VALENCIA (Spain) - After enduring the agony of missing the last edition of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket with an injury, 2017 MVP Alba Torrens is loving the opportunity to step out again at the flagship event.

Two years ago she watched from the sidelines as Spain managed to retain their crown without her services. Now she's back on board with a mission to ensure they make it three in a row - something not done since the days of the Soviet Union three decades ago.

Torrens is acutely aware that without fellow veterans such as Marta Xargay, Anna Cruz and Laura Nicholls this time around, it's going to be a significant challenge for her nation to continue their dominance and land a fourth title since 2013. 

"WE KNOW THE LINE BETWEEN WINNING AND LOSING ANY GAME IS TINY - EVEN IF WE ARE DOING THE SAME PREPARATION AND WORK. THIS IS BASKETBALL." 

She said: "I feel gratitude and joy to be able to play with the national team again and having the chance to play at other FIBA Women's Eurobasket. For me, it has been always special and this time it is no different.

"After being out in 2019 because of an injury, I'm appreciating being here even more right now. It's been a long way back for me and I vowed to never take things for granted.

"We all know what Nicholls, Cruz and Xargay gave to this team in so many ways. It was a lot and they were such a big part of our success. They are great players and also great teammates - both on and off the court. I had so many years playing together with them.

"But right now, we have some new players with a lot of talent and with experiences in different competitions, who are all ready to play at this Women's EuroBasket. We are working to get to know each other more and to create the required connections on the court.

It was a double celebration in 2017 when Torrens won gold and was also crowned MVP

"Every year has always been a big challenge for us and maybe it looks different this time because of the results that we made in the past. However, this team faces up big challenges because they are the only ones that we know. It has not been easy at all," continued Torrens.

"We are here with huge expectations around us because of the results of these past years. But this is actually the greatest news we can have, since it means we did really well in the past. Looking from the inside, we know what it took to get here. We know the margin between winning or losing any game is tiny - even if we are doing the same preparation and work. This is basketball.

"The approach we have to take is to make sure this Women's EuroBasket is seen as a new challenge - that we are not always thinking about the past. We must be living in the present moment and working as well as we can to prepare so that we are ready to compete in the first game."

With several experienced performers not taking part for Spain, opportunity knocks for a number of new faces and first-timers. In particular, playmaker Maite Cazorla and teenage forward Raquel Carrera.

"I think Maite and Raquel have already shown a great level in big competitions like EuroLeague Women and EuroCup Women - as well as the Spanish League," declared Torrens.

"I'm very surprised with the maturity they are showing at this young age, while it's also impressive the way they've brought their talent to their respective teams during the season. Now, in this moment, they are also doing it for the national team.

"I truly believe they are already giving a lot to the team and for me personally it is also a chance to learn from them too."

For the first time in recent memory and even though they are hosting the last phase in Valencia, Spain don't go into this competition as favorites. That label has been pinned by almost everybody onto arch-rivals, neighbors and co-hosts, France.

"I ALWAYS HAD A HAND AND A HEART SUPPORTING ME. IT CREATED BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS WITH THE SUPPORT, HELP AND LOVE THAT WE ALL HAD FOR EACH OTHER. IT'S ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF BEING IN THIS TEAM." - Torrens -

"We don't talk too much about other teams," smiled Torrens.

"I think the most important thing for us is to focus on ourselves and to get the best preparation as we can. We set our goals, but now it's time to live day by day. What you do today is what gives you more chances to be where you want to be in the future.

"The preparation is the journey - when you are working, improving, enjoying and embracing the process. This is the goal for us."

She added: "In my opinion, France have a great team and during these past years, they have been amongst the favorites along with Serbia, Belgium and us. Not because I say it, but because the results prove it.

"I also think this FIBA Women's Eurobasket is at the highest level, not only because of these teams mentioned, but across all the teams."

"I CAN ENJOY IT EVEN MORE NOW AND ESPECIALLY THE JOURNEY AS A WHOLE. I'M MORE AWARE OF TRYING TO BE PRESENT AND LIVING IN THE MOMENT." 

Torrens is in a good position to judge the tournament, since this will be her sixth appearance. It hasn't always been about golden glory, though. There have been many highs, but also some bumps in the road such as the early exit in 2011, missing the Final in 2015 and of course, the injury which ruled her out in 2019.

She reflected: "Without a doubt, my best moments at the Women's EuroBasket are the moments I've shared with my teammates both on and off the court.

"I have great memories from the moments when we were celebrating our medals, but what will last forever are the unforgettable memories - the moments that I lived on the way to winning those medals. The little meaningful moments. The connections with so many beautiful people.

"It hasn't been always easy, but I feel that in the worse moments that I went through, I always had a hand and a heart supporting me. It created beautiful moments with the support, help and love we all had for each other. It's one of the best parts of being in this team."

"I have actually changed a lot from my first Women's EuroBasket in 2009, but the motivation and commitment to play at the event are the same. I want to believe I can enjoy it even more now and especially the journey as a whole. I'm more aware of trying to be present and living in the moment - each and every moment.

"I want to be enjoying the good times, but also embracing the hard times too. It all makes me very happy and grateful to be here, right now," concluded Torrens.

FIBA