SCHIO (Euroleague Women/FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2018) – She was already one of the most exciting and athletic players heading to Sopron. Now, Italian forward Olbis Futo Andre is also anticipating her EuroLeague Women debut.

A rebounding machine who was a star at last year’s FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship in Matosinhos where she averaged 12 points and 15.5 rebounds per game, Andre has just penned a deal with Italian champions, Famila Schio.

The move comes as a rich reward for her evolution, which recently saw her make positive contributions for the Italy senior team during their FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 Qualifiers. 

"What can I say? I’m very happy to start this new adventure in Schio," she declared after coming from three seasons with Battipaglia.

"I am sure it will be an experience that will give me a lot in technical terms, but also from the human standpoint – I visited the city and it seemed welcoming and I had a positive feeling.

"I am aware this season will be very different in terms of expectations not only for the Italian Championship, but also for EuroLeague Women and I am now ready to make my contribution.

She added: "The roster has changed a lot, but playing in front of a passionate crowd, I am sure it will be another decisive stimulus for me."

Before Andre can concentrate too much on this exciting new chapter in her career, she will be focused intensely on the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship in Sopron as Italy try to make up for an arguably underwhelming sixth place last year.

They could be one of the front runners for the title next month, since they will have a raft of other leading European youth players in their squad. These include the likes of Eliza Pinzan, Sara Madera and Lorela Cubaj, who propelled their country to history at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup two years ago as they booked a maiden Final.

FIBA