Garnier handed boost as Gruda comes back into the mix for France
PARIS (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) - France head coach Valerie Garnier will have the experience and quality of Sandrine Gruda for next month's FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers.
PARIS (FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers) - France head coach Valerie Garnier will have the experience and quality of Sandrine Gruda to call upon for next month's FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers.
Gruda skipped FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 and missed her nation's journey to a third-straight Final in the competition and her return will strengthen the 16-player squad.
| France 16-player squad for FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers | |||
| Marielle Amant | Valeriane Ayayi | Marieme Badiane | Lisa Berkani |
| Romane Bernies | Amel Bouderra | Alexia Chartereau | Helena Ciak |
| Olivia Epoupa | Aby Gaye | Sandrine Gruda | Marine Johannes |
| Sarah Michel | Hhadydia Minte | Endene Miyem | Diandra Tchatchouang |
Gruda coming back is also timely with France having waved goodbye to veteran experience in Celine Dumerc and Gaelle Skrela. While the now-retired duo aren't involved any more, all 10 of the roster that lined up at the Final Round earlier this year are back.
This includes the exciting and entertaining crop of Olivia Epoupa, Marine Johannes and Alexia Chartereau, along with EuroLeague Women champion Helena Ciak and the hard-nosed and leadership of Endene Miyem.
Valérie Garnier a dévoilé la liste des 16 joueuses qui participeront aux qualifications de l' #EuroBasketWomen2019 https://t.co/ZOLxA9TDfP pic.twitter.com/BbqDl3EdX1
— Equipe France Basket (@FRABasketball) October 6, 2017
There are also opportunities for Romane Bernies, Lisa Berkani and Amel Bouderra, with the guard trio no doubt looking to re-supply the short-handed backcourt.
Meanwhile, forwards Marieme Badiane and Aby Gaye are also in the squad, as France prepare to tip-off in Helsinki against Finland on November 11, prior to returning home for a clash with Romania on November 15 in Villeneuve. Group E also contains Slovenia.
FIBA