Edwige Lawson during the EuroLeague Women Final Four

France coach Alain Jardel has included star guard Edwige Lawson in his Eurobasket Women 2005 squad - despite the player all but ruling herself out of the tournament.

The crack Samara point guard, who has 142 caps to her name and averaged 17 minutes a game during the European Championships 2003 when the French finished fifth, is looking to carve out a career in the WNBA where she is currently playing with the New York Liberty.

American-born Allison Feaster, who played collegiately at Harvard and has WNBA experience, has also been selected by Jardel.

But the 28-year-old small forward, too, is in the WNBA with the Charlotte
Sting.

"I found it very interesting to call up Allison but whether she will accept it or not remains a mystery," Jardel said.

		“	Whether she (Allison Feaster) will accept it or not remains a mystery	„
		Alain Jardel

"I know that she wants to dedicate herself to the WNBA and considering that our preparation will take place in the middle of the summer she might not decide to come on July 11.

"Allison has never played with us and it's difficult to believe that she could arrive at the last minute.

"Basketball is a collective sport and just not the addition of all individual talents, even though Allison is definitely a great champion. But she probably will not be available on time."

Feaster played in Valenciennes' French title winning squad this year. She also competed in FIBA EuroLeague Women, averaging 11.6 points in seven games. 

"We can think the same thing about Edwige who is on trial in the United States (in New York)," Jardel said.

		Alain Jardel

"I spoke to her on the phone and she said she was not available.

"My role as a coach and considering her experience is to call her up but she is exactly in the same situation as Allison, although she has the advantage of being one of the most important point guards of the team for many years."

Jardel says he expects his side to endure a tough Eurobasket 2005 after announcing the 15-woman squad on Monday.

Les Bleues finished fifth two years ago and will travel to the September 2-11 tournament as dark horses to repeat their 2001 triumph.

Jardel is expected to choose his final Euro 2005 squad towards the end of August.

Squad:

ANTIBE Nicole (Naples, Italy)
BADE Krissy (Mondeville)
DUMERC Celine (Bourges)
FEASTER Allison (Valenciennes)
GODIN Elodie (Bourges)
GOMIS Emilie (Villeneuve d'Ascq)
HERMOUET Emmanuelle (Salamanca, Spain)
LAWSON Edwige (Samara, Russia)
LE DREAN Sandra (Valenciennes)
LESDEMA Nathalie (Aix-en-Provence)
MELAIN Cathy (Venise, Italy)
NDONGUE Emmeline (Aix-en-Provence)
REGHAISSIA Sabrina (Bourges)
SAURET Audrey (Valenciennes)
SY Penda (Tarbes)