pinnacle of European professional women's basketball, featuring top clubs from across the continent and a roster of talent that frequently overlaps with the WNBA. This crossover is evident on Pueyo's All-EuroLeague graphic, where all five honorees, including Pueyo, have been drafted by WNBA teams.
Pueyo's path to this moment has been defined by loyalty and team success. Drafted by the Connecticut Sun in 2024, she was waived after training camp. When the Phoenix Mercury offered a contract last year, she chose to remain with her Spanish club, Casademont Zaragoza, to compete in the EuroLeague playoffs—a decision that speaks to her character.
That commitment has paid dividends. Zaragoza has been a force, finishing as runners-up in last season's league playoffs and the Super Copa, while reaching the Copa de la Reina semifinals. This year, they captured the Super Copa title with Pueyo earning MVP honors, a testament to her growth since the team's promotion from the second-tier EuroCup.
Her choice to prioritize team goals mirrors the player Arizona fans remember. Coach Adia Barnes often defended Pueyo's unselfish style, stating, "I like her game," when questions arose about her shot selection. Pueyo herself cherished her college years, citing personal and professional growth under Barnes and the coaching staff.
Now, as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and an All-EuroLeague selection, Helena Pueyo continues to prove that a team-first mentality and defensive excellence can lead to the highest individual accolades. Her journey from Tucson to European stardom is a powerful reminder that foundational values and relentless effort translate to success at any level of the game.