Fan passion and quality of Kostourkova are plus points for Portugal
MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017) - The passionate support of the locals and class of Maria Kostourkova look set to fuel host nation Portugal at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017.
It is hard to pitch where the ambitions of the home team should lie after some worryingly heavy preparation losses. But, the inclusion of the Washington State center, is a major plus.
| Portugal 18-player squad for FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017 | |||
| Sofia Almeida | Carolina Bernardeco |
Maria Ines Brandao | Susana Carvalheira |
| Maryam Chermiti | Isabel Costa | Joana Fernandes | Jessica Garcia |
| Carolina Goncalves | Chelsea Guimaraes | Maria Kostourkova | Catarina Mateus |
| Barbara Miranda | Ana Ramos | Catarina Rolo | Ana Carolina Rodrigues |
| Mariana Silva | Maianca Umabano | ||
As well as the inside power of Kostourkova, Portugal will be looking to former FIBA U16 Women's European Championship MVP Ana Ramos to pull the strings in the backcourt if she gets the nod - despite only being 18-years-old.
She will be expected to shine along with Old Dominion University guard, Carolina Bernardeco, who led the side with almost five assists per game at the previous edition.
Portugal will play against Italy, Latvia and Lithuania during the opening stage of the tournament, when the usual huge crowds that have characterized previous competitions will be expected to once again get behind the hosts.
FIBA
