France focus on familiar faces
PARIS (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Ten of the players who punched France a ticket to this year's edition of the FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship have been rewarded with a place on the
PARIS (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Ten of the players who punched France a ticket to this year's edition of the FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship have been rewarded with a place on the preliminary roster for Zaragoza.
Head coach Cathy Melain will rely on the core of the team that finished fifth at last year's U16 European Championship in Matosinhos - despite only losing a solitary game at the event.
The play-caller recently pinpointed Tima Pouye as being a potential standout player at next month's event and the teenager was certainly the most impressive player on display last year in Portugal.
Pouye arguably headlines the initial candidate list, which also includes the dangerous and all-action Kadiatou Sissoko, who could be a player to watch as she does her thing on the wing.
Meanwhile, the power in the paint looks set to be provided by Naomi Mbandu, who was the leading rebounder for her team last year.
France will begin a training camp in Antibes tomorrow which will run into next week when four players will be released ahead of friendly games in the Czech Republic on 27 and 29 May.
France have been drawn in Group B with Australia, China and Mexico.
France 18-player preliminary roster for 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship: Kimberley Adonis, Morgane Armant, Carla Bremaud, Clara Bretagne, Nomei Brochant, Laura Cabe, Hawa Ba, Laura Fischer, Daphne Gnago, Claire Parisi, Coline Franchelin, Carla M'Baye, Naomie Mbandu, Tima Pouye, Sarah Saint Martin, Kadiatou Sissoko, Emmanuelle Tahane, Awa Trasi.
FIBA