The newly crowned EuroLeague Women Young Player of the Year Lliana Rupert, who has been on a great form so far for his club side, has been in the media for positive reasons as she was interviewed on what the future holds for her in an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball.
However, having seen herself broke into the French national team and is rapidly becoming a force for the likes of Bourges Basketball in EuroLeague and the French league as well. She has already been rated as one the best players of her generation in the women’s basketball.
She therefore revealed in an interview with FIBA.basketball after being handed the prestigious accolade as stated below.
“I was not expecting it and I learned about it when I received the notification and the title said 'Iliana Rupert – Young Player of the Year'. So, I was really surprised and happy, especially because I was playing in a competition with really good players. Winning this award is awesome and especially when coaches and media both voted for me as number one. It means a lot and I am really grateful.
“I choose Bourges Basket so I could play in EuroLeague Women right away after high school, because it is the best league. Playing against huge stars this year made me realize all the steps I still must achieve in order to reach my goal, which is winning the EuroLeague Women title.
“Yes, it was a tough beginning, because it was a new team. We had to build a new collective and it took a little time. However, we have always been truly united - both on and off the court. I have so many great memories with this team that it is hard to choose. But if I had to pick one, I will say the month of January. It was almost perfect! We went second in the French League and we qualified for the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals. We were having so much fun during games, but also in practice. It was such a good time, both individually and collectively.
“I found out that the virus was out there in January when it touched China. I truly started realizing it might cause some problems when the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament due to take place in China was cancelled and then moved to Serbia. When it touched Italy, I think I really understood how serious it was. When they suspended the season in France, we had to stay in Bourges to keep practicing – although only in a very small group, with just 2-3 the absolute maximum. However, when the French President announced the quarantine/lockdown, everybody then went home. I can continue to play basketball because I have a rim at my mom's house and I also have cardio to do in my yard so that I can stay in shape.
“I followed the draft this year, just like I have done every year since I was 13-years-old. The 2020 selection was very exciting because there were four Europeans there. I have always been interested in the WNBA and it is a goal for me. I hope I will be drafted one day, although I do not know yet if it will be next year or maybe later. I really want to discover the WNBA and to play with and against the best players in the world.
“Indeed, the summer of 2021 will be intense with two very important tournaments. I hope I will be part of the team because the FIBA Women's EuroBasket will be played at home for me. Meanwhile the Olympics is a competition every athlete dreams of going to. I have 12 months to get more experience in the French League and also in EuroLeague Women. My goals are to be tougher, more explosive and to also be more consistent in my game. I will work hard to have and even more important role with both Bourges Basket and for the French national team next summer.
Rupert will be expecting to repeat same feat in next season’s outing.
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