by Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport

Marjorie Carpreaux is thrilled at the prospect of playing in her first EuroBasket Women in Italy later this summer.

The Belgian point guard has been warming up for the big event by contributing to her national team finishing 15th at the U21 World Championship in Moscow.

Last Sunday, Carpreaux led her team in scoring as Belgium finished fifth at the U20 European Championship Women in Sofia.

		Carpréaux led Belgium to a fifth place finish at the recently completed U20 European Championship.

FIBA Europe: It was the first time in Belgium's history that a national team, men or women, played in the final round of a World Championship. How was the experience in Moscow?

Carpreaux: It was great. I really enjoyed playing against the best players and it was unique. Considering it was our first World Championship, we were very happy to finish 15th. I was thrilled for my team as well as for myself.

FIBA Europe: Marjorie, you had little time to rest and yet you led your team in scoring (13 points per game) as well as averaging a tournament high 6.8 assists per game at the U20 European Championship. How significant was it for Belgium to finish for a second year in a row in the top five?

Carpreaux: We came back from the World Championship and we had very little time to prepare for this tournament. We have a strong team and a great coach and things worked out well for us. To have finished fifth is really fantastic and this can only give us a lot of optimism for the future.

FIBA Europe: By the looks of it, you will to play a big role in the future of Belgium's national team. You are 19, are you surprised how fast your career has developed?

Carpreaux: Last summer was very important for my career. I had a very good U20 European tournament which allowed us to qualify for the U21 World Championship. I also made my debut with the senior team last summer, so overall, it was a success. I play at Dexia Namur and I don't play many minutes. I try to use as much as possible tournaments like the U21 World Championship and the U20 European Championships to focus on my basketball. I am not the best and I realise that I need to work every day to improve. I play with my heart so I have to work on my mental strength and also on my defense.

FIBA Europe: You were Belgium's third-best scorer behind Ann Wauters and Kathy Wambe at the EuroBasket Women qualifying contest. Did you think you would be given a starring role in the team?

Carpreaux: I was very surprised. I really didn't think I would get much playing time but I did. I knew I had to make the most of the opportunity I was given and it went really well. It was a great experience to play with Ann Wauters and it really made me mature as a player. There was a good chemistry on the court with Ann and Kathy Wambe, we played quick basketball so I really enjoyed it. Getting the chance to play with my favourite player, Wambe, was truly a joy.

FIBA Europe: Belgium finished sixth at the 2003 EuroBasket Women in Greece. In the tournament in Italy, you will face Germany, Lithuania and Romania in Group B in Lanciano. What are the national team's hopes for this summer's tournament?

Carpreaux: We take young talented players in the national team and then we have the experienced players like Ann Wauters and Kathy Wambe. If we play the same style of basketball as we did at the qualifying stage, I really believe we have a good chance to finish fourth or fifth at the EuroBasket. For me it would be fantastic if we were to qualify for the Olympics.

FIBA Europe: Will you have any time to rest before you join your national team to prepare for the EuroBasket?

Carpreaux: I will take 10 days' holiday to be with my family before I begin preparations with the national team. My family is very important to me and I really need to be with them before I head on to another tournament.