FIBA Basketball

Yakin Dogu Universitesi go for Gruda

ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women) - Yakin Dogu Universitesi have signalled their intent to land a first EuroLeague Women title after adding to their already stacked roster with French star Sandrine Gruda.

In a frontcourt rotation that already boasts the likes of the legendary Ann Wauters, Turkey national team standout Quanitra Hollingsworth and the in-form Jantel Lavender, the Istanbul club will now be considered to have the best frontcourt options in the competition.

@sandrine_gruda #YakınDoğuÜniversitesi 'nde.. Oyuncumuza Yakın Doğu Ailesine hoşgeldin der, başarılar dileriz. Bienvenue @sandrine_gruda ! Nous te souhaitons beaucoup de bonheurs et de succes avec la famille de Yakın Doğu. #ydümelekleri #sandrinegruda

A post shared by Yakın Doğu Kadın Basketbol (@ydu_melekleri) on Dec 3, 2017 at 11:25pm PST

It is a return to Turkey and to EuroLeague Women for Gruda, who was at Fenerbahce and most recently, was playing in her homeland on a short-term deal at Lyon.

Merci à @asvel_feminin & à tous les fans de basket pour votre accueil fantastique 🙏 J'ai pris un immense plaisir à découvrir Lyon, ses habitants et ce club prometteur durant ces quelques semaines. Quel bonheur de rejouer devant le public français après 10 ans loin des miens 🇫🇷😍 Bonne continuation à mes coéquipières et à toutes les personnes impliquées dans ce superbe club 🤞🏾 #TeamGruda #TeamASVEL

A post shared by Sandrine Gruda EM (@sandrine_gruda) on Dec 3, 2017 at 1:16pm PST

Interestingly, she brings experience of having played previously alongside all of her new teammates in the paint, including Hollingsworth at UMMC; Lavender at Fenerbahce and the Los Angeles Sparks where they won a WNBA title; and also with Wauters at UMMC, Sparks and USVO.

FIBA