UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - When the dust settles on a historic FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup for Latvia, their 'Captain Fantastic' Digna Straumane has a packed agenda to take care of.

One of the most prominent and highly-rated rising stars in Europe, it was always likely to be the dynamic forward who would deliver her country a maiden win in Italy.

And so it proved as Strautmane posted a classy double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds to propel Latvia past Korea 69-61 to make up for their opening day disappointment of falling to France 69-60.

"It still wasn't the best that I can show and it still wasn't the best that I know my team can show either," she mused afterwards - her exacting standards an indication of why she is so admired. "It feels like things are only going to get better with each game, since we opened with that tough loss to France. I think the organization has been great so far with this tournament and now I expect us to get as far as possible.

"Of course the medals would be really nice, but we will see," laughed Strautmane.

I would love to play for the senior national team next year in Spain. Maybe I am a little behind some others in the queue, but I will try my best to be there.

Her performances throughout the youth categories have had her pencilled in for senior duty at some point. It is only a case of 'when' and not 'if' she makes it to the elite level.

Her next opportunity will come via the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 after Latvia reached the event for the first time with their thrilling and controversial win against Italy at EuroBasket Women 2017.

"I would love to play for the senior national team next year in Spain," confirmed Strautmane, who was a late cut from the roster. "But, there are so many Latvian girls who are pressing really hard for a place and have done well. Maybe I am a little behind some others in the queue, but I will try my best to be there."

The other incentive is that she might get to play alongside her older sister Paula. In fact, it will be the only chance she has to share action in a Latvia vest with her sibling.

Strautmane senior appeared in Prague at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017, but then signed off her career at youth level with her younger sister at the recent FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017 in Matosinhos.

"It was emotional, but also very nice to play with Paula because of the fact she was playing her last youth tournament," reflected Strautmane. "It was also nice for me to spend some time with her because she has been in the USA and so it was really good."

In a couple of months, Strautmane herself will be in the United States and embarking on her own NCAA career, perhaps hoping to emulate Paula who led Quinnipac to school history last season as they made the 'Sweet 16' after upsetting 4th seeds Miami.

She stated: "I think Syracuse will be a great fit for me because I really have a good relationship with the staff and the coaches there. I chose this option because they have already been bringing in different international players before me, it is also quite close to where my sister is playing and I think there are a lot of different reasons.

"There are also other girls playing here in Udine at this tournament who will be coming along with me to share their first year and I think it will be good."

FIBA