Sissoko answers the call for France

ZARAGOZA (2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship) - When France head coach Cathy Melain claimed she had no clue who would star for France at the 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship, the play-caller was paving the way for someone to step forward.

Last year at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship in Matosinhos, it was Tima Pouye who shone brightly, but this time around it's Kadiatou Sissoko who is making the biggest impact and showing she can be a leader for her country.

At the very worst, France will now match their eighth-place finish in Pilsen two years ago, although reaching the Final like back in 2010 is a tough prospect with the USA as the next hurdle in the Quarter-Finals.

But Sissoko is happy living in the moment and enjoying some eye-catching performances, including 15 points in a hard fought Round of 16 triumph against Japan.

"We played well because we fought and Japan are a team that aren't easy to go up against, but we managed it and now we turn our attention to playing the Quarter-Finals," stated Sissoko. "It was good to play against Japan, because it's a change from what we're used to. We're not used to playing against such quick and fast teams, but it's enriching.

"That win feels really good because we had to go hard to get it, so it's definitely very positive for us. As for thinking about facing the USA, we take games one at a time and we don't put any pressure on ourselves.

"Besides, just playing in a World Championship is always fulfilling as it's fun and a great experience.”

As is the case with any French player, it's important Sissoko is able to help keep women's basketball in her country on the radar and certainly success in Zaragoza will help in that aim.

But even if France can't pull off the upset against the USA, Sissoko is hopeful it will be the senior national team that steps up to the plate to once again capture the imagination of sports fans.

"We watched France play at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and, we'll be watching them play in Rio," she smiled.

And, just maybe, a few of those Olympic-bound senior players will be returning the favour and watching Sissoko and her colleagues live on social media during their Quarter-Final encounter in Zaragoza.

FIBA