Coach Chancellor Dugan announced the addition of international player Hana Abdel Aal to the Bellarmine University women’s basketball team. Abdel Aal is a 6-foot-2 center from Egypt.
Commenting on her addition to the team, Dugan said: Hana brings international experience. She’s a physical back-to-the-basket center who can run the floor. We’re excited about what she can do.
In 2023, Abdel Aal won a gold medal while playing in the U18 Women’s Basketball Egyptian League. She also was part of a team that finished sixth at the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup and another team that placed 12th at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
In 2022, Abdel Aal achieved gold medals at the FIBA 3×3 U17 Africa Cup, FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women, Women’s Basketball Egyptian League, and Women’s Basketball Egyptian Cup. Her team finished 11th at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup. Additionally, she was selected for the NBA Basketball Without Borders Africa All-Star Team.
In 2021, Abdel Aal earned silver medals in the U16 Women’s Basketball Egyptian League and the FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship. She was honored with the “Best Center in the Tournament” award at the championship.
Notably, Bellarmine assistant coach Monique Reid, who had a distinguished playing career at the University of Louisville and professionally overseas, was teammates with Abdel Aal at Alexandria Sporting Club in Egypt.
Although Abdel Aal was only 15 years old at the time, her personality and potential as a talented player left a strong impression on Reid.
According to Reid, Hana was always the sweetest kid, eager to learn and grow. Her growth from then to now is a testament to her work ethic.
