Penny Taylor has welcomed with open arms FIBA Europe's aim to promote the women's game in Europe.

European basketball's governing body will soon launch a 'Year of Women's Basketball', a project to bring focus to women's basketball.

FIBA Europe are determined to increase popularity and recognition of the women's game, increase participation among youngsters and raise its overall profile.

"This initiative is such an important thing to do," Taylor said to PA Sport.

		“	I think it's a real honour to be a part of this game and to compete against the best players in Europe.	„
		Penny Taylor

"It's not only for us players who already play professionally but for young women who are starting to play the game and who can look ahead to the future with optimism.

"Those players don't really get to experience the EuroLeague, they don't get enough exposure, so to promote the game and to get the sport out there is fantastic."

It's good news to have Taylor on board.

She seems to represent everything that is good about the game.

Anyone who has seen her play for Famila Schio, Australia or in the WNBA will know that she is an exciting player.

Taylor, a 1.83m forward, is graceful. She can shoot from outside, but prefers to attack the basket. When push comes to shove, she doesn't shy away from contact, either.

For Famila, she has simply been outstanding, averaging 17.4 points in the seven games she has played.

It may not be enough for Famila after their first-leg loss in the best-of-three eighth-finals tie at US Valenciennes  - the second game is on Friday, February 3 in Italy.

Her performances have won the respect of fans who have voted her to the Rest of the World Team for the EuroLeague Women All-Star Game on March 8, when the 'Year of Women's Basketball' is launched.

The 24-year-old admitted she'd been caught by surprise in this interview.

"That's great news," she said. "I didn't know, but it's really exciting.

"I heard some of my team-mates talking about the All Star Game but I didn't know that I was in the squad.

"I think it's a real honour to be a part of this game and to compete against the best players in Europe."

In the time that Taylor has spent in Italy, she has recognised areas in which the women's game can be boosted by FIBA Europe's project.

"I started playing basketball when I was four years old," she said. "My sister already played the game and because we were quite tall, my mother decided that it would be a good idea to put our height to good use!

		Penny Taylor

"I think the big help for me was the Australian Institute of Sport. I joined them when I was 15 and I believe it is one of the best institutions in the world. It helped me develop and become a professional athlete."

Australia's approach to most sports is admired around the world.

"In Italy, you have good youth coaches but I don't think there's enough support from schools or families to introduce kids to the game," she said.

"I definitely see that there's a gap in the development of players, that there isn't as much focus as there is back in Australia to help develop their game.

"Some clubs could learn from imitating how other clubs that have succeeded in women's programmes work.

"There are different things that can be done to promote the women's game, such as kids involved in after-school programmes and promoting what is a great sport to play and to watch."

Sadly, the game does not have the respect of all basketball fans.

"The women's programme is so exciting," she said.

"It's true that we cannot compare ourselves with the athleticism that men have, we cannot slam dunk but the game isn't just about that. The skill, defence and the team effort is all there and it's great to watch.

"The players in the EuroLeague are so talented.

"One of my friends at the beginning was skeptical about basketball but as soon as she watched the EuroLeague, the Final Four and the top international competitions, she was hooked for good.

"I'm sure many people would love it too if they watched the talent that is out there."