Melain hands chance to a long list of French candidates
PARIS (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship) – France coach Cathy Melain has a vast pool of talent to choose from as she plans for her nation's title defense at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship
PARIS (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship) – France head coach Cathy Melain has a vast pool of talent to choose from as she plans for her nation's title defense at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship.
The reigning champions won the silverware last summer off the back of some scorching displays from eventual MVP Alexia Chartereau and while their kingpin has moved on, the team can rely on her fellow gold medalists Tima Pouye and Kadiatou Sissoko.
France 25-player squad for FIBA U18 Women's European Championship
| Morgane Armant | Sarah Boucher | Noemie Brochant | Margot De Freitas |
| Adele Dreano-Trecant | Camille Droguet | Nabala Fofana | Coline Franchelin |
| Caroline Germond | Daphne Gnago | Maria Guramare | Helene Jakovljevic |
| Romane Jeanneaux | Sixtine Macquet | Maelys Martinet | Naomie Mbandu |
| Oceane Monpierre | Anna Ngo Ndjock | Haby Niang | Tima Pouye |
| Clarisse Sahun | Kenza Salgues | Kadiatou Sissoko | Awa Geanne Trasi |
| Paloma Wouts |
The pair are the standout names in an extensive 25-player squad available to Coach Melain, with the recently appointed Basket Landes play-caller having worked with many of the candidates at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship in Zaragoza last year.
There are also multiple representatives from the French side that took the bronze medal at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship in Udine.
Melain and the players will gather in Voiron on Monday for a week of preparation, when the squad is expected to be cut further.
France will compete in Group D against Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy when they arrive in Sopron.
FIBA