MELBOURNE (2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - Alicia Froling isn't feeling the pressure of being described as the next big thing in Aussie Hoops ahead of the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship.

She's one of several talented Gems players expected to follow the great churn of talent who eventually hold an Opals' baton.

"I don't really feel pressure or think about it, since that pressure isn't actually real; you create pressure yourself, but you can also destroy pressure," mused Froling.

"It just involves staying focused and continuing to work towards your goals.

"Obviously we have produced some incredibly talented players over the years and these ladies have set a very high standard - but rather than pressure, I see it as a challenge they've set and something to work for."

Froling comes from a rich basketball heritage and one further strengthened by her incredible bond with her twin sister Keely.

"I have played with Keely my whole career and I still remember the conversation we had as nine-years-old about deciding to play," smiled Froling.

"We made it together and wouldn't have started playing if the other hadn't wanted too.

"In our early years we played in every team together, but over recent years this has changed.

"I love playing with her and while we play different positions, we anticipate everything and vice versa, which is very handy on the court.

"Unfortunately she's been hit with two big knee injuries over the past two years, so I haven't had the chance to play with her at her best in a while.

"I think we're maturing and definitely bickering less - while now I would never turn down an offer to play on a team purely because she wasn't there.

"Still, it's awesome playing with her and I'm excited for her to come back even better from her injury so we can play together again."

The 1.88m forward shed a bit more light on why her family has such a bond with basketball.

Basketball is a big part of our lives, but my mum and dad have never forced us to play, which is why I think I have such a love for the game. - Froling

"My entire family is basketball orientated as my parents played and coached professionally, while my younger brothers play at a high level," she explained.

"Harry competed at the FIBA U17 World Championship last year and Sam recently made the squad for the next one.

"I did other sports like swimming and gymnastics, but that never really worked out!"

Froling will arrive in Russia off the back of an eventful debut in the US collegiate ransk at Southern Methodist University.

"It was a bit of a roller coaster ride," she confessed.

"I knew I would play more of a role for the team than most, but despite having an individually good season, we didn't do too well as a team which was disappointing.

"However, having six freshmen on the team meant we were very young and I'm excited for the coming years as we are all very hungry to do well, myself more than anyone!

"Everyone loved my accent, as well as bombarding me with questions about kangaroos.

"As for Australian Rules Football (AFL), I showed them YouTube videos and the big tackles and hits without helmets and pads, so the standard reaction was that Australians were crazy!"

Now Froling is focused on clinching her second podium finish at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship, after helping Australia finish third at the last edition of the event in Klaipeda, Lithuania two years ago.

She recalled: "I wasn't sure if I would actually make the team, but it was an awesome experience.

"I had always played on teams where I was one of the main players, so playing only limited minutes was an adjustment and while tough, I understood my role coming off the bench when someone needed a rest, or we needed a spark.

"Being on that team was special no matter how many minutes I played. Meanwhile off the court, we all got along great and traveling the world with those girls is something that I'll always remember.

"This time around and being experienced, I know everyone will look to me to lead both on and off the court, which is something that I have made a focus of mine in our pre-worlds preparation and will continue into the tournament.

"Having had a taste of finishing on the podium, it is definitely something we're aiming for again and hopefully a different colour medal, but we’re all focused on taking it one day and one game at a time.

"Individually, I want to do whatever is needed for us to win and to play every game to my strengths," concluded the Queensland native.

FIBA