The
2013European
Women Basketball Championship,
commonly called EuroBasket
Women 2013,
will be the 34th regional championship held byFIBA
Europe.
The competition will be held inFrancefrom
15–30 June 2013.
FIBA Eurobasket 2013 on Wikipedia check here.
Official FIBA Eurobasket 2013 website check here.
Important!!! From
June 15 you may follow daily news, results, boxscores and analyses from
EuroBasket Women 2013 here.
June 15, 2013 - Underdogs ready
to bite in Group A
It
has hardly been the smoothest of preparation for Group A underdogs
Slovak Republic, and head coach Ivan Vojtko isn't expecting life to get
easier in their opener against Montenegro. Speaking ahead of the day
one clash in Vannes, the play-caller is anticipating a tough initiation
to EuroBasket Women 2013. "The first match will be important,"
reiterated Vojtko. "Montenegro entered the last EuroBasket Women
famously and it even seemed that they would go for medals, but they
gradually ran out of power. "We have the misfortune to play them now in
the opening match. They are very strong and experienced, particularly
the guards. "They have the ideal form of a team that dares to play for
those precious medals." Read more here.
June 15, 2013 - Latvia fire
French warning shot
Latvia
will be out to cause one of the biggest shocks in EuroBasket Women
history when they open their 2013 campaign against France. The hosts
and silver medalists from last year's London 2012 Olympic Games are
heavy favourites to repeat their success of 2009 and lift the trophy in
front of their home fans. France come into the tournament good form too
having won all of their nine preparation games. But this doesn't
discourage Latvia guard Elina Babkina, who will shoulder the majority
of the scoring responsibility following a number of withdrawals due to
injury. Babkina said: "We have nothing to worry about because we have
nothing to lose. "We came here just to fight and to show who we are. It
doesn't matter who is against us, we respect all our opponents even if
they maybe don't respect us because we are missing some players. Read
more here.
June 15, 2013 - Wide open Group
D hosts renewed rivalry
The
Czech Republic will face a familiar foe in their EuroBasket Women 2013
opener. Lubor Blazek's new-look side are entering a major competition
without either Eva Viteckova or Hana Horakova for the first time since
1999. But they will receive little sympathy from Belarus, with who they
share a growing rivalry, according to returning star Yelena Leuchanka.
"With the Czechs we have a little bit of history," said Leuchanka, who
is back with Belarus after spending last summer playing in the USA. "It
goes all the way back to Italy (EuroBasket Women 2007), they were then
European Champions but we played them and we won and then in the World
Championships (2010) we went to overtime. "They are a great team, very
big and strong. We have watched some film and they run a lot for their
size, it's amazing. We have our hands full but they still have to guard
us too." Due to all their changes, the Czechs are something of an
unknown quantity - even to themselves. Read more here.
June 14, 2013 - Serbs ready to
enact Sister act
The
time has come for women's basketball to win its place back in the
spotlight in Serbia, starting at EuroBasket Women. That is the rallying
cry on the eve of the 2013 tournament from head coach Marina Maljkovic
as she prepares to lead an inexperienced group into the first round of
the competition in Trelaze, hoping that it will not be a brief stay.
This adventure, she says, has been years in the planning, way beyond
the summer of 2009 which proved to be the last time that the Serbs
earned their place in the finals. Until now. Formerly in charge of the
country's Under-18 and U19 teams, Maljkovic has been closely involved
with the grand project to raise the sport back to the heights it
enjoyed over three decades ago. It's not yet complete. "In all the
Balkans - Serbia, Croatia, everywhere, 30 years ago, women's basketball
was massively popular," she recounts. "Then with a lack of results,
different situations, war, it all went down. Now we're growing it back.
Read more here.
June 14, 2013 - Kochubei hails
Ukrainian heart
Experienced
playmaker Inna Kochubei has insisted the heart and spirit of Ukraine,
blended with the confidence given to them by head coach Vadim Czeczuro,
will help them flourish on French soil. Despite having initially stated
that he feels Ukraine will be the weakest team in Group A, Kochubei
hinted her boss had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he made the
comment. "First of all, I want to tell everyone, our head coach is the
man who believes in our team the most," insisted the guard. "Every
single day, he reminds us about it and puts all of his heart into
working with us. "Like everyone else, our national team has been on a
pathway of serious preparation ahead of EuroBasket Women. "We have all
been working very hard in practice and will try to approach the
official games in our best shape. Read more here.
June 13, 2013 - Final selection
made by Ukraine
Ukraine
head coach Vadim Czeczuro has decided upon his final roster for
EuroBasket Women 2013 in a list which is topped by current FIBA Europe
Young Women's Player of the year Alina Iagupova. There is a real buzz
of anticipation from those heading to Vannes and will see the talented
shooting guard in action. However, there will be some disappointment
that exciting forward Olesia Malashenko, who has been playing her club
basketball in France with Arras, hasn't recovered from a foot injury in
time to play. Veteran center Olena Zherzherunova won't be back on board
either, although there is a return for the experienced Olena
Ogorodnikova after maternity leave. She will be hoping to have the same
kind of impact as four years ago when she amassed an impressive 17
points per game at Final Round in Latvia. Read more here.
June 13, 2013 - Croatian warrior
is ready for battle
After
sitting out most of EuroBasket Women 2011, Ana Lelas is raring to go as
Croatia prepare to switch from surprise package to having to deal with
increased expectation. A cornerstone of the Croatian team, Lelas has
been reflecting on what has been a remarkable couple of years. Two
years ago, Croatia walked off court against Montenegro staring into the
abyss, having lost two of their first three games in Katowice. They
looked certain to be on the plane back to Zagreb, but in the face of
adversity, they rallied to eventually finish fifth - despite losing
Lelas to injury. "The loss against Montenegro was a turning point for
us" concurred the forward. "There was nothing else to lose and we
played with no pressure which we should have done earlier. "We were the
biggest surprise and the injuries made us stronger as a team, when
nobody expected us to win. "It was definitely hard to be done with the
tournament after the third game, but I don't regret it because we did a
great job finishing fifth. Read more here.
June 12, 2013 - Croatia confirm
Final list for Trelaze
Seeking
to build upon a fifth place finish two years ago, Croatian head coach
Stipe Bralic has revealed the twelve players tasked with meeting that
objective when the action gets underway in Trelaze. The play-caller has
had strong competition for places, but hasn't been able to find a place
for Josipa Bura or Tea Buzov, whilst Davorka Balic was dropped as a
contender last week. The experienced Mirna Mazic also misses out
because of nasal surgery but despite this, Croatia have been able to
rely on the spine of the team from both EuroBasket Women 2011 and the
London Olympics last summer. There are three newcomers who bolster the
potential firepower from the wings, much of which was lost with the
retirement of Sandra Mandir. The shooting prowess of Monika Bosilj was
evident during the club season and she had the perfect chance to stake
her claim under the watchful eye of Coach Bralic who is her club coach
at Gospic Croatia. Read more here.
June 12, 2013 - Consolini a
surprise omission for Italy
Italian
head coach Roberto Ricchini has sprung a surprise with his final
selection for EuroBasket Women 2013, by deciding to leave Famila Schio
guard Chiara Consolini at home. One of the few players in the candidate
list with any EuroLeague Women experience, it was widely anticipated
that Consolini would play a pivotal role, but instead, she will now
have to deal with the disappointing reality of being overlooked. Also
set to miss the EuroBasket Women party are Valeria Battisodo, Martina
Crippa and also Lavinia Santucci who didn't recover from an injury. The
other side of the coin was delight for two 1993-born young guns in the
form of guard Francesca Dotto and center Alessandra Formica, who hadn't
necessarily been expected to make it, but impressed during the
preparation games. Read more here.
June 12, 2013 - Russia benefit
from U-Turn over Prince
In
a dramatic twist of events, Epiphanny Prince will help reigning
EuroBasket Women champions Russia try and defend their title after
being included in the final candidate list. Confusion had reined over
the status of the naturalised guard after she sprained an ankle on
debut in a preparation game against China recently. After returning
home to the States for further medical assessment, it was confirmed she
would be out for 2-3 weeks and would not play, but doctors have
unexpectedly done a U-turn and given her the all-clear to step out in
Vannes. It is likely to be a considerable relief to head coach Alfredas
Vainauskas, who is already without a lengthy list of absentees and
especially since Prince is a player he knows and trusts due to also
being her club coach at Dynamo Kursk. Vainauskas took time to explain
his decision in composing the final roster, which led to Elena Volkova,
Mariia Cherepanova and Tatiana Abrikosova, all missing out. Read more here.
June 12, 2013 - Youthful and
ready to make a noise
Lithuania
finished second in Group C last summer, with six wins from their eight
qualification games. It's sixteen years since Lithuania topped the
podium for the only time in their history and they last made it to the
semi-finals back during 2005. The real plus point for Lithuania is that
former FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year Ginatre Petronyte may be
rejuvenating her career and finally dealing with the aftermath of the
overwhelming expectation which accompanied her during her teenage
years. Having perhaps struggled to live up to the hype so far, she was
simply outstanding last summer when she amassed a staggering
double-double of 18.3 points and 11.5 rebounds-per-game to drive her
team to another Final Round appearance. She is a powerful player who
seems to be maturing and fine-tuning her game under the hoop and she
will be tough to contain for opposing defences. Read more here.
June 12, 2013 - No dwelling on
absent friends
Czech
Republic qualified via finishing in fourth spot two years ago in Poland
and followed this up with a disappointing performance at the London
Olympics last summer, losing four of their six games. They have a mixed
record in the competition, often blowing hot or cold. They have
finished outside of the quarter-finals and in ninth spot on three
occasions, with their most productive period between 2003 and 2005,
when they reached the Final of the competition and went from silver to
gold. A terrific shooter and talent, Katerina Elhotova intriguingly
comes into the summer off the back of her least productive club season,
although fans will be hoping she can re-ignite her game in France. She
is a real danger from long-range and a smart player who if on form, can
have a big say in propelling Czech Republic to success. Read more here.
June 11, 2013 - EuroBasket Women
debuts for seven Serbs
Serbian
head coach Marina Maljkovic has put the finishing touches to her first
ever EuroBasket Women roster and will hand no fewer than seven players
a debut at the event. When Serbia step out in Trelaze at the weekend,
less than half of their roster will have tasted Final Round action,
with Ana Dabovic, Bojana Vulic, Sasa Cado, Dajana Butulija, Jovana Rad,
Nevena Jovanovic, and Sara Krnjic all now able to look forward to a
first major tournament experience. EuroLeague Women star Jelena
Milovanovic tops the list of those who have played previously at a
Final Round and she will be expected to lead the team from the
frontcourt. There are also five players included who play for Coach
Maljkovic at club level with Partizan Galenika. The two unfortunate
players who didn't make it were Tijana Ajdukovic and Aleksandra
Crvendakic. Read more here.
June 11, 2013 - Unfathomable
expectations
Croatia
qualified after finishing in fifth place at EuroBasket Women 2011 and
proceeded to make a historic first ever appearance at the Olympic Games
last summer. This will be the fifth Final Round appearance for Croatia
as they look to build on their achievement two years ago which was
their best ever placing. They have only failed to reach the
quarter-final stage on one occasion. The strength of Croatia could be
their frontcourt, since they have a couple of terrific do-it-all
forwards in Ana Lelas and Jelena Ivezic. Both are driving forces who
bring so much to the team, both on and off the floor. Lelas received
French citizenship this year and so it will be a special tournament for
her and she is likely to be the one taking the fight to opponents. She
is aggressive, feisty and never far from the action - the type of
player for whom having a quiet game is almost impossible. Read more here.
June 11, 2013 - Sweden put their
faith in Johansson
Whatever
the outcome at EuroBasket Women 2013, Sweden won't be parting ways with
head coach Lars Johansson after he was handed a contract extension on
the eve of the tournament. The Federation have given the play-caller
the perfect tonic as he prepares to guide his nation back to the event
after a gap of 26 years. Having ensured Sweden punched their ticket in
emphatic fashion last summer by topping the Qualification Round Group D
with seven wins from eight games, including a memorable double over
Spain, he won't only be holding the reins in France, but also
potentially at EuroBasket Women 2015 too. The height of the ambition
and faith stored in Johansson is also further highlighted in that he
has been promised an extra 12-month extension if Sweden were to qualify
for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Read more here.
June 11, 2013 - Jennings names
his first Tournament 12
Recently
appointed Damian Jennings has finalised his first roster ahead of his
inaugural tournament holding the coaching reins for Great Britain.
Despite having had the considerable satisfaction of welcoming back
Johannah Leedham - the ace in the British pack - the play-caller will
have to cope without three of his teams' top contributors from last
summers' Olympics in Julie Page, Temi Fagbenle and Natalie Stafford.
But, the retirement of Stafford has belatedly opened the door for
Stephanie Gandy, one of three players who have been handed a tournament
debut by Jennings. The naturalised Gandy has certainly had to be
patient, since former head coach Tom Maher always preferred Stafford,
but this time she will finally get to step out. She will be joined by
Oral Roberts University graduate and playmaker Georgia Jones, who was
also regularly overlooked by Maher and has finished her first
pro-season in the Romanian League. Read more here.
June 10, 2013 - No place for
Pascua in Spanish twelve
Veteran
center Lucila Pascua has suffered the agony of being the last cut for
Spain, after head coach Lucas Mondelo selected his final roster for
EuroBasket Women 2013. Having previously dispensed with the services of
shooting guard duo Anna Cruz and Leonor Rodriguez, it was almost
inevitable that there would also be a frontcourt casualty. With an
injury concern in relation to WNBA participant Sancho Lyttle having
seemingly cleared up, leaving the forward free to join up with her
colleagues, there was no room for Pascua. Instead, Coach Mondelo opted
for the experience of Cindy Lima under the basket, along with Laura
Nicholls and also Laura Gil, who is one of three younger players set to
make their tournament debuts with the senior national team. Read more here.
June 10, 2013 - Dealing with the
bare bones
It
was a tight squeeze for Latvia last summer as they finished behind
Italy in Qualification Round Group E, with the same 5-3 record as
Greece, but just scraped through regardless. Latvia are searching for a
fifth successive quarter-final place, their best performance coming six
years ago in Italy when they reached the last four of the competition,
but just missed out on a first medal. Elina Babkina led the way two
years ago in Poland and she is likely to do the same this time around.
Debate has always raged about her best position in the backcourt,
although her strength is that she can play both roles and this
versatility will be useful for Latvia. She will have to have a big
tournament both scoring wise, creating for her team-mates ad also
limiting turnovers if success is to be achieved. Read more here.
June 10, 2013 - Russia lose
Prince, Sniokaite ruled out
Reigning
EuroBasket Women champions Russia will have to defend their title
without Epiphanny Prince, whilst Lithuania have had to replace the
injured Greta Sniokaite. Russia have been left with a backcourt crisis,
after the naturalised Epiphanny Prince was ruled out of competing at
the tournament with an ankle injury sustained on debut. It had been
hoped she would be able to recover from the sprain which occurred at
the end of last week in a preparation game against China. But, the
highly rated guard, who was destined to be a primary scorer for the
Russians, has remained in Chicago where tests revealed she would be out
of action for around two to three weeks. Tatiana Abrikosova, of Dynamo
Moscow has been drafted into the camp of the Russian World University
Games team, although the 24-year-old guard has never yet represented
her country at the senior level. Read more here.
June 10, 2013 - Does a glass
ceiling await?
Serbia
sealed their trip to France despite having seen their qualification
hopes balanced on a real knife-edge. They eventually finished second in
Qualification Round Group B with a 6-2 record, squeezing out a
crestfallen Poland in a three-way tie and progressing behind neighbours
Montenegro. Since becoming an independent nation, Serbia first
qualified for the tournament in Italy six years ago, when they finished
11th and then 13th place in 2009 in Latvia. However, they failed to
make it to EuroBasket Women 2011. There is lots of talent on the
Serbian roster, with Jelena Milovanovic leading the frontcourt. She
finished as the second highest scorer in EuroLeague Women last season
with UE Sopron and seems to have returned to her best form after
shrugging off the injury woe which meant limited participation last
summer. Read more here.
June 9, 2013 - Blazek decides
Final Round Czech list
Czech
Republic play-caller Lubor Blazek has selected his final twelve players
ahead of the start of EuroBasket Women next weekend. Preparing for his
fourth major tournament as head coach of the national team, Blazek has
thrown a surprise by omitting Lenka Bartakova, who participated at the
London Olympics last year as the Czechs reached the quarter-finals.
But, with veteran Veronika Bortelova back on board to orchestrate
affairs at the point guard position, the coach explained that there was
simply no space for the 22-year-old Bartakova when it came to the final
shake-up. "We have decided to go with two playmakers, along with five
wings, four pivots and also [Jana] Vesela who can play at either the
three or four," said Blazek. "Currently I am convinced that Veronika
Bortelová gives very good performances and [Katarina] Bartoňová same.
"At that moment when we decided that we were not going to three [point
guards], the cards were dealt. Read more here.
June 7, 2013 - Avoiding post
Olympic blues
Great
Britain qualified for the tournament due to their status as host nation
of the 2012 Olympic Games. Great Britain caused something of a shock
when they went into their first EuroBasket Women tournament two years
ago, grabbing an unexpected victory and making it past the first round.
Having looked like she may not play due to her WNBA ambitions, the
return of Johannah Leedham to the roster is an immeasurable boost to
the prospects of Great Britain. She has always been the one player with
the extra little bit of class to make a difference in games. The
shooting guard can score in bunches, has quick hands defensively and
will be an even more rounded player after her exploits last season in
helping a short-handed Bourges to third place at the EuroLeague Women
Final Eight. Read more here.
June 7, 2013 - Can Mondelo find
the perfect fusion?
Spain
finished second in Group D last summer with a 6-2 record and they will
get the chance to avenge two losses against group winners Sweden, when
they resume their rivalry in Vannes. Spain suffered a disappointing
early exit two years ago in Poland and didn't make it to the final
phase of the competition, something which ended a superb record of five
successive medal placings. This year is also the 20th anniversary of
their only ever EuroBasket Women title. After missing out last summer,
point guard Silvia Dominguez is back to run the plays, fresh from
having secured a third successive EuroLeague Women title, with a third
different club. She will be full of confidence after her success in her
first campaign with UMMC Ekaterinburg and reunites her working
relationship from Perfumerias Avenida with head coach Lucas Mondelo.
Read more here.
June 7, 2013 - Do the Shooters
hold the Key?
France
finished with a bronze medal at EuroBasket Women 2011 and then bettered
their medal haul with a silver last summer at the London Olympics. The
home side are bidding to land their third EuroBasket Women title,
having topped the podium in both 2001 and 2009. Incredibly, they have
never finished below fifth spot when they have competed at a Final
Round. There is little doubt that the spotlight will shine brightly on
reigning FIBA Europe Women's Player of the Year, Celine Dumerc. Whilst
she's always been touted by most as one of the best playmakers in
Europe, her Olympic exploits finally gained her more widespread global
recognition and respect. She showed her offensive capabilities in the
British capital, having previously been labelled as more of a defensive
specialist and provider for others. Read more here.
June 7, 2013 - Turkey down to
14, Prince fear
Turkey
have made six cuts as they reduce their roster to 14 players, whilst
Russia have been left sweating on the fitness of Epiphanny Prince who
turned her ankle on debut. After finally reducing his 20-strong
candidate list, Turkish head coach Ceyhun Yildozoglu has revealed he is
taking 14 players to play in the last preparation tournament in France
and will therefore not be naming his final roster until the last
minute. With a little over a week remaining until Turkey takes to the
floor in Vannes, the play-caller decided to dispense with no fewer than
six players, as 1990's born Merve Aydin, Olcay Cakir, Pinar Demirok,
Elif Emirtekin, Ozge Kavurmacioglu and Tugce Murat all had their
respective dreams dashed. Despite their disappointment, one teenager
has made it to the last fourteen. Read more here.
June 6, 2013 - Test for
new-look Azzurre
Rather
worryingly, a new-look Italy lost their opening qualification game last
summer in Latvia, but the early concerns were blown away when then
subsequently won an impressive seven consecutive games to top Group E
with a 7-1 record. Italy didn't feature at EuroBasket Women 2011, after
failing to find the necessary edge and spark in the qualifying games.
They have twice made the final of the competition, coming out with
silver in 1995 and landing gold way back in 1938. Giorgia Sottana is a
point guard who is always fun to watch because of the diverse nature of
her game and creative flair. Whilst sometimes she can blow hot and
cold, when she gets red-hot, she really can be a momentum changer for
her team. She is a fabulous passer and can also penetrate effectively
to the hoop which means she is a constant danger. Read more here.
June 6, 2013 - Heartbreak for
Rodriguez, one cut left
Spanish
head coach Lucas Mondelo is edging ever closer to determining his final
roster after following up his decision to cut Anna Cruz by ending the
hopes of fellow shooting guard Leonor Rodriguez. The Florida State
University graduate, who recently inked her first pro-deal with
Mondelo's former club side Perfumerias Avenida, had been widely touted
to force her way onto the team. However, after having an opportunity to
shine in five friendly games, she will have to wait a little longer for
a tournament debut at senior level. It was another tough call for
Mondelo, who paid tribute to the 21-year-old. "Leonor Rodriguez has
been very close to entering the final list, because she is a quality
player who has demonstrated a level of adaptation to our basketball
more than last season, when she was a guest in the selection process,"
stressed the play-caller. Read more here.
June 5, 2013 - From atonement
to achievement
Sweden
topped Qualification Round Group D to finish with a 7-1 qualifying
record, including an impressive home and away double over fellow
qualifiers Spain, who they will meet again this summer. The last time
Sweden were at a Final Round was back in 1987, when they achieved their
best ever finish of seventh place. This is their fifth ever appearance.
Affectionately described by center Louice Halvarsson as 'Frida Power',
the player leading the team will be Frida Eldebrink. The shooting guard
was the top scorer of any team during qualification last summer,
racking up 20.9 points per game. She has just returned from wrist
surgery, which prematurely ended her season with Bourges - although she
will get the chance to resume her EuroLeague Women career next season,
after penning a deal with Rivas Ecopolis. Read more here.
June 5, 2013 - New chapter for
Champions
Russia
arrive after scooping gold two years ago in Poland and having also made
the Olympic semi-finals in London last summer. With a staggering eight
podium finishes during the last 18 years and three gold medals in the
last decade alone, Russia have a rich and impressive heritage in the
competition. There is likely to be an increased opportunity for players
such as shooting duo Evgenia Belyakova and Natalia Zhedik to rise to
prominence and play with greater freedom under the new structure. There
is also excitement at the progress of Natalia Vieru during recent
seasons in the paint and her performances could definitely be something
to savour with anticipation high that she can produce a true
breakthrough tournament at this level. Meanwhile forward Anna Petrakova
produced the finest form of her career under the tutelage of recently
installed head coach Alfredas Vainauskas whilst at Dynamo Kursk in
2011-12 and she could really come alive this summer. Read more here.
June 5, 2013 - Latvia trim
roster to twelve
Whilst
Latvia head coach Aigars Nerips is not slamming the door just yet on
his final twelve players for EuroBasket Women 2013, the play-caller has
named his most likely line-up. Heading to a preparation tournament in
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic to face the hosts, China and Russia,
Nerips has trimmed his list of players to twelve. Whilst a longer list
of candidates will continue to practice next week, he has indicated
this is likely to be his final list for France - barring any subsequent
injury issues. "A month of practices and seven friendly games have
helped evaluate the players" said the coach. "Though the answers to all
questions have not been answered yet and currently some of the twelve
players will have to work for the coaching staff not to change their
minds. "This includes work in practices, tactical discipline on the
court as well being supportive from the bench. Read more here.
June 4, 2013 - Heading into the
unknown
This
is the third consecutive Final Round appearance for the Slovak
Republic, exactly 20 years after their first. However the halcyon days
of 1993-1999 are now but a distant memory - a time when they reached
four semi-finals in a row, to harvest bronze and silver medals. Until
EuroBasket Women 2011 when they went out after the first phase, they
had held a proud record of having always made the quarter-finals.The
Slovak Republic had a sparkling summer last year, riding out winners of
Qualification Round Group C, with seven wins from their eight
qualification games. She rarely gets the recognition of other European
players due to her impressively unassuming approach to everything she
does, but Lucia Kupcikova is a colossus for her team. The small forward
isn't necessarily a clutch player; she is an all-action 40-minute
player, who holds her team together. Read more here.
June 4, 2013 - Return of
Leedham boosts British hopes
Great
Britain head coach Damian Jennings has expressed his delight after
marquee player Johannah Leedham confirmed she will participate at
EuroBasket Women after all. After being named in the initial Great
Britain squad for 2013, Leedham was unavailable to join camp as she
tried out with WNBA side, Connecticut Sun. But, she did not make the
final cut and has belatedly returned to link up with her Great Britain
team mates. "We are pleased to have her as a person and as a basketball
talent as we complete our final preparation phase leading into France,"
said Jennings. "It was great to see Jo do so well during training camp
in Connecticut and I have no doubt she will be even more determined to
play in the WNBA - I'm sure you will see her improving every year in
pursuit of that goal." Read more here.
June 4, 2013 - Final selection
made for Sweden
After
not appearing at EuroBasket Women Final Round since the eighties,
Sweden have named the twelve players entrusted with making the most of
their return to the top table. There were a few surprises thrown up by
head coach Lars Johansson, who had to inflict heartbreak on Martina
Staalvant and Agnes Nordstrom, who both played in qualification last
summer but won't be heading to France. Staalvant in particular has been
a regular for several years as the back-up point guard and so is likely
to be particularly distraught at missing out. Meanwhile Johanna Kallman
was the third player to be cut from the 15 players that had remained
over the weekend, after the Four Nations Tournament against Great
Britain, Latvia and the Turkish A2 team. Read more here.
June 4, 2013 - Vojtko confirms
Slovak Republic roster
Slovak
Republic head coach Ivan Vojtko has finalised his roster for EuroBasket
Women 2013, although it was not as he had planned earlier this year.
The play-caller laid out his intentions for the tournament several
months ago, in the hope he would be able to call upon all of the
players who gave such a good account of themselves during an impressive
qualification campaign, plus naturalised forward Erin Lawless and a
number of the best young emerging players. However, Lawless will not be
participating and neither will Ivana Jalcova, Regina Palusna, Luisa
Michulkova, Andrea Oravcova and Janka Mincikova. But, he can at least
be heartened by the return of point guard Gabriela Kubatova from her
ACL injury and also the inclusion of team leader Lucia Kupcikova. Read
more here.
June 4, 2013 - Solopova and
Pikciute miss out
Lithuania
have confirmed their roster for EuroBasket Women and it won't include
Marina Solopova or Lina Pikciute, after the duo were the last players
to be released. The decision taken by head coach Algirdas Paulauskas
over Solopova was particularly difficult in the context of having to
already deal with a lengthy list of influential absentees, including
the likes of Sandra Linkeviciene, Rima Valentiene, Ausra Bimbaite and
Egle Sulciute. But, the feisty and dynamic small forward who averaged
six points per game at EuroBasket Women 2011, has been suffering from a
back problem of late which has limited her effectiveness. And, on that
basis, the play-caller decided to cut her from the final line-up along
with Pikciute. Lithuania are likely to be led by former FIBA Europe
Young Women's Player of the Year, Gintare Petronyte, who racked up a
stellar double-double during the qualification games last summer. Read
more here.
June 4, 2013 - Still punching
above their weight
Montenegro
grabbed their spot after winning Qualification Round Group B last
summer with a 6-2 record, although they had to rely on coming out on
top in a dramatic three-way tie with Serbia and Poland. With less than
a decade behind them as an independent nation, Montenegro took a
historic step at EuroBasket Women 2011, when they participated at their
first major tournament. No team has made the same kind of impact on
debut as the new kids on the block announced their arrival in
spectacular fashion, with not only a historic first victory, but a
sensational six wins in a row. Veteran playmaker Jelena Skerovic will
continue to direct traffic in the backcourt and she will be a vital cog
in the wheel as one of the best passers around. In the frontcourt, both
Iva Perovanovic and Jelena Dubljevic will combine to do the most damage
in the paint. Read more here.
June 4, 2013 - Underdogs or a
dark horse?
Ukraine
punched their ticket by the narrowest of margins, after finishing
second in Qualification Round Group A last summer with a 5-3 record -
the same as Hungary. But crucially, Ukraine did the double over their
rivals. Ukraine last featured at a Final Round in Latvia during 2009,
but lost all of their games and that campaign came after a six-year
hiatus. They are however a nation that knows the sweet taste of
success, having topped the podium with a glorious gold back in 1995.
The stage looks set for the phenomenal talent of reigning FIBA Europe
Young Women's Player of the Year, Alina Iagupova to shine. She may
still be young, but the shooting guard is the player who makes Ukraine
tick and contributes in so many facets of the game due to her extensive
skill-set. Read more here.
June 3, 2013 - Can the momentum
be maintained?
Turkey
qualified directly for the tournament after reaching the Final two
years ago, which also led to them reaching the quarter-finals of the
Olympics last summer. Turkey have qualified for their fifth successive
EuroBasket Women Final Round and achieved their best finish last time
out in Poland with a silver medal. Leading the way is Nevriye Yilmaz,
the figurehead for this team and a true star - although her degree of
participation had been shrouded in uncertainty due to a serious injury
which sidelined her for almost all of the 2012-13 club season. However,
it looks one of the most respected and best frontcourt players in
Europe will play and she will have support under the hoop from
naturalised center and recently crowned EuroLeague Women champion,
Quanitra Hollingsworth. The anchor in the backcourt is still the
irrepressible Birsel Vardarli. Read more here.
May 30, 2013 - Rosters begin to
take shape
There
has been a raft of cuts during the last day or so for a number of
EuroBasket Women participants, as head coaches begin to bear down on
their final roster choice with just over a fortnight remaining until
the big tip-off. Pierre Vincent has paved the way for one more unlucky
player to miss out after trimming down the French roster to 13 players
after releasing Kristen Sharp who had been a potential naturalised
option, along with center Helena Ciak and small forward Pauline
Krawczyk. Surviving the penultimate cut were Gaelle Skrela and Ana
Cata-Chitiga who have both been left disappointed right at the last
minute previously, whilst teenage forward Valeriane Ayayi is still on
course to make the final roster. After already losing a host of
players, new Russian play-caller Alfredas Vainauskas has been hit by
more injury problems after he had to release Ekaterina Ruzanova and
Tatiana Vidmer. Read more here.
May 29, 2013 - Aleksic ready
for added responsibility
There
is arguably no bigger role for any Montenegrin player in the years
ahead, than the one which is likely to be thrust upon Snezana Aleksic.
As part of the primary three guard rotation, she is the junior member
of the gang with her backcourt colleagues Jelena Skerovic and Anna De
Forge having a combined age of 69. Her more experienced team-mates will
once again be absolutely vital in determining whether Montenegro can
make the same kind of extraordinary impact as they did on debut two
years ago, when they finished in sixth spot. But, with both players
undeniably in the twilight of their respective careers, Aleksic is
acutely aware that she is likely to be the one tasked with carrying the
torch for her team in the medium term. Read more here.
May 28, 2013 - Coach Johansson
handed valuable key
Lars
Johansson has been handed a potential boost ahead of EuroBasket Women
after Ashley Key was granted Swedish citizenship which has sparked a
race to get her paperwork in order so she can become a genuine option
for selection ahead of the tournament. The 27-year-old who was once
drafted to the WNBA, has spent the last four seasons in Sweden,
cementing her status as one of the best players in the league. A
do-it-all guard who can not only contribute offensively, she is known
for her defensive capabilities and rebounding prowess. Key had already
been spending time preparing for the possibility that she could become
a naturalised player for her adopted homeland, something which could be
about to be realised. She said "It feels great to get a chance to take
a place in the Swedish national team." Read more here.
May 28, 2013 - EuroBasket
begins Ress' second career
Fourteen
months ago, Kathrin Ress lived a life-changing experience, by giving
birth to her first son, Sebastian. Now the 27-year old is eager to
check into Italy's new deal at EuroBasket Women 2013. For the first
time, Ress will be one of Italy's veteran players, as only Raffaella
Masciadri and Nnena Wabara are older. She can bring her experience in
WNBA and FIBA Europe competitions (she played in two EuroBasket Women
editions - 2007 and 2009; and won the EuroCup Women in 2008), and it
will be a crucial presence, as Kathrin is one of Italy's few centers
with international tenure. Even though Roberto Ricchini's squad had an
excellent EuroBasket Women Qualification Round, with seven wins out of
eight games, the side needs to step up in order to compete at the final
stage. And Kathrin Ress and Chiara Consolini's comebacks can provide
major help. Read more here.
May 27, 2013 - Poland left
reeling as star duo retire
Polish
basketball has been left stunned after two of its most influential
players and biggest stars of the last decade, Ewelina Kobryn and
Agnieszka Bibrzycka, both opted to end their long associations with the
senior national team. Speaking to Dziennik Polski 24. Kobryn confirmed,
"I have made a decision to end my career with the National Team. I sent
the Polish Basketball Association a letter with similar content like
Aga Bibrzycka. The decision is final." The center, who turned 31-years
old earlier this month, has played for her country since 2003 when she
helped Poland reach the semi-finals of EuroBasket Women. She last
appeared when her nation hosted the event two years, contributing a
healthy 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Bibrzycka has been
playing for the national team for even longer, debuting at the tender
age of 18 years old alongside the likes of the legendary late
Malgorzata Dydek at EuroBasket Women 2001. Read more here.
May 27, 2013 - Serbia, Latvia
Spring Surprises
Serbia
has twice prevailed over Sweden in back-to-back games on Saturday and
Sunday in Belgrade. Going up against the Scandinavian side after
returning from a training camp in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, where they
had split two meetings with Slovakia, Serbia overcame the Swedes 76-65
on Saturday with Jelena Milovanovic leading the way with 18 points.
Milica Dabovic added 10, whilst another five players contributed six or
more points. Sweden had five players in double-digits in scoring, but
with Elin Eldebrink only top-scoring with 12 points, their offensive
output proved too little against the Balkan side. In the re-match on
Sunday, Serbia escaped with a win in a close affair, 77-72. Playing
without Milovanovic, Serbia found their most productive scorer in
Jovana Rad, who had 14 points with Milica Dabovic again scoring in
double figures, finishing with 12. Read more here.
May 23, 2013 - Leuchanka ready
to lose bitter taste
Some
two years after shedding the wrong kind of tears at EuroBasket Women
2011, the bitter taste of disappointment is still lingering for Yelena
Leuchanka and Belarus. Having achieved success in the five years prior
to playing in Poland, the wheels came off when instead of pushing for a
podium place and Olympic berth, they found themselves with an early
ticket home to Minsk, meaning the center is now desperate to make
amends. "Honestly it's crazy - it's been two years now and I still have
a bitter taste in my mouth and I'm sure my teammates do too," bemoaned
Leuchanka. "Maybe mentally we just weren't there and maybe pressure
played a role - I still really don't know. "They say it's hard to get
to the top, but it's even harder to stay there. "We now have a lot to
prove, but only to ourselves - I know we will be ready this year." Read
more here.
May 21, 2013 - Rodriguez close
to Senior breakthrough
The
big question hanging over Spain remains whether head coach Lucas
Mondelo will choose the right blend of youth and experience during
coming weeks, with rising star Leonor Rodriguez still very much in the
frame. Having recently graduated from Florida State University, the
shooting ace was not only called up to the preparation camp for
EuroBasket Women 2013, but was also snapped up by Liga Femenina
champions Perfumerias Avenida. Anticipating her first professional
season in Salamanca, the player known to her friends simply as ‘Leo' is
hugely excited about the deal and even more so with former team-mate
and fellow young talent Mariona Ortiz also now on board. Read more here.
May 21, 2013 - France dominate
Italy
France
dominated Italy in a series of three friendlies played in three
different French cities from 18-20 May. Having failed to score more
than 43 points in the first two encounters, Italy were looking for
redemption ahead of the third meeting in Clermont-Ferrand. France had
different plans however and, in front of a frenetic 5,000-strong crowd,
stormed out the gates to a 20-7 first-quarter lead, never looking back
en-route to a 82-58 win. Sandrine Gruda and Endene Miyem dominated
inside for 19 and 17 points respectively, as head coach Pierre Vincent
used his entire 12-player rotation. Italy again found it difficult to
score throughout the game, with youngster Francesca Dotto coming out as
top-scorer with nine points. Veteran center Kathrin Ress added eight.
Read more here.
May 21, 2013 - Sweden And
Lithuania Edge Near Final 12
The
candidates of both Sweden and Lithuania have been reduced down to
fourteen and fifteen respectively, as each nation closes in on their
final chosen line-ups ahead of EuroBasket Women 2013. Swedish
play-caller Lars Johansson has almost reduced his roster in half with
no fewer than ten players on his original 24 name list having been
omitted from the latest list of 14 names now in contention to grab a
spot in Vannes. The most high profile player who is seemingly no longer
under consideration is Farhiya Abdi, who has been playing the WNBA
pre-season with the Los Angeles Sparks. Of the 14 players remaining, a
total of 12 will make the forthcoming trip to Serbia as preparation
continues for their first major tournament since 1987. Read more here.
May 20, 2013 - Disappointment
for Les Bleues quartet
Pierre
Vincent has whittled down the French roster to 16 names after releasing
four candidates over the weekend ahead of his team breezing past Italy
in the first two meetings of their three-game series. Having survived
the first cull a couple of weeks ago, there was disappointment for a
number of French players hoping to squeeze onto the hosts' roster for
next month's EuroBasket Women. Coach Vincent opted not to give a first
chance to Isabelle Strunc who has impressed in the French LFB with
Perpignan last season, nor utilise the perimeter threat posed by young
three-point shooter Sara Chevaugeon, or bring on board the athleticism
and energy offered by power forward Laetitia Kamba. Paoline Salagnac,
who recently signed for Bourges Basket, is likely to be most
disappointed of the four players to miss out. Despite the LFB champions
swooping her services, she missed the cut - something which has been a
regular occurrence in the past years. Read more here.
May 16, 2013 - Korstin counting
down for French return
When
the defending EuroBasket Women champions touch down on French soil next
month, nobody in the Russian delegation is likely to have a bigger
smile on their face than Ilona Korstin. The 32-year-old moved to France
as a teenager before subsequently enjoying success as a player with
Bourges and unsurprisingly, she is looking forward to hitting the
hardwood in Vannes. She said, "For me it's very special to play in
France because I have a lot of people who are close to me there. "This
French national team is very strong, but I think we will have a good
team and a good chance to play good and win. "I like France, but also I
want to win when playing against France," laughed Korstin. When the
action does get underway, it may feel slightly strange for Korstin and
fellow veteran Irina Osipova, having witnessed some of their
long-standing colleagues from a golden generation ebb away from the
roster. Read more here.
May 14, 2013 - Niedola
nightmare for depleted Latvia
An
already threadbare Latvian frontcourt has been left decimated after it
was revealed Sabine Niedola will be out of action for six months with a
torn ACL. The forward had been hoping to participate at her third
EuroBasket Women tournament, but she won't be heading to France next
month, as Latvia sustained a fresh hammer-blow to their prospects pf
making the second phase of the competition. Niedola sustained the
injury playing against Belarus in a preparation game in the Lithuanian
city of Alytus, although the player explained to sportacentrs.com that
it was not immediately clear how serious it was. However, despite no
significant swelling, tests confirmed an ACL tear in the left knee and
whilst not considered to be the worst kind of this injury, it is still
likely to keep Niedola out of action for the remainder of the calendar
year. Read more here.
May 10, 2013 - Dazzling debut
summer drives Jovanovic
When
the sharp-shooting Nevena Jovanovic finally pulled a senior Serbian
national team vest over her head last summer, it marked the start of
what has been a highly productive and memorable 12 months. Having
represented her country at youth level between 2005 and 2010, the 22
year old finally got the call she had been patiently waiting for, when
head coach Marina Maljkovic gave her a place on the roster for the
EuroBasket Women qualification campaign last year. The versatile
Jovanovic certainly grabbed the opportunity given to her with both
hands. She racked up a memorable debut campaign with nine points and
two assists per game, but most impressively, shot an eye-popping 48%
from the perimeter. It was a performance that put her on the
three-point shooting podium, her numbers the third best in the entire
competition. Meanwhile to add further joy, Serbia shrugged off the loss
of WNBA bound Sonja Petrovic and the absence of other key personnel, to
book their spot in France. Read more here.
May 7, 2013 - De Forge Returns
For Montenegro
Veteran
guard Anna De Forge will pull on the vest of Montenegro once again, two
years after last playing for her adopted nation at their historical
first major tournament appearance in Poland. The experience of De Forge
was vital in helping Montenegro take sixth spot at EuroBasket Women
2011, although she was subsequently replaced by Eshaya Murphy in the
naturalised spot during qualifying last summer. But, with Murphy no
longer participating, the shooting guard spot will be handed back to
the 37-year-old, who will re-join fellow veteran guard Jelena Skerovic
in the backcourt, with the pair having played alongside each other last
season at ZVVZ USK Prague. De Forge will arrive later than the rest of
the players at a training camp to be held in Zlatibor this week and
speaking ahead of the gathering, head coach Miodrag Baletic admitted
his team had some injury concerns. Read more here.
May 7, 2013 - Turkey Welcome
new Generation
A
number of rising Turkish stars have been given a promotion to the
senior set-up after head coach Ceyhun Yildizoglu welcomed a new
generation to his initial roster for EuroBasket Women 2013. The
preliminary list includes no fewer than nine players born in the
nineties, including plenty of new arrivals and not least, a quartet of
players who helped Turkey secure their first ever youth medal at the
U20 European Championship last summer in Debrecen. Bronze medal winning
Elif Emirtekin, Olcay Cakir, Ozge Kavurmacioglu and Merve Aydin, are
all included in the initial squad of nineteen. The latter two in
particular, have enjoyed good club seasons, with Kavurmacioglu racking
up big numbers at Besiktas and Aydin playing a role in helping Coach
Yildizoglu guide Mersin to an impressive third place in the Turkish
League. Read more here.
It
has hardly been the smoothest of preparation for Group A underdogs
Slovak Republic, and head coach Ivan Vojtko isn't expecting life to get
easier in their opener against Montenegro. Speaking ahead of the day
one clash in Vannes, the play-caller is anticipating a tough initiation
to EuroBasket Women 2013. "The first match will be important,"
reiterated Vojtko. "Montenegro entered the last EuroBasket Women
famously and it even seemed that they would go for medals, but they
gradually ran out of power. "We have the misfortune to play them now in
the opening match. They are very strong and experienced, particularly
the guards. "They have the ideal form of a team that dares to play for
those precious medals." Read more 
Latvia
will be out to cause one of the biggest shocks in EuroBasket Women
history when they open their 2013 campaign against France. The hosts
and silver medalists from last year's London 2012 Olympic Games are
heavy favourites to repeat their success of 2009 and lift the trophy in
front of their home fans. France come into the tournament good form too
having won all of their nine preparation games. But this doesn't
discourage Latvia guard Elina Babkina, who will shoulder the majority
of the scoring responsibility following a number of withdrawals due to
injury. Babkina said: "We have nothing to worry about because we have
nothing to lose. "We came here just to fight and to show who we are. It
doesn't matter who is against us, we respect all our opponents even if
they maybe don't respect us because we are missing some players. Read
more 
The
Czech Republic will face a familiar foe in their EuroBasket Women 2013
opener. Lubor Blazek's new-look side are entering a major competition
without either Eva Viteckova or Hana Horakova for the first time since
1999. But they will receive little sympathy from Belarus, with who they
share a growing rivalry, according to returning star Yelena Leuchanka.
"With the Czechs we have a little bit of history," said Leuchanka, who
is back with Belarus after spending last summer playing in the USA. "It
goes all the way back to Italy (EuroBasket Women 2007), they were then
European Champions but we played them and we won and then in the World
Championships (2010) we went to overtime. "They are a great team, very
big and strong. We have watched some film and they run a lot for their
size, it's amazing. We have our hands full but they still have to guard
us too." Due to all their changes, the Czechs are something of an
unknown quantity - even to themselves. Read more 
The
time has come for women's basketball to win its place back in the
spotlight in Serbia, starting at EuroBasket Women. That is the rallying
cry on the eve of the 2013 tournament from head coach Marina Maljkovic
as she prepares to lead an inexperienced group into the first round of
the competition in Trelaze, hoping that it will not be a brief stay.
This adventure, she says, has been years in the planning, way beyond
the summer of 2009 which proved to be the last time that the Serbs
earned their place in the finals. Until now. Formerly in charge of the
country's Under-18 and U19 teams, Maljkovic has been closely involved
with the grand project to raise the sport back to the heights it
enjoyed over three decades ago. It's not yet complete. "In all the
Balkans - Serbia, Croatia, everywhere, 30 years ago, women's basketball
was massively popular," she recounts. "Then with a lack of results,
different situations, war, it all went down. Now we're growing it back.
Read more 
Experienced
playmaker Inna Kochubei has insisted the heart and spirit of Ukraine,
blended with the confidence given to them by head coach Vadim Czeczuro,
will help them flourish on French soil. Despite having initially stated
that he feels Ukraine will be the weakest team in Group A, Kochubei
hinted her boss had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he made the
comment. "First of all, I want to tell everyone, our head coach is the
man who believes in our team the most," insisted the guard. "Every
single day, he reminds us about it and puts all of his heart into
working with us. "Like everyone else, our national team has been on a
pathway of serious preparation ahead of EuroBasket Women. "We have all
been working very hard in practice and will try to approach the
official games in our best shape. Read more 
Ukraine
head coach Vadim Czeczuro has decided upon his final roster for
EuroBasket Women 2013 in a list which is topped by current FIBA Europe
Young Women's Player of the year Alina Iagupova. There is a real buzz
of anticipation from those heading to Vannes and will see the talented
shooting guard in action. However, there will be some disappointment
that exciting forward Olesia Malashenko, who has been playing her club
basketball in France with Arras, hasn't recovered from a foot injury in
time to play. Veteran center Olena Zherzherunova won't be back on board
either, although there is a return for the experienced Olena
Ogorodnikova after maternity leave. She will be hoping to have the same
kind of impact as four years ago when she amassed an impressive 17
points per game at Final Round in Latvia. Read more 
After
sitting out most of EuroBasket Women 2011, Ana Lelas is raring to go as
Croatia prepare to switch from surprise package to having to deal with
increased expectation. A cornerstone of the Croatian team, Lelas has
been reflecting on what has been a remarkable couple of years. Two
years ago, Croatia walked off court against Montenegro staring into the
abyss, having lost two of their first three games in Katowice. They
looked certain to be on the plane back to Zagreb, but in the face of
adversity, they rallied to eventually finish fifth - despite losing
Lelas to injury. "The loss against Montenegro was a turning point for
us" concurred the forward. "There was nothing else to lose and we
played with no pressure which we should have done earlier. "We were the
biggest surprise and the injuries made us stronger as a team, when
nobody expected us to win. "It was definitely hard to be done with the
tournament after the third game, but I don't regret it because we did a
great job finishing fifth. Read more 
Italian
head coach Roberto Ricchini has sprung a surprise with his final
selection for EuroBasket Women 2013, by deciding to leave Famila Schio
guard Chiara Consolini at home. One of the few players in the candidate
list with any EuroLeague Women experience, it was widely anticipated
that Consolini would play a pivotal role, but instead, she will now
have to deal with the disappointing reality of being overlooked. Also
set to miss the EuroBasket Women party are Valeria Battisodo, Martina
Crippa and also Lavinia Santucci who didn't recover from an injury. The
other side of the coin was delight for two 1993-born young guns in the
form of guard Francesca Dotto and center Alessandra Formica, who hadn't
necessarily been expected to make it, but impressed during the
preparation games. Read more 
In
a dramatic twist of events, Epiphanny Prince will help reigning
EuroBasket Women champions Russia try and defend their title after
being included in the final candidate list. Confusion had reined over
the status of the naturalised guard after she sprained an ankle on
debut in a preparation game against China recently. After returning
home to the States for further medical assessment, it was confirmed she
would be out for 2-3 weeks and would not play, but doctors have
unexpectedly done a U-turn and given her the all-clear to step out in
Vannes. It is likely to be a considerable relief to head coach Alfredas
Vainauskas, who is already without a lengthy list of absentees and
especially since Prince is a player he knows and trusts due to also
being her club coach at Dynamo Kursk. Vainauskas took time to explain
his decision in composing the final roster, which led to Elena Volkova,
Mariia Cherepanova and Tatiana Abrikosova, all missing out. Read more 
Lithuania
finished second in Group C last summer, with six wins from their eight
qualification games. It's sixteen years since Lithuania topped the
podium for the only time in their history and they last made it to the
semi-finals back during 2005. The real plus point for Lithuania is that
former FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year Ginatre Petronyte may be
rejuvenating her career and finally dealing with the aftermath of the
overwhelming expectation which accompanied her during her teenage
years. Having perhaps struggled to live up to the hype so far, she was
simply outstanding last summer when she amassed a staggering
double-double of 18.3 points and 11.5 rebounds-per-game to drive her
team to another Final Round appearance. She is a powerful player who
seems to be maturing and fine-tuning her game under the hoop and she
will be tough to contain for opposing defences. Read more 
Czech
Republic qualified via finishing in fourth spot two years ago in Poland
and followed this up with a disappointing performance at the London
Olympics last summer, losing four of their six games. They have a mixed
record in the competition, often blowing hot or cold. They have
finished outside of the quarter-finals and in ninth spot on three
occasions, with their most productive period between 2003 and 2005,
when they reached the Final of the competition and went from silver to
gold. A terrific shooter and talent, Katerina Elhotova intriguingly
comes into the summer off the back of her least productive club season,
although fans will be hoping she can re-ignite her game in France. She
is a real danger from long-range and a smart player who if on form, can
have a big say in propelling Czech Republic to success. Read more 
Serbian
head coach Marina Maljkovic has put the finishing touches to her first
ever EuroBasket Women roster and will hand no fewer than seven players
a debut at the event. When Serbia step out in Trelaze at the weekend,
less than half of their roster will have tasted Final Round action,
with Ana Dabovic, Bojana Vulic, Sasa Cado, Dajana Butulija, Jovana Rad,
Nevena Jovanovic, and Sara Krnjic all now able to look forward to a
first major tournament experience. EuroLeague Women star Jelena
Milovanovic tops the list of those who have played previously at a
Final Round and she will be expected to lead the team from the
frontcourt. There are also five players included who play for Coach
Maljkovic at club level with Partizan Galenika. The two unfortunate
players who didn't make it were Tijana Ajdukovic and Aleksandra
Crvendakic. Read more 
Whatever
the outcome at EuroBasket Women 2013, Sweden won't be parting ways with
head coach Lars Johansson after he was handed a contract extension on
the eve of the tournament. The Federation have given the play-caller
the perfect tonic as he prepares to guide his nation back to the event
after a gap of 26 years. Having ensured Sweden punched their ticket in
emphatic fashion last summer by topping the Qualification Round Group D
with seven wins from eight games, including a memorable double over
Spain, he won't only be holding the reins in France, but also
potentially at EuroBasket Women 2015 too. The height of the ambition
and faith stored in Johansson is also further highlighted in that he
has been promised an extra 12-month extension if Sweden were to qualify
for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Read more 
Recently
appointed Damian Jennings has finalised his first roster ahead of his
inaugural tournament holding the coaching reins for Great Britain.
Despite having had the considerable satisfaction of welcoming back
Johannah Leedham - the ace in the British pack - the play-caller will
have to cope without three of his teams' top contributors from last
summers' Olympics in Julie Page, Temi Fagbenle and Natalie Stafford.
But, the retirement of Stafford has belatedly opened the door for
Stephanie Gandy, one of three players who have been handed a tournament
debut by Jennings. The naturalised Gandy has certainly had to be
patient, since former head coach Tom Maher always preferred Stafford,
but this time she will finally get to step out. She will be joined by
Oral Roberts University graduate and playmaker Georgia Jones, who was
also regularly overlooked by Maher and has finished her first
pro-season in the Romanian League. Read more 
Veteran
center Lucila Pascua has suffered the agony of being the last cut for
Spain, after head coach Lucas Mondelo selected his final roster for
EuroBasket Women 2013. Having previously dispensed with the services of
shooting guard duo Anna Cruz and Leonor Rodriguez, it was almost
inevitable that there would also be a frontcourt casualty. With an
injury concern in relation to WNBA participant Sancho Lyttle having
seemingly cleared up, leaving the forward free to join up with her
colleagues, there was no room for Pascua. Instead, Coach Mondelo opted
for the experience of Cindy Lima under the basket, along with Laura
Nicholls and also Laura Gil, who is one of three younger players set to
make their tournament debuts with the senior national team. Read more 
Serbia
sealed their trip to France despite having seen their qualification
hopes balanced on a real knife-edge. They eventually finished second in
Qualification Round Group B with a 6-2 record, squeezing out a
crestfallen Poland in a three-way tie and progressing behind neighbours
Montenegro. Since becoming an independent nation, Serbia first
qualified for the tournament in Italy six years ago, when they finished
11th and then 13th place in 2009 in Latvia. However, they failed to
make it to EuroBasket Women 2011. There is lots of talent on the
Serbian roster, with Jelena Milovanovic leading the frontcourt. She
finished as the second highest scorer in EuroLeague Women last season
with UE Sopron and seems to have returned to her best form after
shrugging off the injury woe which meant limited participation last
summer. Read more 
Czech
Republic play-caller Lubor Blazek has selected his final twelve players
ahead of the start of EuroBasket Women next weekend. Preparing for his
fourth major tournament as head coach of the national team, Blazek has
thrown a surprise by omitting Lenka Bartakova, who participated at the
London Olympics last year as the Czechs reached the quarter-finals.
But, with veteran Veronika Bortelova back on board to orchestrate
affairs at the point guard position, the coach explained that there was
simply no space for the 22-year-old Bartakova when it came to the final
shake-up. "We have decided to go with two playmakers, along with five
wings, four pivots and also [Jana] Vesela who can play at either the
three or four," said Blazek. "Currently I am convinced that Veronika
Bortelová gives very good performances and [Katarina] Bartoňová same.
"At that moment when we decided that we were not going to three [point
guards], the cards were dealt. Read more 
Great
Britain qualified for the tournament due to their status as host nation
of the 2012 Olympic Games. Great Britain caused something of a shock
when they went into their first EuroBasket Women tournament two years
ago, grabbing an unexpected victory and making it past the first round.
Having looked like she may not play due to her WNBA ambitions, the
return of Johannah Leedham to the roster is an immeasurable boost to
the prospects of Great Britain. She has always been the one player with
the extra little bit of class to make a difference in games. The
shooting guard can score in bunches, has quick hands defensively and
will be an even more rounded player after her exploits last season in
helping a short-handed Bourges to third place at the EuroLeague Women
Final Eight. Read more 
Spain
finished second in Group D last summer with a 6-2 record and they will
get the chance to avenge two losses against group winners Sweden, when
they resume their rivalry in Vannes. Spain suffered a disappointing
early exit two years ago in Poland and didn't make it to the final
phase of the competition, something which ended a superb record of five
successive medal placings. This year is also the 20th anniversary of
their only ever EuroBasket Women title. After missing out last summer,
point guard Silvia Dominguez is back to run the plays, fresh from
having secured a third successive EuroLeague Women title, with a third
different club. She will be full of confidence after her success in her
first campaign with UMMC Ekaterinburg and reunites her working
relationship from Perfumerias Avenida with head coach Lucas Mondelo.
Read more 
France
finished with a bronze medal at EuroBasket Women 2011 and then bettered
their medal haul with a silver last summer at the London Olympics. The
home side are bidding to land their third EuroBasket Women title,
having topped the podium in both 2001 and 2009. Incredibly, they have
never finished below fifth spot when they have competed at a Final
Round. There is little doubt that the spotlight will shine brightly on
reigning FIBA Europe Women's Player of the Year, Celine Dumerc. Whilst
she's always been touted by most as one of the best playmakers in
Europe, her Olympic exploits finally gained her more widespread global
recognition and respect. She showed her offensive capabilities in the
British capital, having previously been labelled as more of a defensive
specialist and provider for others. Read more 
Turkey
have made six cuts as they reduce their roster to 14 players, whilst
Russia have been left sweating on the fitness of Epiphanny Prince who
turned her ankle on debut. After finally reducing his 20-strong
candidate list, Turkish head coach Ceyhun Yildozoglu has revealed he is
taking 14 players to play in the last preparation tournament in France
and will therefore not be naming his final roster until the last
minute. With a little over a week remaining until Turkey takes to the
floor in Vannes, the play-caller decided to dispense with no fewer than
six players, as 1990's born Merve Aydin, Olcay Cakir, Pinar Demirok,
Elif Emirtekin, Ozge Kavurmacioglu and Tugce Murat all had their
respective dreams dashed. Despite their disappointment, one teenager
has made it to the last fourteen. Read more 
Rather
worryingly, a new-look Italy lost their opening qualification game last
summer in Latvia, but the early concerns were blown away when then
subsequently won an impressive seven consecutive games to top Group E
with a 7-1 record. Italy didn't feature at EuroBasket Women 2011, after
failing to find the necessary edge and spark in the qualifying games.
They have twice made the final of the competition, coming out with
silver in 1995 and landing gold way back in 1938. Giorgia Sottana is a
point guard who is always fun to watch because of the diverse nature of
her game and creative flair. Whilst sometimes she can blow hot and
cold, when she gets red-hot, she really can be a momentum changer for
her team. She is a fabulous passer and can also penetrate effectively
to the hoop which means she is a constant danger. Read more 
Spanish
head coach Lucas Mondelo is edging ever closer to determining his final
roster after following up his decision to cut Anna Cruz by ending the
hopes of fellow shooting guard Leonor Rodriguez. The Florida State
University graduate, who recently inked her first pro-deal with
Mondelo's former club side Perfumerias Avenida, had been widely touted
to force her way onto the team. However, after having an opportunity to
shine in five friendly games, she will have to wait a little longer for
a tournament debut at senior level. It was another tough call for
Mondelo, who paid tribute to the 21-year-old. "Leonor Rodriguez has
been very close to entering the final list, because she is a quality
player who has demonstrated a level of adaptation to our basketball
more than last season, when she was a guest in the selection process,"
stressed the play-caller. Read more 
Sweden
topped Qualification Round Group D to finish with a 7-1 qualifying
record, including an impressive home and away double over fellow
qualifiers Spain, who they will meet again this summer. The last time
Sweden were at a Final Round was back in 1987, when they achieved their
best ever finish of seventh place. This is their fifth ever appearance.
Affectionately described by center Louice Halvarsson as 'Frida Power',
the player leading the team will be Frida Eldebrink. The shooting guard
was the top scorer of any team during qualification last summer,
racking up 20.9 points per game. She has just returned from wrist
surgery, which prematurely ended her season with Bourges - although she
will get the chance to resume her EuroLeague Women career next season,
after penning a deal with Rivas Ecopolis. Read more 
Russia
arrive after scooping gold two years ago in Poland and having also made
the Olympic semi-finals in London last summer. With a staggering eight
podium finishes during the last 18 years and three gold medals in the
last decade alone, Russia have a rich and impressive heritage in the
competition. There is likely to be an increased opportunity for players
such as shooting duo Evgenia Belyakova and Natalia Zhedik to rise to
prominence and play with greater freedom under the new structure. There
is also excitement at the progress of Natalia Vieru during recent
seasons in the paint and her performances could definitely be something
to savour with anticipation high that she can produce a true
breakthrough tournament at this level. Meanwhile forward Anna Petrakova
produced the finest form of her career under the tutelage of recently
installed head coach Alfredas Vainauskas whilst at Dynamo Kursk in
2011-12 and she could really come alive this summer. Read more 
Whilst
Latvia head coach Aigars Nerips is not slamming the door just yet on
his final twelve players for EuroBasket Women 2013, the play-caller has
named his most likely line-up. Heading to a preparation tournament in
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic to face the hosts, China and Russia,
Nerips has trimmed his list of players to twelve. Whilst a longer list
of candidates will continue to practice next week, he has indicated
this is likely to be his final list for France - barring any subsequent
injury issues. "A month of practices and seven friendly games have
helped evaluate the players" said the coach. "Though the answers to all
questions have not been answered yet and currently some of the twelve
players will have to work for the coaching staff not to change their
minds. "This includes work in practices, tactical discipline on the
court as well being supportive from the bench. Read more 
This
is the third consecutive Final Round appearance for the Slovak
Republic, exactly 20 years after their first. However the halcyon days
of 1993-1999 are now but a distant memory - a time when they reached
four semi-finals in a row, to harvest bronze and silver medals. Until
EuroBasket Women 2011 when they went out after the first phase, they
had held a proud record of having always made the quarter-finals.The
Slovak Republic had a sparkling summer last year, riding out winners of
Qualification Round Group C, with seven wins from their eight
qualification games. She rarely gets the recognition of other European
players due to her impressively unassuming approach to everything she
does, but Lucia Kupcikova is a colossus for her team. The small forward
isn't necessarily a clutch player; she is an all-action 40-minute
player, who holds her team together. Read more 
After
not appearing at EuroBasket Women Final Round since the eighties,
Sweden have named the twelve players entrusted with making the most of
their return to the top table. There were a few surprises thrown up by
head coach Lars Johansson, who had to inflict heartbreak on Martina
Staalvant and Agnes Nordstrom, who both played in qualification last
summer but won't be heading to France. Staalvant in particular has been
a regular for several years as the back-up point guard and so is likely
to be particularly distraught at missing out. Meanwhile Johanna Kallman
was the third player to be cut from the 15 players that had remained
over the weekend, after the Four Nations Tournament against Great
Britain, Latvia and the Turkish A2 team. Read more 
Lithuania
have confirmed their roster for EuroBasket Women and it won't include
Marina Solopova or Lina Pikciute, after the duo were the last players
to be released. The decision taken by head coach Algirdas Paulauskas
over Solopova was particularly difficult in the context of having to
already deal with a lengthy list of influential absentees, including
the likes of Sandra Linkeviciene, Rima Valentiene, Ausra Bimbaite and
Egle Sulciute. But, the feisty and dynamic small forward who averaged
six points per game at EuroBasket Women 2011, has been suffering from a
back problem of late which has limited her effectiveness. And, on that
basis, the play-caller decided to cut her from the final line-up along
with Pikciute. Lithuania are likely to be led by former FIBA Europe
Young Women's Player of the Year, Gintare Petronyte, who racked up a
stellar double-double during the qualification games last summer. Read
more 
Montenegro
grabbed their spot after winning Qualification Round Group B last
summer with a 6-2 record, although they had to rely on coming out on
top in a dramatic three-way tie with Serbia and Poland. With less than
a decade behind them as an independent nation, Montenegro took a
historic step at EuroBasket Women 2011, when they participated at their
first major tournament. No team has made the same kind of impact on
debut as the new kids on the block announced their arrival in
spectacular fashion, with not only a historic first victory, but a
sensational six wins in a row. Veteran playmaker Jelena Skerovic will
continue to direct traffic in the backcourt and she will be a vital cog
in the wheel as one of the best passers around. In the frontcourt, both
Iva Perovanovic and Jelena Dubljevic will combine to do the most damage
in the paint. Read more 
Turkey
qualified directly for the tournament after reaching the Final two
years ago, which also led to them reaching the quarter-finals of the
Olympics last summer. Turkey have qualified for their fifth successive
EuroBasket Women Final Round and achieved their best finish last time
out in Poland with a silver medal. Leading the way is Nevriye Yilmaz,
the figurehead for this team and a true star - although her degree of
participation had been shrouded in uncertainty due to a serious injury
which sidelined her for almost all of the 2012-13 club season. However,
it looks one of the most respected and best frontcourt players in
Europe will play and she will have support under the hoop from
naturalised center and recently crowned EuroLeague Women champion,
Quanitra Hollingsworth. The anchor in the backcourt is still the
irrepressible Birsel Vardarli. Read more 
There
has been a raft of cuts during the last day or so for a number of
EuroBasket Women participants, as head coaches begin to bear down on
their final roster choice with just over a fortnight remaining until
the big tip-off. Pierre Vincent has paved the way for one more unlucky
player to miss out after trimming down the French roster to 13 players
after releasing Kristen Sharp who had been a potential naturalised
option, along with center Helena Ciak and small forward Pauline
Krawczyk. Surviving the penultimate cut were Gaelle Skrela and Ana
Cata-Chitiga who have both been left disappointed right at the last
minute previously, whilst teenage forward Valeriane Ayayi is still on
course to make the final roster. After already losing a host of
players, new Russian play-caller Alfredas Vainauskas has been hit by
more injury problems after he had to release Ekaterina Ruzanova and
Tatiana Vidmer. Read more 
There
is arguably no bigger role for any Montenegrin player in the years
ahead, than the one which is likely to be thrust upon Snezana Aleksic.
As part of the primary three guard rotation, she is the junior member
of the gang with her backcourt colleagues Jelena Skerovic and Anna De
Forge having a combined age of 69. Her more experienced team-mates will
once again be absolutely vital in determining whether Montenegro can
make the same kind of extraordinary impact as they did on debut two
years ago, when they finished in sixth spot. But, with both players
undeniably in the twilight of their respective careers, Aleksic is
acutely aware that she is likely to be the one tasked with carrying the
torch for her team in the medium term. Read more 
Lars
Johansson has been handed a potential boost ahead of EuroBasket Women
after Ashley Key was granted Swedish citizenship which has sparked a
race to get her paperwork in order so she can become a genuine option
for selection ahead of the tournament. The 27-year-old who was once
drafted to the WNBA, has spent the last four seasons in Sweden,
cementing her status as one of the best players in the league. A
do-it-all guard who can not only contribute offensively, she is known
for her defensive capabilities and rebounding prowess. Key had already
been spending time preparing for the possibility that she could become
a naturalised player for her adopted homeland, something which could be
about to be realised. She said "It feels great to get a chance to take
a place in the Swedish national team." Read more 
Fourteen
months ago, Kathrin Ress lived a life-changing experience, by giving
birth to her first son, Sebastian. Now the 27-year old is eager to
check into Italy's new deal at EuroBasket Women 2013. For the first
time, Ress will be one of Italy's veteran players, as only Raffaella
Masciadri and Nnena Wabara are older. She can bring her experience in
WNBA and FIBA Europe competitions (she played in two EuroBasket Women
editions - 2007 and 2009; and won the EuroCup Women in 2008), and it
will be a crucial presence, as Kathrin is one of Italy's few centers
with international tenure. Even though Roberto Ricchini's squad had an
excellent EuroBasket Women Qualification Round, with seven wins out of
eight games, the side needs to step up in order to compete at the final
stage. And Kathrin Ress and Chiara Consolini's comebacks can provide
major help. Read more 
Polish
basketball has been left stunned after two of its most influential
players and biggest stars of the last decade, Ewelina Kobryn and
Agnieszka Bibrzycka, both opted to end their long associations with the
senior national team. Speaking to Dziennik Polski 24. Kobryn confirmed,
"I have made a decision to end my career with the National Team. I sent
the Polish Basketball Association a letter with similar content like
Aga Bibrzycka. The decision is final." The center, who turned 31-years
old earlier this month, has played for her country since 2003 when she
helped Poland reach the semi-finals of EuroBasket Women. She last
appeared when her nation hosted the event two years, contributing a
healthy 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Bibrzycka has been
playing for the national team for even longer, debuting at the tender
age of 18 years old alongside the likes of the legendary late
Malgorzata Dydek at EuroBasket Women 2001. Read more 
France
dominated Italy in a series of three friendlies played in three
different French cities from 18-20 May. Having failed to score more
than 43 points in the first two encounters, Italy were looking for
redemption ahead of the third meeting in Clermont-Ferrand. France had
different plans however and, in front of a frenetic 5,000-strong crowd,
stormed out the gates to a 20-7 first-quarter lead, never looking back
en-route to a 82-58 win. Sandrine Gruda and Endene Miyem dominated
inside for 19 and 17 points respectively, as head coach Pierre Vincent
used his entire 12-player rotation. Italy again found it difficult to
score throughout the game, with youngster Francesca Dotto coming out as
top-scorer with nine points. Veteran center Kathrin Ress added eight.
Read more 
The
candidates of both Sweden and Lithuania have been reduced down to
fourteen and fifteen respectively, as each nation closes in on their
final chosen line-ups ahead of EuroBasket Women 2013. Swedish
play-caller Lars Johansson has almost reduced his roster in half with
no fewer than ten players on his original 24 name list having been
omitted from the latest list of 14 names now in contention to grab a
spot in Vannes. The most high profile player who is seemingly no longer
under consideration is Farhiya Abdi, who has been playing the WNBA
pre-season with the Los Angeles Sparks. Of the 14 players remaining, a
total of 12 will make the forthcoming trip to Serbia as preparation
continues for their first major tournament since 1987. Read more 
Pierre
Vincent has whittled down the French roster to 16 names after releasing
four candidates over the weekend ahead of his team breezing past Italy
in the first two meetings of their three-game series. Having survived
the first cull a couple of weeks ago, there was disappointment for a
number of French players hoping to squeeze onto the hosts' roster for
next month's EuroBasket Women. Coach Vincent opted not to give a first
chance to Isabelle Strunc who has impressed in the French LFB with
Perpignan last season, nor utilise the perimeter threat posed by young
three-point shooter Sara Chevaugeon, or bring on board the athleticism
and energy offered by power forward Laetitia Kamba. Paoline Salagnac,
who recently signed for Bourges Basket, is likely to be most
disappointed of the four players to miss out. Despite the LFB champions
swooping her services, she missed the cut - something which has been a
regular occurrence in the past years. Read more 
An
already threadbare Latvian frontcourt has been left decimated after it
was revealed Sabine Niedola will be out of action for six months with a
torn ACL. The forward had been hoping to participate at her third
EuroBasket Women tournament, but she won't be heading to France next
month, as Latvia sustained a fresh hammer-blow to their prospects pf
making the second phase of the competition. Niedola sustained the
injury playing against Belarus in a preparation game in the Lithuanian
city of Alytus, although the player explained to sportacentrs.com that
it was not immediately clear how serious it was. However, despite no
significant swelling, tests confirmed an ACL tear in the left knee and
whilst not considered to be the worst kind of this injury, it is still
likely to keep Niedola out of action for the remainder of the calendar
year. Read more 
When
the sharp-shooting Nevena Jovanovic finally pulled a senior Serbian
national team vest over her head last summer, it marked the start of
what has been a highly productive and memorable 12 months. Having
represented her country at youth level between 2005 and 2010, the 22
year old finally got the call she had been patiently waiting for, when
head coach Marina Maljkovic gave her a place on the roster for the
EuroBasket Women qualification campaign last year. The versatile
Jovanovic certainly grabbed the opportunity given to her with both
hands. She racked up a memorable debut campaign with nine points and
two assists per game, but most impressively, shot an eye-popping 48%
from the perimeter. It was a performance that put her on the
three-point shooting podium, her numbers the third best in the entire
competition. Meanwhile to add further joy, Serbia shrugged off the loss
of WNBA bound Sonja Petrovic and the absence of other key personnel, to
book their spot in France. Read more 
Veteran
guard Anna De Forge will pull on the vest of Montenegro once again, two
years after last playing for her adopted nation at their historical
first major tournament appearance in Poland. The experience of De Forge
was vital in helping Montenegro take sixth spot at EuroBasket Women
2011, although she was subsequently replaced by Eshaya Murphy in the
naturalised spot during qualifying last summer. But, with Murphy no
longer participating, the shooting guard spot will be handed back to
the 37-year-old, who will re-join fellow veteran guard Jelena Skerovic
in the backcourt, with the pair having played alongside each other last
season at ZVVZ USK Prague. De Forge will arrive later than the rest of
the players at a training camp to be held in Zlatibor this week and
speaking ahead of the gathering, head coach Miodrag Baletic admitted
his team had some injury concerns. Read more 
