Ayayi wants more home thrills and chills with France

PARIS (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - While the French have yet to announce their final squad for next month's FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) in Nantes, it's a safe bet to say Valeriane Ayayi will make it.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a terrific season with Lattes Montpellier, one that saw her lead Les Gazelles to a 68-57 win in the Coupe de France Final over a Bourges team that is coached by France national team boss Valeri Garnier. That game was played on 1 May and Ayayi scooped the honor as the Most Valuable Player.

So when France run onto the court for their WOQT games against New Zealand and Cuba, expect Ayayi to be with them. It would be the second time that she'd play in her own country, too, since the EuroBasket Women she took part in was also held in France.

We had chills at all the games. Personally, this was my first Euro and to be able to live that at home ... it was magical! I'm sure our fans will be present and even better than in 2013 to carry us to our Olympic goal. I hope to relive such moments this summer, if I am selected. - Ayayi

France have been at or near the top in international basketball the past several years. They captured the EuroBasket Women 2009 title in Latvia, clinched third at the tournament two years later in Poland and then claimed a silver medal at the London Olympics.

At EuroBasket 2013, they reached the Final and lost to Spain while last year, they again made it to the title game but fell to Serbia. On balance, they had a very good run at the tournament that was staged in Hungary and Romania.

What has to happen for France to claim one of the five places on offer at the WOQT for the Rio de Janeiro Games? They need to finish in the top two of Group A with Cuba and New Zealand and then win their next game, a Quarter-Final, against Turkey, Argentina or Cameroon. Should they accomplish this, then Les Bleues would advance to a second straight Olympics.

If France were to reach the Quarter-Finals and lose, they would need to win two more games at the WOQT to make it to Rio.

Every game is very important. You cannot underestimate anyone. We must remain very focused and not be afraid. - Ayayi

One of the interesting aspects of international basketball is that teams like to play different ways. Some squads will want to push the tempo while others will play at a more deliberate pace. Some coaches will allow players to take shots early in the offense while others will want players to show more patience.

"It will be completely different from the usual confrontations," Ayayi said. "Game styles of these teams are totally atypical. For example, they will perhaps attempt shots you never take. So, we will be well prepared, be very careful and implement the plan of the coach."

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