Having secured their ticket by going a perfect 3-0 in qualification, GB are in Pool A with Germany, who come into this tournament as the top-ranked side, and the number eight seed Portugal.
Among the key players that Great Britain will need to watch out for is Germany’s dynamic duo of Luise Linke, who is still just 15-years-old and Lisanne Rawer, who played at the recent FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup.
Portugal will be led by the dangerous Maria Andorinho.
It’s a challenge, but one that the girls, ranked 17, are relishing as they continue their rapid rise in the 3x3 format, something that head coach Caitlyn Riley is pleased to be part of.
@bballengland Katie Cox with the buzzer beater to send GB to the U17 3x3 Europe Cup 🙌 #britishbasketball #tiktoksports #3x3 📹 @FIBA3x3 ♬ original sound - Basketball England
“I’m super excited to see this group of talented women compete for Great Britain at the 3x3 Euro Cup Finals,” Riley said.
Katie Cox, Valerie Cassidy De Falco, Zoe Sharpe and Esther Kursite, who steered GB to qualifying wins over Sweden, Denmark and Latvia, will feature again.
“I believe they gained valuable experience from the qualifiers, and now, having more knowledge, are ready to adapt and show this at the next level,” Riley added.
“I think they’ve done incredibly well to get to this stage and have already shown why they’re wearing the GB jersey, but I know they are all ready to bring the energy and leave it all out there against some top opponents.”
Along with energy, Great Britain believe they can compete with Europe’s finest and use the 3x3 format to their advantage.
“I’m very excited to be playing with the team at the FIBA U17 Europe Cup,” Cassidy De Falco said.
“3x3 basketball has a playing style which really suits our strengths, and I think this tournament is the perfect opportunity to showcase our game.”
Great Britain begin their FIBA U17 3x3 Europe Cup adventure against Germany on day two of the event on Saturday, 23 September, beginning at 18:40, followed by Portugal at 20:30.
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