BLR - Rising star Papova on course for global debut

MINSK (FIBA World Championship for Women) - There is little doubt that 2013 has proven something of a breakthrough year for Belarusian teenager and rising star Maryia Papova.

Having made an exciting senior team debut at EuroBasket Women 2013, the forward now faces the considerable lure of potentially competing on the global stage for the first time in her career.

"I've never been to a FIBA World Championship at any level and that's why I'm very eager to make one more dream come true," said Papova, who helped Belarus punch their ticket for the 2014 Worlds that will take place in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey (27 September-5 October 2014).

"This year I'm going to work as hard as anything to make the national team roster one more time.

"I was very happy to squeeze onto the final roster for EuroBasket Women (in France) because it was a great achievement for me.

"Although I was really anxious about making a debut at a high level," she admitted.

"The best memories were of course achieving the fifth place that gave us the chance to now go to Turkey next year and I also recall the game versus Lithuania with fondness.

"I had a lot of playing time and tried to show the best I could to both the coach and fans.

"One more thing I'll never forget from EuroBasket Women was playing against real stars like Isabelle Yacoubou, Celine Dumerc and Sandrine Gruda - it was a true honour for me."

Having missed out on the London Olympics, Papova has helped put Belarus back onto the women's basketball map - essential for a country where women's basketball is arguably revered more than in any other nation.

"During EuroBasket Women, we got a lot of messages of support from fans," confirmed Papova.

"Of course after the defeats, there were some portions of criticism also, but mostly people tried to show their affection for the team and they helped us with their words, even during the tougher times.

"Sadly the people who are responsible for sport in our country probably take fifth place for granted and didn't pay much attention to this achievement or see it as a breakthrough."

Competing with the twin towers and two of the biggest frontcourt names in Europe, in the shape of Anastasiya Verameyenka and Yelena Leuchanka is proving a double-edged sword for Papova.

"It's an experience first and foremost," she said with a smile.

"Of course, I know that 'Nastya' and 'Lena' are top players, but that is why it's really hard to steal some playing time from them.

"However, I try to compete 100% whenever I step onto the court and I have always tried to appreciate every second I am in a game.

"I know I should now pay a lot of attention to training work in order to improve my pace, technique and defensive skills."

There's little doubt that if Papova does continue to make strides, she too can become a big name in European basketball, having already made big waves at the U20 European Championship for Women.

"It was a fantastic experience and a great result for the team and for the country," said the 19-year-old, who racked up an impressive 13.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, but just missed out on an All-Tournament Team spot.

"We made a good start and won the games we expected to.

"But in the end, we just ran out of fuel because of some health problems and it cost us a bit. But, we were very happy with fourth place."

Next on the agenda is the not-so-small matter of a switch from Olimpia Grodno to Belgian champions Belfius Namur.

"I hope playing at EuroBasket Women and now professionally in Belgium will help me a lot," insisted Papova.

"I've never played abroad, so I want to taste life in Europe, feel a new atmosphere and play in a foreign championship.

"The goal is to get a lot of playing time and become better as a player so that I can get to travel to Turkey next autumn."

FIBA