C�line Dumerc World Championship Q&A

Q: How would you describe your experience at the World Championship overall?
A: It was my third World Championship. Every World Championship is different and that one was pretty different because of the system of competition. For a young team like the French one, it wasn't the most comfortable system. But it is always super interesting to play against different nations who play different basketball.

Q: France finished the event in seventh place. Was this a satisfying finish, or were you expecting more?
A: Well after our first loss against Turkey in the opening game, every hope to reach the first four places died, because we knew we were going to face the USA in the quarterfinals. So we were expecting to reach fifth place but unfortunately we didn't have enough resources, but we ended the World Championship with a victory against Serbia which is always better!!

Q: As captain of the French national team, what additional responsibilities do you have when participating at such an event?
A: The National Team coach is my coach for my team of Bourges as well, so I know her and her idea of basketball, so as captain it is easier for me to communicate with my teammates to "explain" to them some details of coach's expectations, for example.

Q: In an exhibition prior to the start of the tournament, your French team beat the U.S. squad. What impact did that game have when you faced the U.S. team again in the quarterfinals?
A: When we beat them in Paris we were really happy because this never happens. To be able to beat them again was impossible! We knew it would be a different game and they would be even more focused not to lose twice. Our chance to beat them twice in 15 days was 0.00000001%!

Q: What was the highlight of the tournament for you personally?
A: I have no idea. I didn't have a great tournament personally but I'm happy that I could feel my team learn a lot during all this World Championship and it will be important for the future.

Q: Describe what it was like playing in Turkey? How did the fans and organizers of the event treat you, and were many French fans able to make the trip?
A: Our first game was against Turkey. The gym was crowded it was amazing! We couldn't hear each other on the court! Everything was well organized during this competition. Some French fans came to support us, and it�s always nice to have some people there.

Q: Did you have a chance on off days to do any fun tourist activities while you were in Turkey, or was it strictly basketball?
A: We didn't have lot of time once the competition had started. We played seven games in nine days! One day off with two practices and the second one with travel from Ankara (where we played the first round) to Istanbul. So it was strictly basketball.

Q: You�ve been playing pretty much non-stop for quite a while now with one team or another. Now that the World Championship is over, how soon does your French League season start?
A: The French League season starts next weekend on the 18th. It is pretty crazy because we will have only one week to get ready to be able to play. Especially because in Bourges, five of our players are on the National Team, plus one Australian girl, so only four players on the team are practicing right now! The coach gave us three days off to rest a little after the World Championship so we will be all together Friday for the first time, and our first game eight days later.