LAS PALMAS (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - If there's one major reason for Spanish fans to believe the long-term future and prosperity of their frontcourt is assured, then it's surely the emergence of the phenomenal Astou Ndour.

A hugely exciting talent, the powerhouse center has yet to step out with Spain's senior national team, but is now beginning to come into the reckoning for forthcoming major tournaments after an excellent pro-season in Liga Femenina with Gran Canaria.

Whilst EuroBasket Women this summer may be a little too soon for her, Ndour will certainly be back leading the line for Spain at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in Lithuania, two years after posting a spectacular and near double-double performance in Puerto Montt.

In fact 2011 was a super year for Ndour who also led Spain to victory at the inaugural FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship in Rimini, Italy.

"Yes, 2011 was a successful year for me," recalled the teenager.

"I have so many memories, it’s actually hard to choose the best - right from the first day we were presented as one of the teams which was spectacular, as well as seeing so many different cultures.

"Life is sometimes like this, so many surprises that you didn't expect, but mostly it was thanks to the work we were doing every day."

She continued: "I will use my experience from Chile to help the team get as far as possible in the competition this time.

"We will go to Lithuania to play and enjoy our basketball, but also to win.

"You never see a fighter going to fight and saying they might lose!" declared Ndour.

"The 3x3 was a new experience for me and the way we played, but above anything else, the time went so fast since we had no time to relax, having to play every 15 to 20 minutes at least four games a day.

"The players all talk and I am still in touch with a friend I met there from another country."

As for whether she truly sees herself as a bona-fide contender for senior duty, the Dakar-born player is preferring to let others do the talking.

After accumulating an outstanding 14 points and seven rebounds per game during her third and most influential season in the Spanish League, Ndour is beginning to show she will soon be ready to take the step.

However, she isn't satisfied that her young Gran Canaria side missed out on the play-offs.

"I don't really pay much attention to what people are saying, I am doing my job but  every player absolutely wants and dreams to play with the senior national team," said the 1.96m centre.
 
"I don't see it as a clear thing, it will depend upon me and the work I show every day, but I do believe in myself and think I can eventually make it.

"You must have confidence in yourself, otherwise you won't get anywhere, but all of this is thanks to my team-mates and the work they do every day, as well as the help from the coach.

"For me, I don't actually see the league this year as being very strong as we are all the same and we have sometimes lacked experience."

However, it hasn't always been a smooth journey. There have been a few bumps in the road and not least last year, when she had to sit out both the U18 and U20 European Championship for Women due to injury.

"It wasn't relaxing for me as I was in rehab all summer working on my knee in order to improve resistance," explained Ndour.

"Given that my knee was so bad, I could not do anything else as you have to look after your health first. But thankfully, it is now over and I'm still feeling and getting better each day."

Always there to keep the spirits of Ndour high and to feed her the ball to go to work under the basket for both club and country is another outstanding talent in the form of Leticia Romero.

And, that is one special partnership worth watching unfold not only in Lithuania, but perhaps for many more years to come for Spain.

"She is not only a team-mate for me, she is like a sister," claimed Ndour.

"Leticia is an amazing girl and an excellent basketball player - it's thanks to her that I have so many trophies at home.

"I would love to play with her for the senior national team as a guard and forward combination."

Spain will face Argentina, Australia and Japan in Group C.

FIBA