ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Fan power could be one of the most important factors for hosts Turkey at the FIBA World Championship for Women and it is a notion which has been endorsed by star guard, Birsel Vardarli Demirmen.

One of the central pillars of Turkish success in recent years and a driving force in catapulting her country to podiums and taking historic first footsteps such as the Olympic Games, the guard believes home advantage could pay dividends when the action gets underway in two weeks

"We're playing our group games in Ankara and even in (the recent) exhibition games, the stands were full and that made us really happy," she revealed.

"Of course in the 2012 Olympic Qualifiers (2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women in Ankara), the fans were there with us, too.

"I think together with our fans, it's going to be a really great atmosphere.

"When we finish the group phase and come to Istanbul for the final games, we'll want everyone to come and support us."

A genuine leader of the current generation which has elevated women's basketball in Turkey to a higher level, the pride of Izmir will step out with many of the players she has played alongside for most of her career.

That includes fellow veteran and long-time Fenerbahce colleague, Esmeral Tuncluer, who will retire after the event.

And Tuncluer was quick to outline how Vardarli Demirmen is such a vital centrepiece in the Turkish wheel.

"For a long time we've worked together in really nice harmony," she recalled.

"Birsel is a high-quality player and I've really enjoyed playing basketball with her over the years.

"She know basketball well, and most importantly enjoys playing and getting her team-mates involved."

Vardarli Demirmen herself is fiercely proud of her accomplishments and particularly the special bond she has created by staying with Fenerbahce.

"Of course it's quite important to play for the same community (in Fenerbahce) for a long time, and with that time, the responsibilities you come to bear increase," she mused.

"First of all you have to be consistent and from the management to the fans, the entire club has to like you and accept you as one of their own.

"I think I've succeeded in this."

Able to play both the point and shooting guard positions, Vardarli Demirmen also now has more than 200 national team caps to her name.

She's come on quite a journey since she started her sporting ambitions began by kicking a football around the streets of her home city.

But much to the relief of a nation now full of expectation, she eventually found basketball.

And, the partisan and passionate Turkey supporters in both Ankara and Istanbul will be looking for Vardarli Demirmen to provide her usual sparks of brilliance and provide plenty of footage for the highlights reel as the hosts hunt down their dream of a first ever medal on a global stage.

FIBA