Matosinhos already etched across the heart of Brcaninovic

MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2017) – When Melisa Brcaninovic found out the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship was heading back to Matosinhos, she could barely contain the excitement.

Who can blame her? It proved to the be the scene of one of the most significant and historic chapters in the history of women's basketball in Bosnia and Herzegovina last summer.

Having been tipped to struggle in what was their maiden campaign in Division A, the brilliant Brcaninovic inspired her country to their first-ever wins at the top level and a return ticket for the 2017 edition, after avoiding the relegation many had predicted. She was also at the heart of what proved to be a truly amazing 2016 for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I was really happy when I found out that we'll be returning to Matoshinos, as it will always have special a place in my heart because we played here for the first time in Division A," confirmed the free-scoring star.

"My favorite memory from the tournament in 2016 was a game against Slovak Republic which we won and it secured a place for this year's tournament. I was really honored to play with and against older players. I gained experience that I hope will help me this time around.

"Back home everyone was happy that we accomplished our goal to stay in Division A, although I didn't get much time to celebrate.

"A few days after we returned, I had to play at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Division B which was held in Sarajevo and we gained promotion to Division A there as well."

After gaining attention from Europe's top clubs in the wake of her sensational performances which harvested more than 20 points per game at both events, Brcaninovic will again be at the heart of her country's efforts in 2017.

You always expect the 'double team' pressure when you are such a prominent performer

She stated: "Our team is younger than last year, but that doesn't mean that we won't do our best. I think that we can still make a few surprises because some of us played last year in the competition and we gained important experience.

"This year we have higher goals which of course we will try to accomplish, but our main goal is to stay in Division A."

The influence of Brcaninovic extends beyond the hardwood and it is a family affair.

She explained: "Yes, my mum is the coach - although we have a different relationship on and off the court.

"On the court, she treats me like all her players, but off the court we are like any other mother and daughter.

"We try not to talk about basketball too much off the court. She was a huge influence on me and I always look up to her."

Meanwhile in the wake of the Bosnia and Herzegovina youth teams punching above their weight and showing the talent they have coming through, there was a real buzz around the recent FIBA EuroBasket Women 2019 draw.

After drawing Montenegro, Slovak Republic and Iceland, many people are predicting a possible dream ticket – something already on the radar of Brcaninovic and her senior cohorts.

"I think that we were lucky with the draw," stated the 18-year-old.

"We are in a group with teams that are of a similar age to us and I believe that we will be able to play equally with them.

"We hope that we make it to FIBA EuroBasket Women 2019 because it would mean a lot to us, as it would be the first time in our country's history that we would have qualified," concluded Brcaninovic.

FIBA