EKATERINBURG (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) – Evgeniia Beliakova believes Russia are on the rise and can rediscover past glories when they hit the hardwood at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in June.

The traditional powerhouse of the women's game in Europe were crowned champions back in 2011 in Poland, but have since endured two under-par performances in the competition, with Beliakova believing they are edging back towards their traditional best.

"It is very exciting as it feels like we are finally ready to play EuroBasket Women at the same kind of level that Russia always used to be. It even feels exciting for me to just be a part of this team," explained Beliakova.

"We had the experience [at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2015] of how it feels to be left disappointed when we missed out on the Rio Olympics and in 2013 we even knew for the first time what it tasted like to not even get out of the group, which was a shock for everybody.

"But, we now know exactly what it takes to avoid those same feelings and everyone on the team has more experience [heading to Czech Republic] - even our younger players."

It is the surge from some seriously special rising stars that fills Beliakova with belief that Russia can start punching their weight again.

The likes of Maria Vadeeva, who was recently crowned a EuroLeague Women champion in her first season and made the entire world sit up and take notice during her spectacular breakout display as a 16-year-old at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2015, is a flag-bearer for the renaissance of Russian basketball.

But as well as their young-guns, Russia have some veteran experience which will provide the backbone. They have the 2011 FIBA EuroBasket Women MVP in Elena Kirillova, the fantastic combo-guard options of the naturalized Epiphanny Prince and of course, the devastating perimeter shooting and defensive skills of Beliakova.

A reigning WNBA champion after lifting the silverware in his first campaign with the Los Angeles Sparks, Beliakova also brings something critically important for Russia, and that is tremendous leadership which has been enriched by her experiences on the other side of the Atlantic.

"It was a whole new experience for me in the WNBA with a very different style of basketball," explained the guard, who is currently with UMMC Ekaterinburg.

"To be part of a WNBA-winning team was very important as it is also an experience I have been able to bring back to Russia.

"I think I can use it positively with the national team, to show we have players who can help to bring back the glory of the past as we know how to win titles.

"I want the younger girls to listen and know what it takes to be a champion and that it doesn't come very easily.

"It comes with hard work and all thinking about the same goal and being there fighting for each other - you can't just think you have talent and just go out and play. In the future, I think we will see even more girls able to follow by playing for the national team, in EuroLeague Women and also in the WNBA. The exciting new Russian generation is coming and I believe some of them can even be superstars around the world."

"I know that after my own experience that absolutely anything is possible."

Beliakova and Russia will compete in Group D against Belgium, Latvia and Montenegro.

FIBA