LJUBLJANA (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) – Having first pulled on her beloved Slovenia national team vest when she was just 12-years-old as a prodigious youth talent, Nika Baric will now finally get to showcase her stellar talent at her first senior tournament with her country.

As Slovenia count down the days, hours and minutes to what will be a historic first-ever appearance at The Final Round, the guard is acutely aware of the positive impact their participation has already had since qualification was sealed – as well as how that profile can be further heightened.

"Slovenia is a really small country and whatever happens in sport [any kind of sport] means that everybody knows about the successes that come along," explained the UMMC Ekaterinburg star.

"It's great that such a small country can have great athletes.

"It was just amazing and I was waiting for it all my career and of course people were going crazy when we did it."

The team spirit and chemistry is what unites these new kids on the block. A close-knit group, they have had their battles in recent years and had to deal with the real anguish of previously missing out.

But there is a real fighting spirit that epitomizes Slovenia and indeed Baric herself, who has beaten thyroid cancer to further underline these qualities.

Yet, to make the kind of impression they crave, talent is a major requirement and it isn't just Baric who brings it. She will team up alongside Teja Oblak in the backcourt – a partnership which could yet be one of the highlights of the competition.

"Teja is great on and off the court," smiled Baric.

"We have a great relationship and I think when we play for the national team, we need to be together on the court.

"We work together very well and we can always create shots for each other and make them too. We can also both push the ball in transition and this is big positive for our team."