BUCHAREST (EuroBasket Women 2015) - Romania will come out of the wilderness and play at a EuroBasket Women for the first time in eight years when it co-hosts the event next year with Hungary.

The players and coaching staff are excited about taking part, but also determined to show they are worthy of being in the field.

"For me and the national team, the European Championship next year is a real challenge," coach Florin Nini said, "but also a great opportunity."

One of Romania's best players, Gabriela Marginean, said: "It is an honor to participate in the EuroBasket Women 2015.

"Results of the women's national team have left a little to be desired in recent years, but I believe in our team."

At the recent draw, Romania fell into Group A with France, the Czech Republic, Montenegro and Ukraine.

France are No. 4 in the FIBA bwin Ranking Women and the Czechs are No. 6.

"No matter who would have fallen into our group, it would have been difficult," offered Nini. "Therefore, in the current group, which is very difficult in terms of results obtained recently by France, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Montenegro, we have to play without prejudice and without fear and must believe in achieving our aim."

The coach who says he will choose the players who have the right "attitude" and show a "willingness to fight for every ball," added: "We will prepare and we will work hard and we begin to think step by step in our chances."

Marginean, a 1.82m forward who plays for Turkish outfit Agu Spor in the EuroLeague Women, doesn't think there is too much that separates her team from the rest of the competition.

We will fight with all the teams as if it will be the last game we'll ever play. - Marginean

"Group A, in which we belong, is one that leaves us to fight on equal footing with most of the teams," she said.

"France is a top team, vice-champion (runners-up) of Europe (2013), and with a higher pedigree, but that does not mean we will not enter the field thinking we win. 

"It is a unique opportunity that knocked on our door (to host the EuroBasket Women) and we will give everything to show our best and prove to everyone that we are able to play basketball to another level."

FIBA