OSTRAVA (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women) - One hugely important attribute of France and Bourges boss Pierre Vincent is that he knows how to coach young players.
Year after year, Vincent imparts his wisdom to those lacking experience and helps them fulfill their potential.
One such player is Endene Miyem of France, who turned 22 in May.
Vincent has nurtured Miyem at Bourges and with France for several years and the 1.88m forward is now in full bloom at the FIBA World Championship for Women.
In the first half of
France's game against the United States, Miyem was the best player on the court.
She finished that game with a team-high 15 points, although the Americans broke open a close contest in the fourth quarter and pulled away for an 81-60 triumph.
"He's a very good coach, my coach at Bourges," Miyem said of Vincent.
"He gave me my chance at the beginning.
"For young people, inexperienced players, he doesn't put pressure on us but teaches us a lot."
Miyem was one of many French players that looked comfortable on the court against the USA, the favorites for the gold medal.
"It was cool," she said.
"I don't have any pressure.
"I'm here and it's very good for me and I'm so happy. I just do my best, try and do what the coach wants me to do."
For those who have watched Miyem play the last few years in France and with her national team, it's clear that she is improving.
She played well on both ends of the floor although what distinguished her against the United States was her deft shooting touch.
"I think I'm evolving (as a player)," she said.
"My game against the USA was good, but it's like that this time. Sometimes the shots go in.
"There are more important games coming and I hope I do my job."
Miyem has gained confidence in her shot at Bourges.
"In Bourges, I'm (shooting) more outside the paint," she said. "I work on it a lot and now, I think I'm better."
It's hard to believe that the French have looked so good without injured Sandrine Gruda, Emilie Gomis and Isabelle Yacoubou, key players in last year's gold-medal winning squad.
"We were very upset when we knew they wouldn't come," Miyem said.
"But we had a World Championship to play.
"We knew we couldn't keep thinking about Sandrine, Isabelle and Emilie. We just had to do our best."
As for the
Eight-Final Round games against Belarus, Australia and Canada, Miyem said: "We know Belarus, and we know Canada, having played against them in the preparations. We have information on them.
"They will be tough games. As for Australia, we'll see. Maybe we'll just play and see if it's possible to win."
You can all of France's Eighth-Final Round games live, as well as highlights, interviews and features at FIBATV.com.
