MOSCOW (FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - In an ideal world, Kseniia Levchenko would be putting the 2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship to the back of her mind for now and concentrating on EuroBasket Women 2015.

After all, the teenager made her senior debut last year and helped her country book its place at the prestigious event in Hungary and Romania next month (11-28 June).

Deemed to be the long-term future of the Russian backcourt, Levchenko had initially anticipated holding onto her place in the senior locker room when celebrating after qualification.

However, after only playing a bit-part role at club level last season with Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje, she dropped out of the limelight and the call never came from senior head coach Anatoliy Myshkin.

"I never thought I was going to end up playing," confessed Levchenko, who will almost certainly be back on board in coming years.

Indeed the 1.65m point guard fully appreciates the fact that aged just 18-years-old, she was actually given an opportunity to play at such a high level so early in her career.

Although she insists that while touted as a future star, she is just trying to improve her game.

"There was a great deal of trust from coach Myshkin when he called me into the team," she reflected.

"I do not think about it [being a senior star], although I have a dream to get there one day and I know I must take loyal steps in order to try and get as close as possible to it."

Not short on confidence, Levchenko wasn't fazed by the step up and especially as she had already taken to the court a EuroLeague Women Final Eight with Sparta&K - a club that will also provide one of the playing courts at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship.

"My emotions before games are always the same and it does not matter which teams I am playing with," she said.

"I always just think about how to win and try to avoid any nerves and all the emotions that could interfere on the game and these are removed at the beginning of the time ticking down on the scoreboard.

"I will certainly remember the [EuroLeague Women] tournament as I have a lot of positive emotions, because this was my First Final Eight.

"I hope that is not the last and it gave me a feeling beyond words.

"Of course I would like to have spent even more time on the court, but even with the time I did receive, it is still something that I will remember all my life."

Levchenko also showed her quality last year at the U18 European Championship for Women in Matosinhos when Russia climbed to the top of the podium.

She was a pivotal factor in their success, although was just squeezed out of the All-Tournament Team.

"The fact that I was not included in the top five is a sign of needing to work even more on my game," said the point guard.

"It was more important we arrived as a team expected to challenge for the championship and we proved it by getting it."

Without a trip to Hungary and Romania next month, it means Levchenko is free to channel all of her energy into the U19 Worlds taking place in Chekhov (Moscow Region) from 18-26 July.

The European champions will be determined to mount a strong campaign in their capacity as host nation and while not setting targets, Levchenko is clear on the identity they need to have.

"As with all teams from Russia, I expect a nice level and quality, and of course team basketball," she stated.

"I would like to present all of these qualities in our team."

Levchenko and Russia will play in Group A where they will face Argentina, Netherlands and Chinese Taipei.

FIBA