In what's shaping up to be a major play for international talent, the Atlanta Dream snagged not one, not two, but three young athletes from abroad in the recent WNBA draft. Facing off against big names like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark later this season, these fresh faces may just tip the scales for the Dream, who've been on the rise in the league standings.

Nyadiew Puoch, the 19-year-old Australian sensation, was the Dream's top pick at 12th overall. Fresh off a championship with the Southside Flyers down under, Puoch brings some serious metal to the court. As reported by WABE, the Dream didn't stop their Aussie acquisition there, recruiting guard Isabel Borlase as their 20th overall pick – another product of the WNBL.

Then there's 18-year-old Italian guard Matilde Villa, the third-round choice, whose finesse with Reyer Venezia has caught the eye of talent scouts worldwide. "We’re super excited to be able to add these young talented players," said Dream head coach Tanisha Wright, according to WABE. Wright praised the rookies, noting the team's anticipation to see them develop and shine in the seasons to come."

Last season's tally put the Dream at a respectable 19-21, a far cry from their 8-24 season in 2021. They broke their playoff drought, though their journey was cut short by the Dallas Wings. Coach Wright and team have been on an upswing, and with these international recruits, the Dream may just be turning into a nightmare for their opponents. Their season kicks off against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 15, with home court action starting against the Wings on May 21.

High-profile showdowns are on the calendar, with visits from Reese's Chicago Sky on July 2 and Sept. 17, Clark's Indiana Fever on June 21 and Aug. 26, and the reigning champs, the Las Vegas Aces, facing off with the Dream on May 31 and July 12. Wright expressed her eagerness for the 2024 season and another shot in front of Atlanta's electric fan base. "While our team made great strides last season, we look forward to another exciting year with our young core as we take the necessary steps forward in becoming a championship contender," she said in a December press release headed by the Dream.