Scoring machine Leite set to propel Brazil at U17 Women's Worlds
RIO DE JANIERO (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - There was good news for those intending to watch the highlight reel of the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship on Thursday after Izabela Leite
RIO DE JANIERO (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - There was good news for those intending to watch the highlight reel of the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship on Thursday after Izabela Leite was named in Brazil's preliminary roster.
Having caught worldwide attention last year with some remarkable performances at the FIBA Americas U16 Women's Championship - including a sensational effort in taking down the previously undefeated USA - the 1.80m guard is back on board to lead her team.
Brazil made the Final last year in Puebla off the back of Leite's stunning 21.4 points per game, although it wasn't the end of the story for her. She impressed so much that she subsequently found herself playing for the senior Brazil side at the 2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship in Edmonton.
Her free-scoring talent will fuel Brazil's campaign in Zaragoza - although it isn't only about the guard. That's because there will also be a lot of focus on the likes of Obalunanma Ugwu who also registered herself on the radar in Mexico with a phenomenal effort. The forward racked up a fantastic tournament double-double of 12.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, it's a huge boost for the Americas nation that Geovana Lopes is back from her injury woes, because she is another big prospect under the basket. Also in the 14-player candidate list is Clarissa Carneiro who will also be a big factor. Her team focus provides her side with an important glue and while her highly productive four assists per game more or less went unnoticed in Puebla, her contribution was certainly not overlooked by those inhabiting the Brazil locker room.
Brazil are due to play against Mali, Portugal and Spain in Group D.
Brazil 14-player preliminary roster for 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship: Gabriela Alves, Izabel Angelo, Brenda Barros da Silva, Clarissa Carneiro, Raphaella da Silva, Emanuely de Oliveira, Geassamyne Germano, Izabela Leite, Geovana Lopes, Sara Rodrigues, Licinara Rodrigues Bispo, Julia Schmauch, Isadora Souza, Obalunanma Ugwu.
FIBA