CANBERRA (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - Australian standout Tahlia Tupaea will provide the main thrust for the Gems when they step out at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in Czech Republic later this month in pursuit of a maiden podium place at the event.

After top-scoring at the FIBA Oceania U16 Championship for Women last year en-route to gold and also playing against opponents older than her in collecting a bronze at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women, the guard is ready to light it up once again.

After an extensive lead-in programme stretching all the way back to September 2013 which culminated in a training camp at the Basketball Australia National Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Canberra earlier this month for the last remaining 17 players, the final roster has now been drawn-up.

Head coach Chris Lucas will be looking to Sydney Uni Flames' rising star Tupaea to shine brightly in a team which can also rely on several other big talents.

These include Georgia Pineau who could be a force on the boards, the court vision of Jasmine Forcadilla and scoring ability of Alexandra Sharp.

Much of the team was derived from the winning and extensive tour of China which witnessed the side win four of their nine games and finish with real momentum with three wins in their last four outings.

Lucas presided over successes against Under 19 national teams from China and Slovenia, as well as defeating a side from WCBA club Jun'an.

"It was one of the most successful China tours that I have ever been on," reflected the play-caller who also holds the reins at Townsville Fire in the WNBL.

"The players responded to this challenging tour of nine games in 13 days and by far exceeded my expectations.

"The development and improvement from the start to the end of the tour was outstanding.

"For such a young group, they took on board a lot of information, they adapted quickly to the international game and to come away with five wins and four losses, which was phenomenal."

He added, "They're an exciting and athletic group."

Australia roster for 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women: Chloe Bibby (Victoria), Madeleine Dennis (Western Australia), Jasmine Forcadilla (New South Wales)Bride Kennedy-Hopoate (Queensland), Anneli Maley (Victoria), Bridget o’Brien (Queensland), Taylor Ortlepp (South Australia), Georgia Pineau (Victoria), Maddison Rocci (Victoria), Alexandra Sharp (Victoria), Tahlia Tupaea (New South Wales), Morgan Yaeger (South Australia).

Australia will face Japan, Mexico and Slovak Republic in Group C, which will be hosted in Pilsen.

FIBA