Classy Prezelj a natural-born leader

MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2017) – A conveyor belt of quality leaders continues to roll out for Slovenia, with Annamaria Prezelj destined to take her country to yet more exciting new heights.

The free-scoring guard is a natural born leader – sometimes overlooked by those understandably drawn firstly to her eye-popping statistics at youth level.

Prezelj has already been a part of major history for Slovenia when they claimed a maiden win in the FIBA EuroBasket Women Final Round last month. Her debut was deserved reward for the influence she had already imprinted on those around her moving through the different age-categories.

With Slovenia already boasting the irrepressible Nika Baric and Teja Oblak, the emergence of Prezelj gives them unprecedented depth and quality compared to previous years.

"For every player, playing basketball at such a high level has a special meaning," she stated.

"I was fortunate enough I got to experience it all - the various emotions, excitement and on the other hand, the adrenaline that comes with the responsibility of being 19-years-old.

"Representing my country is one of my dearest memories, so I will do everything in my power to make sure there will be many more experiences in the future.

"Also, the whole experience of being alongside such great Slovenian players as Nika and Teja is incredible. I try to learn as much as I can and I am also grateful to be given the opportunity.

"Meanwhile, as good as they are on the court, they are also great fun and have good personas off the court as well."

Prezelj is still coming to terms with the roller-coaster nature of what happened in Prague as the unbridled joy of a memorable first-ever win was quickly replaced by a brutal elimination after the Group Phase.

"On the one hand, had we won that close game against France, then we would have stayed longer in Prague, so it is really bitter," she admitted.

"But then again, it was our first appearance at such a tournament, and we did everything we could- so perhaps there's nothing to regret.

"We were and still are a good team with phenomenal chemistry. It was also a lot of fun and inspiring being a part of something more. And no matter the outcome, we showed that Slovenia plays serious basketball."

Now Prezelj must be the architect of success for Slovenia at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship when she is expected to continue as the driving force of their challenge.

"I enjoy playing for Slovenia every summer and I take my role seriously and with determination to play the best I can," she emphasized.

"A little pressure and responsibility is always welcomed, but it is better if you can play totally relaxed. I try to not think too much about what will be, what can go wrong and I just focus on the game ahead."

It's comforting for Prezelj in that she has a familiar face alongside her, who's enjoyed a similar journey, as Larisa Ocvirk was also present in Prague.

"I've known Larisa since we were little, about 8-10 years now and we first we met as opponents at different tournaments," revealed Prezelj.

"We then played together for national teams and for the last three years we were team-mates in Zenski Kosarkarski Klub Cinkarna Celje.

"She's a very good player with a phenomenal feeling for rebounds and is one of the indispensable players of our 1997 generation. Larisa is a fighter, a team player. I've got complete trust in her and her abilities.

"I believe her basketball future is bright and she's also very funny as there's always a lot of laughter when you're around her."

Now the duo will try to ensure that have something further to smile about by reaching the Quarter-Finals in Matosinhos. Turkey stand in their path during the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

FIBA