MATOSINSHOS (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017) – There's no denying that the destiny of Netherlands at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017 will lie mainly in the hands of the hugely influential Janis Ndiba.

Whether she likes it or not, the powerful forward is the centerpiece of her team and will be the main turbo behind a shot at the podium or trying to save Division A status.

The Round of 16 brings a sharply contrasting fork in the road – something Ndiba knows only too well.

At last year's edition, Netherlands were tipped to be one of the front-runners for a medal with their highly-rated trio of point guard Laura Cornelius, center Emese Hoff and the athletic Ndiba.

Yet they fluffed their lines on the big day and the last part of the tournament saw them scrambling to save their top-tier life.

"Yes, last year was tough," agreed Ndiba as she reflected on a campaign that promised much, but ultimately under-delivered.

While disappointed, there was still joy for Cornelius, Hof and Ndiba at avoiding the drop to Division B.

Of course, it could have been catastrophic had an unthinkable relegation occurred. So, having survived last year, it will be important that should history repeat itself in this Round of 16, Ndiba is there to keep the team focused but also relaxed.

"I think we all learned a lesson and learned to stay positive," she reiterated.

"You still have to try and have fun and make the best out of it. That could also count for this year as well.

"I think that we have already shown that we can play against tough teams, but we just have to play our own game and stay together as a team."

Unlike Cornelius and Hoff who are offering a one-two punch with the University of Miami, Ndiba opted to go the professional route with EuroCup Women side Lulea last summer and not join the annual pilgrimage of Dutch players to the NCAA.

She explained: "I didn't go to the States because I already studied in college for two years in Holland and already played for five years in a development center in the north of the Netherlands.

"I chose Lulea because I thought it was nice place to start my career and it definitely was! I had a great season and our goal was to win the Swedish Championship for the fourth time in a row; and we did it - so that was amazing!

"Also, playing EuroCup Women is great! I played against so many good players and that definitely makes me better and stronger."

Set to be a pivotal figure for the Netherlands at senior level, Ndiba is also looking forward to the FIBA EuroBasket Women 2019 Qualifiers which start in November – although is ruing the prospect of having been handed the short straw of being paired with the newly crowned champions.

"I really don't know how it will be," smiled the forward ruefully.

"We have such a hard group with Spain, but we're going to make the best out of it - so we will see!"

FIBA