Here is an excused latecomer and for good reason… Iliana Rupert, the young interior of the France team, 21 years old, was crowned WBNA champion with the Las Vegas Aces. And this from his first season with the Nevada franchise.
Rupert did not participate in Game 4 which saw his team beat the Connecticut Sun in the Finals (3-1). However, she has participated in 17 regular season games since her arrival from Bourges.
The Frenchwoman claims 13 minutes per game in the regular season, as well as 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. Statistics that have prompted Becky Hammon, the Aces coach, to maintain her confidence in Rupert for the next few seasons, if this is part of her plans. The former Berruyère was chosen in 12th position in the WNBA Draft last year.
Daughter of Thierry Rupert, Pro basketball player Passed away prematurely at the age of 35 in 2013 following heart problems, Iliana continues her golden trajectory among professionals, after being voted best Euroleague player, then taking part in the Eurocoupe double. championship.
Since Sandrine Gruda, titled with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016, no Frenchwoman had been WBNA champion (Gruda, injured, does not participate in the World Cup).
Iliana will hardly have the time to celebrate the title with her teammates, however. All business ceasing, she is heading for Australia where she is to join the French team led by Céline Dumerc, general manager, and Jean-Aimé Toupane, coach, with a view to the 2022 World Cup (September 22 – 1 october). As of Thursday, Les Bleues enter the fray against Australia, the host country, in the group of death (Australia, Canada, Mali, Japan and Serbia).
The presence of Rupert will obviously be welcome in a confrontation with the favorite nation of the competition, just behind the United States. The French were beaten Sunday by Japan 69-59 in their last preparation match, after a defeat conceded to the Australians on Friday (92-88). This Monday, the Blues are playing a training match behind closed doors against the Americans. Waiting for Iliana…
