GB Reveal Final 12 for Women’s EuroBasket

By Bradley Gains on June 20, 2019

Chema Buceta has confirmed his final 12 ahead of the upcoming Women’s EuroBasket later this month.

GB secured two victories – one behind closed doors – over Canada in Manchester to continue their prep and next head to Spain before flying out to Riga for their first appearance at the Final Round since 2015.

Five players remain from the roster five years ago with the availability of Jo Leedham-Warner a major boost this time around.

We take a look through the roster:

Mollie CAMPBELL #11
28/02/95, Forward, Leicester Riders

The Riders captain celebrated lifting the WBBL Trophy once again this season and averaged a solid 6.5 points along with 6.1 rebounds per game in the league. Campbell only saw court time twice during the Qualifiers, but adds depth to the roster having also won silver with England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 0 (Debut)

Stef COLLINS #6
30/12/82, Guard, Cardiff Met Archers

The veteran guard brings experience in abundance for Buceta’s side ahead of a fourth Women’s EuroBasket appearance. Collins battled injury at Cardiff this past season with just 13 WBBL games played, but will prove invaluable both on the court and on the sidelines. Currently on 149 caps.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 3 (2011, 2013 & 2015)

Temi FAGBENLE #15
08/09/92, CCC Polkoiwce (Poland) / Minnesota Lynx (WNBA, USA)

The towering presence of Fagbenle will prove vital for GB once more with the Harvard graduate key at both ends of the floor. Fagbenle won a second Championship title in Poland this past season having been named the MVP for the regular season to add more silverware to the coveted WNBA crown with Minnesota.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 1 (2015)

Cheridene GREEN #25
19/09/95, Forward, University of Tennessee (USA)

An immediate impact with 19 points on her Senior debut, Green has shown her pedigree at this level ahead of the start of her pro career next season. The 23-year-old has strengthened her game at Tennessee, playing in consecutive NCAA Tournaments and can add her versatility in the front-court for GB.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 0 (Debut)

Chantelle HANDY #8
16/06/87, Forward, Battipaglia (Italy)

Another player with plenty of experience, Handy averaged double figures for points during the Qualifiers and spent last season in Italy. One of five 2012 Olympians in the squad, Handy has over 100 caps for the Senior team ahead of her fourth Women’s EuroBasket.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 3 (2011, 2013 & 2015)

Georgia JONES #4
03/04/90, Guard, Manchester Mystics

After missing out in 2015, Jones has re-claimed her place in the final 12 with the play-maker carrying her strong performances in the WBBL into the National side. Jones led the league with 8.1 assists per game during the 2018-19 campaign for the Mystics.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 1 (2013)

Jo LEEDHAM-WARNER #13
05/12/87, Guard, CCC Polkowice (Poland)

Leedham-Warner has been a standout player for GB throughout her career and averaged an impressive double-double – 19.5 points & 10.0 rebounds – over four games in the Qualifiers to help her side past the likes of Greece and Israel. A regular in EuroLeague Women competition, the Chester-native teamed up with Fagbenle last season to win the Championship title in Poland.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 2 (2011 & 2013)

Janice MONAKANA #14
06/08/95, Forward, Sevenoaks Suns

Monakana headed into the summer in top form after leading Sevenoaks to the WBBL playoffs title with an MVP performance at The O2. The former GB U20 – alongside Green – will give GB another threat off the bench with both her outside shooting and physicality inside.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 0 (Debut)

Karlie SAMUELSON #44
10/05/95, Guard, Castors Braine (Belgium) / LA Sparks (WNBA, USA)

The 24-year-old has offered fresh optimism for the future of the GB team, making her introduction in the Qualifiers last year – shooting 50% from 3-point range. Samuelson played out in Belgium following the conclusion of the WNBA season and put up a joint game-high of 16 points in the second of two wins against Canada, on Wednesday.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 0 (Debut)

Hannah SHAW #9
22/09/90, Centre, Cortegada (Spain)

The former Nottingham Wildcats and Team Northumbria centre spent last season in Spain and was another member of England’s silver success at the Commonwealth Games. With retired star Azania Stewart now absent, Shaw gives GB added size in the front-court and will be needed on the defensive end.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 0 (Debut)

Eilidh SIMPSON #41
11/09/92, Guard, CSL Dijon (France)

Simpson has become a regular for GB since making her debut with the Australian-born guard providing her relentless energy and perimeter threat off the bench. Having made the final 12 in 2015, Simpson retains her place in the roster for a second appearance at Women’s EuroBasket.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 1 (2015)

Rachael VANDERWAL #7
27/06/83, Guard, Gernika Bizkaia (Spain)

Vanderwal recently celebrated her 100th Senior cap with GB in Slovenia and brings leadership and experience to the back-court. Last season, she returned to Gernika Bizkaia last season and enjoyed a run in EuroCup Women action and continues to be ever-present for the National side.

Women’s EuroBasket appearances: 3 (2011, 2013 & 2015)

* clubs as of last season

GB begin their campaign on Thursday when they face the tournament co-hosts Latvia in Riga with Spain and Ukraine completing the group.

Image credits: FIBA / Mansoor Ahmed

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