Emma-Nnopu wants Sapphires to make their own history
BENGALURU (FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017) - Agnes Emma-Nnopu may not be the scoring dynamo many players are, but the way she makes an impact on every game is certainly unforgettable.
The 1.82m Australian center has been the lynchpin that has tied everything together for the Sapphires as they have romped through their first five games of this competition. They have crushed every single opponent in convincing fashion, and Emma-Nnopu's versatility and consistency have been big reasons for their dominance.
She is currently second overall in efficiency right behind Japan's Sakura Noguchi, second overall in field goal shooting and sixth overall in rebounding, underscoring her capability to put her stamp on any contest in a variety of ways. Perhaps most impressive, however, is how she contained Chinese behemoth Liu Yutong to her worst game in their Semi-Final encounter. In her first 4 games, Liu averaged 16.5 points and 15.0 rebounds, but Emma-Nnopu held her to only 3 points and 6 boards last night.
In today's Final against Noguchi and the rest of Japan, Emma-Nnopu will surely be among the players coach Shannon Seebohm will count on to carry the fight for their first ever FIBA U16 Women's Asia crown.
The promising 16-year-old Australian is proud to follow in the winning tradition of her country, but she clearly wants her team to blaze their own trail and make a name for themselves.
The native of Tasmania shared these sentiments with FIBA.basketball after yesterday's Semi-Final win over China.
How do you feel about representing Australia in this tournament?
It is a great honor to get to do what I love while representing my country.
The team have already qualified for the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup next year. How big is that achievement?
It is a very big achievement for the Australian team, and we follow in the footsteps of the former Sapphires. But we aren’t here to recreate history - we are here to make our own. We know that after this we still have to go back to Australia and obtain selection to the World Cup Team.
How do you feel about the way Australia have played so far?
We play really well as a team. Everyone has been on the scoreboard. I am happy that we are well coached and well looked after off the court as well. We all get along greatly, and that shows in the way we play together on court.
REPORT | Sapphires remain unbeaten at #FIBAU16Asia, advancing to tonight's gold medal game after defeating China: https://t.co/CoNDV676il pic.twitter.com/L0m2ciCwXz
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) October 27, 2017
What is the reason you have been one of the most dominant players here?
I just want to make my mark and help the team out. I love this game, first playing for a local team in Tasmania and then moving to Victoria to play more competitive basketball. It is really easier to do well when you love what your doing.
After winning the U17 world title in 2016, Australia are now seen as the best basketball team for young women. What kind of pressure does this give your team?
It does put a lot of pressure on us, but if we just have to play our game then the results will come.
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