Johannes continues on voyage of discovery
BOURGES (EuroLeague Women/FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - As French young gun Marine Johannes reflects on a breakthrough calendar year, her exciting journey for both club and country shows no signs of slowing down in 2017.
Having seen her profile elevated to previously unchartered levels in the wake of her high profile move to Tango Bourges, an exhilarating Olympic debut in Rio and some recent first footsteps in EuroLeague Women; an appearance at the FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Final Round could be the next highlight.
The skillful guard will head to Prague indescribably better equipped than 12 months earlier, when she could have barely imagined what would happen to her during the second half of 2016.
"Even though it was a good [2015-16] season with Mondeville, it was a huge surprise for me to be included in France’s team [in Rio]," confessed Johannes.
"I had already trained with the group which was great, but to continue the adventure at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and then go to Rio was amazing.
"It was an unforgettable experience. I was really happy to be part of this adventure and it was a dream come true.
"Playing against these great nations has also allowed me to realise the progress that I still have to make and it was a busy year."
Switching from Mondeville to Bourges was also a huge step, perhaps on a scale that many onlookers have not quite appreciated.
"There's been a lot of change, but I'm getting used to," stated Johannes.
"The adaptation is going well and it's a pleasure to play here [with Bourges]. The level of expectation is different, since here we only look for one thing - the first place. And, the club has the means to get there.
"I have discovered a new team, a new operation and also EuroLeague Women, which I really like as it is at an even higher level than the French Championship.
"We meet players like [Diana] Taurasi, who for me is the best in the world."
She continued, "Everything is more physical, faster, more accurate and more intense.
"Every detail can be fatal at this level and you have be even more concentrated, because every possession can make the difference."
With Bourges heading into the current winter break on a four-game losing slide in EuroLeague Women, there are many more lessons to be learned as Johannes continues on her exciting voyage.
She can also look forward to the alluring prospect of a possible first-ever appearance at the Final Round, when France will go up against Group C opponents Greece, Serbia and Slovenia in Prague.
FIBA
