BELGRADE (Serbia) - As former FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup champions, Brazil has a rich history in the sport, with much of their success driven by revered FIBA Hall of Famers.

"I know my value and I am proud of my career. I am at least honored to be compared with the best."

While it's always tough to compare generations and indeed different eras, the level of talent down the years that Brazil has showcased can be highlighted up by the fact that some people consider the legendary Hortencia Marcari as the GOAT in women's basketball. 

When you throw in other special players from a golden era like 'Magic' Paula Gonsalves da Silva (the current Federation Vice President) and Janeth Arcain, the spots for any All-Time starting five evaporate rather quickly.

Brazil won the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in 1994 with an array of legendary stars

However, there can be no denying that the incredible longevity, consistency, and contributions of center Erika De Souza in the past two decades at the highest level means she simply has to be in the conversation.

While the game and style of some of those most prominent Brazilian ballers in history has been deeply immersed in basketball artistry, the strength, power, and towering performances of the 39-year old surely means she can justifiably lay claim to be their 'ultimate warrior'.

De Souza herself is reluctant to think about her own status in such terms and explained: "Ranking myself and comparing with legends like Paula and Hortencia would be at least naive from my part. 

"I played with Paula and Janeth when I was so young and it was like a dream to me. They were the stars at that time. I know my value and I am proud of my career so far. I would say I am at least honored to be compared with the best."

It's true that De Souza became the centerpiece of a transitional period when Brazil stopped challenging for podiums as their star faded, but without her, they might have missed out on their run of still making all the major tournaments. They needed someone to stand up to the best players in the world and that is what the 1.97M (6'6") center is most proud of.

She said: "I would actually say facing Silvia Fowles, Daina Taurasi, and Lauren Jackson were the real deal to me, because at that time it represented the best period of my career."

Even now at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, De Souza is having to show every last drop of her vast experience to try and get her country to Sydney. It won't be easy, with Brazil suffering a 65-52 opening day loss at the hands of Australia, with the absence of big-hitters Clarissa Dos Santos and Damiris Dantas taking a toll.

With a staggering four previous FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup appearances behind her, the three-time Olympian is acutely aware of what is needed and feels there is no need to press the panic button or feel the pressure of what could be the pivotal group game against Korea.

"Every game is a different story," mused De Souza.

"We are not defining that 'our final' will be against Korea. I would just say let's be ready for whatever is in front of us."

Rising star Kamilla Silva (left) is learning from her teammate and legend, underlining why the presence of De Souza is so important

Plus, the bigger picture for Brazil is that while De Souza is still around, they have to capitalize on her veteran know how to make sure she can pass the torch to the likes of upcoming contributors such as 21-year-old Stephanie Soares and 20-year old Kamilla Silva of North Carolina.

"It's very important for me to play with people like Erika," stated the rising star.

"She is always telling me to post up harder or to chase after the rebound. She is always helping me on and off the court."

FIBA