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18 - 26
July 2015
Janis Ndiba (NED)
05/03/2015
News
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Dutch ace Ndiba looking forward to Cornelius return

AMSTERDAM (2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - When the Netherlands punched a ticket for the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship, it was mainly Janis Ndiba who propelled her nation back to the global stage.

The forward proved to be a monumental presence in the paint at the U18 European Championship Women in Portugal last year, as she confirmed herself as one of the premier players in the competition.

While just missing out on All-Tournament Team honours, her numbers were superb and she hit a wonderful 54 percent of her shots from two-point range, as well as grabbing almost nine rebounds per game.

"For sure it was a great summer and I'm never going to forget it," smiled the Leeuwarden native, as she reflected on a standout individual campaign.

"Matosinhos was a great experience, in a beautiful country.

"Our plan was to finish in the top five and while ultimately we didn't make it, I think we did well as a team and brought the best out of ourselves."

Certainly everyone involved in the Dutch camp will have settled for scraping a place in Chekhov this year with a sixth-place finish.

Not least because the team were dealt a hammer-blow leading up to the tournament when their marquee player and highly influential point guard Laura Cornelius was ruled out with a serious injury.

The playmaker still went to Portugal and sat on the bench with her team-mates - excited and relieved to see her colleagues secure her another appearance at the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship.

Unsurprisingly, Ndiba is thrilled with the prospect of Cornelius possibly suiting up in Russia - something which she hopes can help Netherlands make an impression.

"Yes, I think Laura will return for us," she stated. "I think that will be amazing for us in many different ways and we can have a good team at the tournament.

Maybe we won't be the best, but we can certainly bring some surprises - so our opponents had better be prepared. - Ndiba

Ndiba also paid tribute to her partner in the paint, Emese Hof.

"My relationship with Emese is strong both on and off the court," she confirmed. "I think that we just need to go back to where we left off in Portugal."

Ndiba already has experience of playing again opponents from around the globe after she appeared for the host nation at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in 2012.

"It was so amazing because our family and friends came to watch us," recalled the 17-year-old, who was the youngest member of the Dutch roster and the only 1997-born player.

"It was the first time for most of us getting to play against teams like the USA and Japan.

"But also the conditions were so good too.

"I hope this year will be just special as the other ones we have had."

Ndiba has made great strides in recent years and admitted that the launch-pad came a few years ago, when she got serious about honing her skills.

"When I was 14-years-old, I made the decision to play ball in Groningen and train six times a week," she explained.

"I think that helped me to be a part of the various national teams. After Groningen where I played for two years, I then decided to go and follow the programme at CTO Amsterdam and this is my second year here."

Those who have watched Ndiba showcase her skills at youth level will have noted her handy footwork and will also be relieved that she didn't pursue another career.

"Before I played ball, I loved to dance," she said.

"But when basketball came into my life, it was hard to combine the two activities, so I choose basketball.

"I was 11-years-old when I first came into contact with the game and it was only because of my mom who told me I had to try it. And that was the moment I fell in love with the game.

"Neither of my parents played basketball, so I really think it was just meant to be," concluded Ndiba with a smile.

FIBA