Could Rupert walk in the footsteps of Sandrine Gruda?

MINSK (FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018) - All eyes will be on Iliana Rupert when she steps out at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 as the centerpiece of a France side that is tipped for more podium success.

The classy forward lit it up last year as France won the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship on home soil. To stand out in a generation with so many quality players such as Zoe Wadoux or Marine Fauthoux, for example, was quite an accomplishment.

Home Soil Happiness and the Mission In Minsk

Reflecting on a glorious and emotional chapter of her fledgling career, the excitement pours from Rupert - as does the intense anticipation of the opportunities on offer in Minsk.

"It was an incredible feeling and winning at home is not something given to everyone, so I think it will stay engraved with me for life," she enthused.

"We are mature and we know we have great potential, but we also know that this alone is not enough. We always try to surpass ourselves to do better than the previous time and we are real competitors.

"I'm very happy and proud to be able to participate in this FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. It's a huge opportunity that few girls have.

"I hope we will be ready to produce our [true] game in Belarus. We always take the games one after the other, without ever underestimating an opponent. I think it was our strength last year, so I hope it will continue this year. In this kind of competition, no match-up is alike and we must be prepared to expect everything," Rupert added.

Asked what will be the key to her team's success on the court, the 6ft 4in (1.93m) center is in no doubt at what end of the court it all starts.

"Above all else, we are a defensive team. It's our trademark and we rely on it in all circumstances," she pointed out. "On offense we're a versatile team: we have girls who can shoot, drive, play in the paint, create for others. I believe this versatility is one of our biggest assets."

As for Rupert herself, she is incisive when answering what she is currently working on and will be looking to offer.

"I play at the power forward and center postions and I can equally play with my back to the basket, or facing it. I can shoot the 2 and the 3. When I practise, I put an emphasis on the physical aspect because for me to be able to express myself properly, I need a high level of intensity. So it's one of my main areas of work that I'm focused on."

The Future of the Senior French Frontcourt

Last August, Rupert walked out of Le Prado in Bourges deservedly clutching the MVP award. As everyone else melted away into the night, there was a palpable sense of not only jubilation, but also anticipation, that Rupert and this generation of French players could be the best for some time.

Former France international Emmeline Dongue presented a golden Molten ball to Rupert in recognition of her winning the MVP in Bourges

Even if it seems to be highly premature, comparisons with Rupert being ‘the next Sandrine Gruda’ were understandably being made.

Everything the young star has done so far, does point towards a pathway to senior stardom. As with many players who possess her talent, skills, leadership abilities and all-around 'feel' for the game, if she listens, learns and works hard, then the sky really is the limit.

It's noticeable than Rupert is one of a handful of French 'bigs' coming through that seem to have the potential to reach the elite level.

In recent years, the big breakthroughs have seen mainly guards such as Olivia Epoupa or Marine Johannes steal the show.

Sit up and take notice, because by the end of this next Olympic cycle (2020), Sandrine Gruda will be 33 years old, Endy Miyem will be 32, Helena Ciak will be 30 and of course, Isabelle Yacoubou has long since retired. Yes, the door is open for Rupert , even if she still has some steps to take before she inevitably walks through. Alexia Chartereau is there for inspiration - someone who was also a teenager when she made the transition to the seniors and actually hails from the same junior basketball circles as Rupert.

Back to Le Prado

Whatever happens in Minsk, Rupert will have the chance to cement her reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Europe and arguably in the world, by dipping her toes in EuroLeague Women waters for the first time, having penned a deal with powerhouse club and reigning French champions, Bourges Basket.

It means the court where she stood on the top of the podium last year and scooped the prestigious MVP accolade will be her new home. She will also get a reunion with Chartereau.

"I'm very happy and proud to play for this team. I know it will not be easy at first, but it's for this difficulty and this requirement that I'm heading to Bourges," Rupert explained.

"I really hope to be able to express myself in games - whether in the French Championship or in EuroLeague Women."

Wanting to play back at Le Prado speaks volumes about Rupert's mindset. While young, she is craving exposure to pressure and high expectations. It’s a good sign and she has already turned heads by being part of the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp, as well as a sparring partner to the senior French team ahead of their FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers.

Not Being Defined By Tragedy

Even if Rupert seems to now have the world at her feet, it hasn't all been plain sailing. In fact, that would be a huge understatement, since her young life has been deeply impacted by the immeasurable grief of her dad passing away when she was just 11-years-old.

"I chose basketball because my father was a professional player, so I've always been around it," she explained.

"At first I used to be with my girlfriends and then realized that I could really do something. My mother is my greatest source of inspiration both in life and in my basketball career. My father also inspires me a lot. He gives me strength and it's for him that I do all this."

Harnessing this family tragedy and using it as motivation is clearly adding extra fuel for Rupert's journey. But it's also evident that the tragedy won't define her. Instead, it will shape her and mould her.

She is slowly shedding the label of being 'the daughter of', while she won’t be 'the next Sandrine Gruda' either.

That is because this is Iliana Rupert - a gifted young athlete who is carving out a name for herself and one that will make both her parents and French basketball proud.

FIBA