BRA – Brazilian youngster makes most of her time with senior team

BEAUVAIS (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Tássia Carcavalli is trying to make the most of her summer with Brazil.

A member of her country’s silver-medal winning team at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women in July, the 1.75m Tássia is now with the senior team.

The 18-year-old has been working out with Carlos Colinas' squad and is in France, where the South Americans are putting the finishing touches on their preparations for the Czech Republic.

Tássia knows, however, that she could end up being cut from the final squad and not play at the FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I try not to think about being cut, but to take full advantage of the opportunity to train with the adult team, with experienced players," the Americana player said.

"The preparation phase in Brazil was a great learning experience and games in France will give me more international know-how."

Brazil are playing at an international tournament in Beauvais, France, from September 16-18.

They arrived in the city on Sunday.

Japan, Argentina and France are also at the event.

Brazil’s Fernanda Beling, 1.86m wing, has returned to the court after missing two weeks while recovering from a left foot problem.

The 27-year-old said after her first practice back this week: “My greatest fear was that I’d feel pain after all the recovery time. I was quite relieved when I did not feel anything.

“I'm brand new, ready to train hard for the World Championship.”

Iziane and Erika have yet to join the national team because they are currently on WNBA duty with the Atlanta Dream.

The Dream trail Seattle 2-0 in the WNBA Finals.

FIBA