EKATERINBURG (EuroLeague Women) – Nika Baric is backing UMMC to show their class when hosting the EuroLeague Women Final Four next month as they look to defend their title.

Acutely aware that there are no second chances at the tournament which will take place between 14-16 April, the playmaker is out to help the reigning champions win the silverware for a fourth time.

"Firstly, we are really happy that we are hosting the EuroLeague Women Final Four," said Baric.

"We are a great team and the only thing we have on our minds is that we need to prove and show it every time we step onto the court - even if sometimes it's not that easy, even if it looks like it is.

"The only goal is to win EuroLeague Women this year and all our thoughts are now on getting prepared for our first game against Fenerbahce.

"Final Four is all about one day, one game and one opportunity [on the Friday] and if you do make it, then, more is possible in the Final."

With competition for court time so fierce within the star-laden UMMC locker-room, Baric is doing everything she can to ensure she still plays a prominent role when the showpiece event arrives.

She said: "I am always fighting for my minutes as it is hard to have a role and to get a lot of court time when you are around a roster of 12 amazing players.

"But I'm doing a great job and I know what I must do for my team and I just need to keep working hard and keep pushing myself.

"Of course, I'm happy that I have both [Kristi] Toliver and also [Diana] Taurasi for my position, because both are great to learn from and every day you play against them in practice which is amazing.

"I have a good relationship with Toliver on and off the court. I think she is an amazing shooter, and I always know when we need to score some triples that she can always do that."

To stay in the mix at UMMC, it requires the winning of titles and also continuous evolution and improvement - something Baric is always bearing in mind.

"I want to be better in every practice in every month of every season.

"I think for a player who is 24-years-old, I have a lot of experience and sometimes I forget about that as I’m still kind of young.

"So, I know that in all parts of game I can get better, but sometimes to come to this, you need to be patient and time will show it all.

"I am working on being a real point guard and a leader, to always find an answer for any situation that happens on the court.

"And for sure, I would like to also find a good team in the WNBA and have the chance to start my career there too."

UMMC face Fenerbahce in the second EuroLeague Women Semi-Final on Friday 14 April.

FIBA