Epoupa and Michel win Les Bleues debuts

PARIS (EuroBasket Women 2015) - France have handed EuroBasket Women Final Round debuts to exciting playmaker Olivia Epoupa and the versatile Sarah Michel after head coach Valerie Garnier confirmed the Les Bleues roster for the event.

There has been something of a clamour to give Epoupa an opportunity after the lightning quick point guard won a host of individual accolades at youth level, as well as winning silverware with her country.

She has also excelled in the LFB with Toulouse and is likely to provide a real spark coming off the bench.

Meanwhile Michel has been highly impressive during preparation and worked her way firmly into contention with a string of effective performances.

The Nantes Reze player has previously poured her energy into combining her club commitments with studies and is now ready to show what she can do on the international stage.

However, there was yet more disappointment for Valeriane Ayayi who despite having posted an excellent season with Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration in EuroLeague Women, has been overlooked once again.

Having played as a teenager at the last edition of Final Round, she was subsequently omitted from the team that competed at the FIBA Women's World Championship last summer in Turkey and now misses out on a second consecutive major tournament.

"The decision was a difficult one," bemoaned Garnier after opting to leave Ayayi behind.

"She is a young player and I salute her investment and exemplary attitude during the whole preparation."

Those who did debut last year such as Paoline Salagnac, Helena Ciak and Ana Cata-Chitiga all hang onto their respective places.

France will be led by the expert hand of Celine Dumerc and are expected to have the best frontcourt in the competition with Ciak and Cata-Chitiga joined by the world class talent of Sandrine Gruda, along with the power of the returning Isabelle Yacoubou and Endene Miyem.

Runners-up on home soil last time out, France will start their quest for another medal in Group A against Romania, Montenegro, Czech Republic and Ukraine.

France final roster for EuroBasket Women 2015: Ana Cata-Chitiga, Helena Ciak, Celine Dumerc, Olivia Epoupa, Sandrine Gruda, Anael Lardy, Sarah Michel, Endene Miyem, Paoline Salagnac, Gaelle Skrela, Diandra Tchatchouang, Isabelle Yacoubou.

Go to eurobasketwomen2015.com for full coverage of EuroBasket Women 2015.

FIBA