While the boys are looking for the second European title this evening against the great Spanish rival, the girls of the French team prepare for the World Cup which kicks off on 22 September in Australia. And the list of 12 players who will defend the blue jersey has just dropped.
- Marième Badiane (strong forward, pivot)
- Lisa Berkani (defender, point guard)
- Alexia Chartereau (strong forward)
- Kendra Chery (alière)
- Helena Ciak (pin)
- Marine Fauthoux (leader)
- Marine Johannes (back)
- Sarah Michel (defender, winger)
- Marie-Eve Paget (leader)
- Iliana Rupert (strong forward, pivot)
- Ana Tadic (stud)
- Gabby Williams (alière)
Not selected: Pauline Astier, Marie Pardon, Assitan Koné, Mamignan Touré.
Here they are, the 12 players whose mission will be to carry the blue-white-red flag as high as possible from 22 September to 1 October. The list of those selected for the 2022 World Cup was announced this Sunday on the federation’s website by coach (and former EDF glory) Céline Dumerc and coach Jean-Aimé Toupane. Among the managers we find Sarah Michel (promoted to captain) in addition to Helena Ciak, more than 230 selections in total and in her thirties, and then of course the master Marine Johannes who will make us dream with his shooting and passing skills. Also noteworthy is the presence of Marie-Eve Paget, 3 × 3 world champion last June and who will be able to inspire her friends of hers like Lisa Berkani, also well known on the 3 × 3 circuit. You will nevertheless lack a lot of international experience in terms of advantage, while on the contrary the attack is rather large. A frontcourt that still awaits the arrival of Iliana Rupert as the French Las Vegas Aces is currently playing in the WNBA finals against the Connecticut Sun. The series – played in the best of five games – is 2-1 for Las Vegas and can last until September 20th. Provided that Iliana is operational as soon as possible because the Blues will need everyone to be able to get out of the death group made up of Serbia, Japan, Australia, Canada and Mali.
Remaining on two consecutive defeats against Australia and Japan in preparation for the World Cup, the French team is advancing without too much certainty for the moment. But there should be no ignition delays in the days to come because it will start strong. See you Thursday 22 September for an Australia – France that will immediately put Les Bleues in the bathroom.
Text source: FFBB
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