Les Bleues look to the future with exciting young talent

PARIS (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) – France look set to turn to an exciting new generation when they take to the floor at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in pursuit of a third consecutive Final.

The 16-player roster announced by the French Basketball Federation includes an array of rising stars including the likes of Marine Johannes who debuted in Rio last year and her Tango Bourges Basket colleague, Alexia Chartereau, who has excelled in her rookie EuroLeague Women season.

France 16-player squad for FIBA EuroBasket Women Final Round

Marielle Amant	Valeriane Ayayi	Marieme Badiane	Lisa Berkani
Amel Bouderra	Alexia Chartereau	Helena Ciak	Celine Dumerc
Olivia Epoupa	Aby Gaye	Marine Johannes	Sarah Michel
Hhadydia Minte	Endene Miyem	Gaelle Skrela	Diandra Tchatchouang

 

There is also potentially a spot for Lisa Berkani in the backcourt, having recently been drafted to the WNBA. She has also won silverware with BLMA and found success for her country in 3x3.

Head coach Valerie Garnier will be out to re-model the frontcourt with Isabelle Yacoubou having retired and Sandrine Gruda opting to skip this summer’s action.

However, the play-caller can still rely on the expertise in the paint of newly crowned EuroLeague Women winner Helena Ciak and the classy Endene Miyem. There could also be a challenge from the new generation and the likes of the ever-improving Aby Gaye.

There is also a wealth of talent in the guard spots with Celine Dumerc ready to pull the strings as usual, with significant depth provided by LFB Player of the Year Amel Bouderra and the electrifying Olivia Epoupa.

"We have a double objective this summer," explained coach Garnier.

"The first is obviously to succeed at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in the Czech Republic and the second is to start building a group in this new Olympic Cycle.

"With the confirmation of the new generation and the arrival of very young players, they are framed by experience [around them] which is essential to the success at this EuroBasket Women.

"We have decided to start preparing with 16 players as between the end of the LFB Championship and the start of the competition, we will only have three weeks of preparation and we want to get as close as possible to the team that will fly to the Czech Republic," she concluded.

France face will face Greece, Serbia and Slovenia during the Group Phase.

FIBA