SOPRON (FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2018) – There’s something special and captivating whenever watching Beatriz Jordao wearing her beloved Portugal national team jersey.

Her towering presence on the court as a leader of her country at youth level is perpetually strengthened by the passion that pours from every pore of her skin.

Even for a neutral, the emotion, the pumping of the fists and the unquenchable appetite to do the dirty work, as well as put up impressive numbers, is simply captivating.

Jordao enhanced her soaring reputation at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship, when racking up 17 points and 15 boards in the Round of 16 to simultaneously save her team's status in the Division and catapult them into the Quarter-Finals.

It was a game that epitomized the teenager in every way and only added to her incredible popularity in her homeland. When you tick so many boxes, you are certainly destined for big things.

‘O sonho comanda a vida’  : The dream commands life

Jordao has already helped put Portugal on the women's basketball map as one of the pivotal figures in a historic first ever-Final appearance at a youth event three years ago. In a magical experience for everyone involved, most of the current crop in Sopron catapulted their country into the title game at U16 level back in 2015 – made even more memorable because it was on home soil.

"The first image that comes to my mind is the 5,000 Portuguese people inside the Arena in Matosinhos, singing the national anthem in the Final," recalled Jordao with a smile.

"Even when we were losing by a substantial difference, they never stopped supporting us!

"Playing at home gave us the extra strength to fight the big European powers and every three pointer, every rebound, every blocked shot and every steal were celebrated with an overwhelming euphoria."

The added bonus for Jordao and her teammates was that they racked up another historic chapter, since they also punched a first-ever ticket for Portugal at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup.

She added: "Playing the Worlds was itself an experience - one that gave me the chills because we were the first Portuguese to have that opportunity.

 "To play against non-European teams gave us another chance to mature in terms of our own basketball experience.

"It was very emotional to be able to let the world know about Portuguese Basketball. These are memories that I will remember for my entire life.

"The union, the spirit of sacrifice and our soul are the main characteristics of this group," continued Jordao.

"Thus, we know that hard work and humility are the keys to success. Our biggest goal in Sopron was to ensure our status in Division A.

"Knowing we already accomplished this, no one will stop us from fighting for medals because as we say in Portugal: 'O sonho comanda a vida' which means ‘The dream commands life"

A Sleeping Giant

Even if you weren't aware of this recent Portuguese renaissance in the women's youth game, dig a little deeper into social media activity around the various teams and you will recognize Portugal really is a potential sleeping giant.

"Basketball in Portugal is a sport that has been growing constantly throughout the years and so it has attracted a lot of people to games," explained Jordao.

"Although we're a small-sized country, we're gigantic in spirit and also in the love we have for our nation.

"The various European youth championships that have been held in Matosinhos are a good example of that passion - and the people really came together to support Portuguese Women's basketball"

Jordao is acutely aware – as indeed is everyone involved in Portuguese basketball, that no sleeping giant will ever wake up until they reach a major tournament at senior level. Transitioning success from youth level is the key to everything during these next five years.

"There is no doubt that the dream of everyone involved in women's basketball is to make it to the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket," reiterated Jordao.

"It's towards that aim that we keep working every day, so we can stand up to the big European national teams.

"I am sure that with time, we'll see the results of the great work that's being done in the youth teams."

Sing it from the roof tops

So, what really makes such a passionate player like Jordao tick? Inevitably, the appeal of the sport she loves is a major driver in her life – while there are some hidden talents too.

She stated: "Basketball is one of the most exciting sports in the world - from the constant lead changes, to the intelligence of the game itself.

"It ends up being a never-ending challenge, testing our responsiveness. As I love challenges, I can't fail to be motivated day after day.

"Away from the court, I'm a person who gives great value to my family and friends. I really appreciate going out of my house to drink a coffee and to catch up or go for a walk or to the beach.

"I also like reading novels and watching TV series, and I like to sing - even though I don't sing very well, at all," joked the center.

Perhaps Jordao can just sit back and listen, since there are so many people singing her praises from the roof tops and showing their love for a player who leads by example in everything she does.

Even when she was not playing for her own team in Matosinhos, Jordao has been spotted in the crowd supporting Portugal at youth events. She knows what it means to be on the receiving end of such valued support.Then, when questioned about her pending move to the NCAA and a Freshman season at the University of South Florida, her immediate response is so typically 'on-point'.

Despite sensing her excitement at what lies in wait Stateside, her only thought is to decline comment, since it is her teammates and her country who come first at this juncture.

Only when the dust has truly settled in Sopron, will Jordao even think about the next chapter.

There are no half-measures when it comes to representing Portugal. Jordao has both eyes fixed firmly on the prize – whatever that may ultimately be.

FIBA