A composite of young and experienced players have traveled to Nicosia for the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries 2022 in hopes of returning with a fourth gold medal in club history.
Head coach Angela Adamoli is expecting great results from this year’s squad after failing in last year’s edition of the tournament in Nicosia to secure a medal.
“I feel that our team has great enthusiasm. I feel a good vibe between the younger players and the older, more experienced players. It is good because the older players know what we will face (at a tournament like this.) The young players are eager to put themselves in a challenging situation. I am sure that everybody will do their best.”
The 2021-22 MAPFRE Women’s League had no major Covid-related disruptions, allowing all clubs and players to enjoy the first full season of basketball since the 2018-19 campaign. This gift of playing in a full season has allowed Malta’s representatives to be properly prepared for this highly competitive tournament.
The shortened 2020-21 season, in addition to the condensed training camp ahead of last year’s tournament, presented Adamoli and the national team a very tough challenge to come away with a medal. This year, the team is not taking any practice and off-court preparations for the tournament for granted.
“Last year, we were fortunate to be able to go to Cyprus and gain that experience, but we were not ready to play at the event because of COVID. This year, everyone is eager to go to work. Now we know what it means to be without basketball, so I think we enjoy it more and to enjoy the hard work that comes with it,” said Adamoli.
Hibernian Basketball Club’s Samantha Brincat will support Adamoli as an assistant coach this year. The veteran guard concurs that the ability to enjoy a training without any Covid-related disruptions has contributed greatly to the cohesion and fitness building of the squad.
“Training camp was a solid three weeks, which I think was enough time to build endurance and team cohesion, unlike last year where Covid heavily affected our time together both on and off court. I think the team has come together at exactly the right time. The mix of first timers and experienced players has brought new energy to the team. They are ready to do battle in this upcoming competition.”
Adamoli, who is also the club manager of Elite Basket Roma, arrived in Malta to commence training camp shortly after leading a sector of her club to a playoff berth. Without much time to transition from one coaching role to the other, she was happy to see the national team prepared physically and mentally to work hard towards the goal of winning gold in Nicosia.
Adamoli credits Malta’s domestic clubs and coaches for helping keep Malta’s girls in top basketball condition and mentality throughout the year.
“The most important thing is that, when I arrived here, I found the girls were in really good shape. So we did not have to start from the basics — we could continue on the good work that they did during the season with their coaches and with their clubs. We had lots of good morning sessions as well.
“I found really good and improved players, and I have to thank the coaches (here) for that. They’ve made my work easier.”
Malta’s Women’s National Basketball Team will be seeking their fourth FIBA European Championship for Small Countries gold medal starting on 28 June in Nicosia, Cyprus.
This summer, Malta will compete for gold in a round robin-style tournament against hosts Cyprus, Andorra, Kosovo, and Norway.
“This round robin system poses a new challenge,” commented Brincat, “as every game will feel like a final. If we want to be in contention for a medal we must create our own destiny by approaching each game as if it was our last. I expect to see great things from this team and I’m excited to be contributing in this new role as assistant coach.”
Our women have seven total medals in FIBA competitions – three gold medals and four bronze medals. They were back-to-back champions in 2008 (taking down Albania 81-61 in Luxembourg) and 2010 (defeating hosts Armenia 74-65), and most recently in 2016 in Gibraltar (defeating Ireland 67-59).
Malta earned their four bronze medals in 2004, 2012, 2014, and 2018.
To secure a fourth gold for Malta is on the minds of every person involved with the national team, but perhaps none more so than Adamoli. The Italian understands the expectations set before her and the team – but it is an expectation that she proudly embraces as Malta’s skipper.
“This country has great pride. I always found that everyone is proud to wear the Malta shirt. I feel this pride. It is an important country — it is an important name. Everybody in the world, even if Malta is a small country, knows about Malta and their pride. For me it is a big challenge to be here and give my all to these girls and to this country. The MBA trusts that I will give my best to this team, because I am proud and honoured to bring this flag around the world.”
The Malta Women’s National Team for the
2022 FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries 2022 are
represented by:
Stephanie De Martino, Mikela Riolo (Starlites FIJO); Ashleigh van Vliet, Ylenia Bonett (Hibernians); Claire Ciantar, Julia Xerri, Danika Galea, Nicole Agius (ARMS Depiro); Josephine Diaby (CAFFE MOAK Luxol); Sophie Abela (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, US); Kristy Galea (Milligan University Buffaloes, US); Nicola Handreck (Sunshine Coast, Australia).
Malta’s tournament schedule:
28 June @ 17:30 – Malta vs. Kosovo
30 June @ 13:00 – Malta vs. Andorra
2 July @ 17:30 – Malta vs. Cyprus
3 July @ 15:00 – Malta vs. Norway
Matches will be streamed on YouTube. Go to https://www.fiba.basketball/europe/smallcountrieswomen/2022 for links and tournament information.