The French national women’s basketball team is gearing up for the final qualifying window for EuroBasket 2025, set to take place in June. Coach Jean-Aimé Toupane has announced a 16-player roster, featuring five fresh faces.
Notable absences include Marine Johannès, sidelined due to injury, and Gabby Williams, who has stepped away for personal reasons. Stepping into the void are promising talents like Lattes-Montpellier’s Garance Rabot, a rising star at the wing position, and Noémie Brochant of Flammes Carolo, another skilled player at position 3.
adding further depth to the squad are 3×3 specialist Myriam Djekoundade and her Basket Landes teammate Clarince Djaldi-Tabdi, along wiht Clarince’s sister Maeva Djaldi-Tabdi, who plays for Charnay.Marine Fauthoux, who missed the November window, returns to the lineup. She will share playmaking duties with Pauline Astier, Romane Bernies, Leila Lacan, and Carla Leite, all of whom were also part of the November squad.
The roster also includes experienced players like Mamignan Touré on the wing,Valériane Ayayi and Janelle Salaün at positions 3-4,Iliana Rupert,Dominique Malonga,and Marième Badiane in the paint.
Compared to the November window, Marie Paule Foppossi and Ana Tadic were not selected for this round.
France,currently unconfirmed for EuroBasket 2025,will host Ireland on February 6th at 7:15 PM at the Colisée in Chalon-sur-Saône. They will than travel to Riga, Latvia, to face Israel on February 9th. These crucial matches will determine france’s fate in the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.
France’s Familiar Faces and Rising stars: examining Les Bleues’ EuroBasket qualification Push
Welcome back, basketball fans, to another exciting installment of “Courtside Conversation”! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of French women’s basketball, and I’m thrilled to be joined by former French national team captain and current U18 coach, Claire Fijalkowski. Welcome, Claire!
Claire Fijalkowski: Thanks for having me! it’s always a pleasure to chat about the beautiful game.
We’re all eyes on the French national team as they gear up for the final qualifying window for EuroBasket 2025 in June. Coach Jean-Aimé Toupane has unveiled a 16-player roster that includes five fresh faces. It’s a blend of experience and youthful energy, Claire, what are yoru initial thoughts on the selection?
Claire Fijalkowski: It’s definately a roster with both experience and potential. It’s unfortunate to see key players like Marine Johannès and Gabby Williams missing due to injury and personal reasons,respectively.Their absence will definitely be felt. But it’s also an prospect for some exciting young talent to step up and showcase their skills.
The inclusion of players like Garance Rabot and Noémie Brochant is a clear indication of Toupane’s focus on the future. These rising stars are showing immense promise, and I’m curious to see them perform on the international stage.
[Host]: Absolutely! Young players like Rabot and Brochant are no strangers to the big stage. Rabot, notably, has been making waves with Lattes-Montpellier and is a force to be reckoned with on the wing.but you mentioned experience, Claire, who do you see as the backbone of this squad?
Claire Fijalkowski: Well, you can’t discount the experience of players like Mamignan Touré.She’s a veteran presence, and her leadership will be vital in guiding this young squad. And then you have Valériane Ayayi and Janelle Salaün. They bring a wealth of international experience and are capable of dominating at both ends of the court. Ultimately, it’s a team effort, and the success will depend on everyone buying into their roles and playing together.
[Host]: Solid point, Claire. Speaking of team effort, the selection also saw significant changes from the November window, with Marie Paule Foppossi and Ana Tadic not making the cut. Do you think these changes reflect a conscious shift in Toupane’s strategy?
Claire Fijalkowski: It’s hard to say for sure without speaking to the coach directly, but it does seem like Toupane is experimenting with different combinations and looking for the right chemistry.
EuroBasket qualification is a crucial tournament, and every game counts. He needs to assemble the best possible team, and perhaps he felt that these changes were necessary to achieve that goal.
[Host]: These February matches against Ireland and Israel will be crucial in determining france’s EuroBasket 2025 destiny.
Les Bleues will face Ireland at home in Chalon-sur-Saône before traveling to Riga, Latvia for a clash against Israel.
How do you think these opponents will test this French squad?
Claire Fijalkowski: both Ireland and Israel are capable teams. Ireland, in particular, can be very physical and will certainly test France’s grit and determination. Israel relies heavily on sharp shooters and will challenge France’s defense. It won’t be easy, but I believe this French squad has the talent and determination to overcome these obstacles.
[Host]: While France is favored to progress, it’s interesting to see the evolution of these teams. We’ve touched on the blend of experience and youth in this French squad.What are your predictions for the final roster heading into EuroBasket 2025?
Claire Fijalkowski: It’s always tough to predict,as injuries can play a role. Though, I believe players like Rabot and Brochant will continue to impress and solidify their positions.
Alongside them, veteran leaders like Touré and Ayayi will be crucial. Ultimately, the best 12 players available will make the final cut, and I have there’s no doubt whatsoever Coach Toupane will select a formidable team to represent France.
[Host]: Well said,Claire! Thank you so much for your insightful commentary and detailed analysis.This insight is amazing and will certainly fuel the excitement for these upcoming games. I know our readers are as eager as I am to see how Les Bleues fare in this crucial qualifying window.
And let’s hear from our viewers! What are your thoughts on this French squad? Who are you most excited to see step up? Let us know in the comments below!
