Adrianinha ends national team career

ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - The France-Brazil game in Wednesday's Qualification to the Quarter-Finals not only ended the South Americans' campaign at the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women, but also brought to a close the international career of Adrianinha Pinto, the player announced.

The 35-year-old who featured at four editions of the world championship as well as four Olympic showings feels it is time to give younger players an opportunity.

She averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 assists per game in Brazil;s outing in the Turkish capital of Ankara.

Pinto, who will continue her club career playing for the Unissau/America in Brazil's Liga de Basquete Feminino (LBF), is urging younger players to make the most of the national team opportunities.

She had retired from the national team after the London Olympics, but when head coach Luiz Zanon reached out to her to help in the revamping process of the team, Pinto felt an obligation to share her 20 years of experience.

"This time it's definite," she said.

"I am 35 years of age now, I have an eight-year-old daughter and I am planing to have another child.

I have done what I could to help, now it is time for the young generation to move forward. - Pinto

Pinto made her national team debut at senior level at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

She played most of her club career in Italy and had WNBA spells.

The 1.65m guard says she leaves with plenty of memorable moments on which to look back.

"I'll keep good memories of my time with the national team, in which I had the chance of getting to know my best friend Alessandra (Oliveira) - former Brazil international - and we had great experiences together.

"The national team opened the door for me to play in the WNBA. I am thankful for everything the national team has offered me."

As for her future involvement with basketball, Pinto says it's not over yet.

"I want to become a coach and pass on my basketball skills to others.

"I'll get ready for new opportunities. Women's basketball needs more people battling for the players, and this is one of the things I'll be dedicated to."

FIBA