CHARLEVILLE-MEZIERES (EuroCup Women 2017) - It's turning out to be quite a year for Amel Bouderra after answering an SOS call from her country for Rio 2016 and is now ready to celebrate a decade with Flammes Carolo Basket by re-entering EuroCup Women.

The French guard will once again pull the strings for the Charleville-Mezieres based club, and will be able to offer even more experience and know-how in the wake of her unexpected Olympic adventure. She is tasked with leading her team past an awkward looking EuroCup Women 2017 Qualifier against German newcomers Eisvogel USC Freiburg, who will be looking to cause an upset.

Flammes Carolo Basket and Bouderra have only ever played in the competition once before - two years ago, when the playmaker dished out almost four assists per game. That was the kind quality which led to France head coach Valerie Garnier picking up the phone from Brazil and asking for her assistance in the wake of the injury that ruled out Celine Dumerc.

Bouderra was also the MVP of the LFB last season - a prestigious accolade which recognised her efforts and impact in the French domestic game.

Bouderra making the French team has drawn a fiercely proud response in the city. So much so, that she has been given a civic reception by the locals, who adore her play and commitment to the club.

It won't only be about Bouderra this season though. For Flammes Carolo Basket to get past the first stage safely and make an impact during the regular season, they will need others to step up.

The main supporting cast will be made up from a quartet of other returnees from last season’s roster, including Ukraine national team forward Valeriya Berezhynska, her partner in the paint Alicia DeVaughn and influential Belgian national team guard Kim Mestdagh, who will once again join forces in the backcourt with Bouderra.

There is also a place back on the roster for UConn graduate Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, who was a big contributor last year and poured in almost 13 points per game in the French League.

Margaux Galliou is a major incomer after signing from Nantes Basket in the summer, having averaged more than eight points per game in EuroCup Women last season.

Flammes Carolo will also have a nice pool of burgeoning talent behind the more senior players, with Lidija Turcinovic having switched from Toulouse where she was given a lot of responsibility and that should have encouraged her to improve further.

Gassa Maeva Djaldi-Tabdi also comes on board for her first experience of the pro-game and she could be a long-term prospect under the basket.

There are also high hopes for Victoria Majekodunmi taking a step up this season, with the teenager having played at some major tournaments for France at youth level - including the 2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship.

FIBA