Canada's Amihere not scared to throw down a dunk

UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Laeticia Amihere has claimed there is no fear factor when it comes to the prospect of becoming the first player to dunk at a FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

One of the youngest players participating in Udine, the 2001-born Amihere has been a tower of strength for Canada during their unbeaten run to the Semi-Finals.

She arrived with a burgeoning reputation not only for her rebounding prowess and work under the hoop, but also for her willingness to flush down a dunk in the high school game. So far at least, the array of practise dunks which women's players across the globe put on social media, doesn't permeate through to competitive games.

Women shouldn't be afraid to try and dunk anymore. I know that if I had the opportunity, I would maybe try and throw it down. I am not scared of missing and if it felt right, then I would go for it.

So, could we see Amihere make a note of history for herself and attempt a dunk?

"I am not scared of missing and if it felt right, then I would go for it," she stressed. "Women shouldn't be afraid to try and dunk anymore. I know that if I had the opportunity, I would maybe try and throw it down.

"I just think it is a cultural thing which is slowly evolving. Boys growing up see players dunking in the NBA as a lay-up and want to do the same. It's something that has been missing in the women's game.

"But, now more females are dunking more, I think it will motivate young people and the next generation of girls to think about it. I actually think in a few years from now, we will see the culture change more to be more aligned with the men - even if there are not as many dunks."

There could also be another opportunity for Amihere to dunk on a global stage in two years' time, since she will be eligible to play at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in 2019. It's something which reiterates just how much potential she has and what a huge prospect she is for Canada in the medium to long-term.

"I lack that experience of being a pro or having played university or college basketball like many other players here in this competition, but credit to Canada Basketball for helping me and my team-mates to prepare," said Amihere. "If I do play again in the tournament in the future, then I know I will be even better equipped to make an impact and help the team."

Right now Canada are chasing history. They have never stood on the podium before and will have two attempts to get the triumph they need to secure a maiden medal - starting with Russia in the first of Saturday's Semi-Finals.

Such a prospect has been ramped up by seeing their male counterparts take gold recently in Cairo.

Even if we didn't come into this with any specific expectations, seeing the men win the title in Cairo opened our eyes. It showed us what is possible when you come together and fight hard - it remains a big motivation for us in every single game we play.

The way Amihere and her teammates fought past China suggests they have the capacity to deliver a historic result - whatever color the medal might be.

"We are showing the killer mentality as a team, with everyone fighting hard for each other and for their position," said the 1.88m forward. "Even if we didn't come into this with any specific expectations, seeing the men win the title in Cairo opened our eyes.

"It showed us what is possible when you come together and fight hard - it remains a big motivation for us in every single game we play."

FIBA