AMSTERDAM (2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - Netherlands sharp-shooter Esther Fokke is excited for the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship but struggling to put her love for 3x3 to the back of her mind.

Having participated in the Youth Olympic Games last year in Nanjing, it proved to be a memorable experience for the wing star, who ended up winning a silver medal.

"Oh yeah, I think about China almost every day," smiled the teenager.

"We were the underdogs of the competition, but we grew so much in the tournament that the people actually came to like us.

"We won against China in the Quarter-Finals and got a victory against Spain.

"It was unbelievable - from the first time I played 3x3, to just going to the Youth Olympic Games and then winning a medal was absolutely amazing.

"I love the 3x3 game because it's really fast and you are playing for an intense 10 minutes and after the 10 minutes, it's like you have played a whole game of the full 5on5 version," continued Fokke.

"You also can drive and shoot the ball, although while it is a very different game compared to the full game, I absolutely love both very much."

Fokke helped the injury-hit Netherlands punch their ticket for Chekov and Vidnoe at the 2015 U18 European Championship Women in Matosinhos.

The Amsterdam native has been using 3x3 to make her an even more rounded player, but confessed that she has poured more and more energy into becoming a big danger from downtown.

"It all started during previous summers when I was shooting the ball on a small court near our house," revealed Fokke.

"Later on I practiced at BVHoofddorp and gained selection to represent North-Holland, before then spending three years at CTO Amsterdam where my skills have really grown to the current level.

"I always liked to shoot from outside, but I like driving to the ring too.

"However during the last few seasons, I have developed my shooting skills and have become more and more of a shooter.

"Last year [in Matosinhos] was a great tournament for us, even though I don't think we had the best skilled team.

"But we really played to our team strengths and combined with three top coaches, we were able to get the results we needed.

"For me personally, it was a great experience."

My expectations of the team are that we will produce a good performance. - Fokke

When the action gets underway in Russia, Fokke is hoping she can have a similarly positive impact.

"My intention is to play a more leading role, but you never know," she said.

"I mean, we do have some good qualities in the team and maybe we can surprise everyone so we must wait and see."

Once the dust has settled, Fokke is also going to relish her involvement in a new project to enter a team in EuroCup Women which is being undertaken by the Netherlands Basketball Federation.

"Yes, I really think it is a good initiative," she said ahead of stepping out for the Orange Blizzards.

"Not only for me as an individual, but also for basketball in the Netherlands.

"Later in my career, I want to play in EuroCup Women and with this step, I can get to know the level of the games and stuff like that.

"So I am really excited about it and looking forward playing in the games."

At the 2015 FIBA U19 Women's Championship, Netherlands will play in Group A with Argentina, Russia and Chinese Taipei.

FIBA