BOULAZAC (FIBA World Championship for Women) - France head coach Valerie Garnier has confirmed the 12 players that she will be putting her faith in as she prepares for her first tournament in the hot-seat at the FIBA World Championship for Women.

Garnier made the final two cuts to her preliminary list ahead of her team's two preparation games in Boulazac by opting to release rising stars Aby Gaye and Romane Bernies.

While there was disappointment for the playmaker and the young center, Garnier hinted that it wouldn't be long before they would be considered for future competitions.

"Reducing the group in its final configuration for the last five matches of preparation seemed necessary," said the play caller.

"Like the other players who have already left us, Aby and Romane were exemplary in their involvement.

"I thank them for that and they are certainly young players in the making."

While Gaye and Bernies didn't make it, there were contrasting emotions for a quartet of players handed senior tournament debuts to underline that while not utilising the youngest of their talents, Garnier and France are still turning the page.

With the absences of Isabelle Yacoubou and Elodie Godin, as well as the retirement of Emmeline Ndongue in the frontcourt, there was always a strong case for Helena Ciak to edge her way into the frame and so it proved, as she nailed down a coveted place.

She will be joined by fellow debutantes Ingrid Tanqueray and Ana Cata-Chitiga, the latter so often coming close to selection under former head coach Pierre Vincent but never previously being given the opportunity to show what she can do at the elite level.

Meanwhile, Paoline Salagnac will pull on a senior team vest for the first time at the age of 30, having last representing her nation at junior level exactly a decade ago.

To underline the change in the French team, there are only four survivors from the roster which made a memorable run all the way to the Final of London 2012 to scoop the silver medal.

Celine Dumerc and Sandrine Gruda are two world-class returnees while the ever reliable forward Endene Miyem and free-scoring Emilie Gomis are also back on board.

There is a recall to the world stage for Anael Lardy who played at the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women, while Diandra Tchatchouang, Marielle Amant and Gaelle Skrela all hold onto their places having played at EuroBasket Women 2013.

France will play in Group B when they arrive in Ankara and will compete against hosts Turkey, Mozambique and Canada.

France squad for FIBA World Championship for Women: Helena Ciak, Ingrid Tanqueray, Paoline Salagnac Ana Cata-Chitiga, Celine Dumerc, Sandrine Gruda, Endene Miyem, Emilie Gomis, Anael Lardy, Diandra Tchatchouang, Marielle Amant and Gaelle Skrela.

FIBA