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Leticia Romero (ESP) - FIBA U19 World Championship for Women
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KLAIPEDA (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Whatever form of basketball it is, you can be sure that Spanish ace Leticia Romero will relish it and the very mention of competing in 3x3 is sure to guarantee a smile appears on her young face.
With quick hands, composure on the ball and her creative ability, Romero has shown glimpses of her big talent at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in Lithuania to help Spain maintain a perfect record of three wins from three games.
But, it was last year's FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship in Alcobendas, Spain which holds a distinctive place in the heart of the guard.
"That was a special tournament," recalled Romero fondly, even though it didn't even culminate in a medal.
"When you think about 3x3, all that comes to your mind is a fun, friendly and joyful competition.
"Even if at the same time, you are representing your country in 3x3 which also means responsibility and commitment.
"For me, it was a great mix of all those things."
On the topic of a mix, Romero didn't just suit up for the women's team, she also participated in the mixed 3x3 competition too.
"I really enjoyed playing the mixed boys and girls 3x3," she said.
"I even had to guard some boys and it was such a funny game."
Romero is tickled at a suggestion of expanding mixed basketball to the full version and especially if the rule was three women and two men on the court at all times.
"Yes, mixed 5on5 would be an interesting way of playing basketball," she said.
"And, of course, I would agree with that rule!"
2012 was a busy year for Romero who also gained great pleasure from competing at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in Amsterdam, Netherlands where she helped Spain into the Final where they picked up a silver medal.
She confirmed: "I would say that tournament has been the one I've enjoyed the most playing for Spain.
"It gave me the opportunity to meet different cultures from around the world and also helped me to open my mind to understand others lifestyles.
"We got to compete against different basketball styles and realised how much basketball there are out of Europe.
"No doubt, it was one of the best experiences of my life."
There are likely to be many more joyous and memorable occasions at tournaments for Romero and eventually, a pathway to the senior team - if she works hard and continues to produce.
Like any young Spanish player, she is also thrilled to be part of a pyramid structure which has the newly-crowned EuroBasket Women champions at the peak of it.
"The fact that they are champions has made a great impact in our country," said Romero.
"New people begin to know about women's basketball and get interested on it.
"This helps our basketball to grow in supporters and fans.
"Moreover, we got to see some of the games together and we sure enjoyed them."
Unlike many of her colleagues and predecessors, Romero isn't continuing down the professional route in her homeland or in Europe - instead, she is off to Kansas State University.
"To choose to play in the NCAA has been one of my biggest decisions," she explained.
"To combine studies and pro basketball in Europe could be really tough.
"Even though I know I want to continue playing basketball, I'm determined to graduate in a university and finish my studies.
"That was the main reason of my choice and I'm so excited about this new challenge, I can't wait to start playing for K-State."
First though, Romero has the pressing matter of some important games in Klaipeda to pour her energies into.
"Spain is always ambitious and hungry, so, our goal is to get as high as possible," she said.
"However, we are not actually thinking about making the Final right now.
"We want to go step by step and compete in every game as if it was a final."
Romero and Spain will play Serbia, Russia and Brazil in Group E of the Eighth-Final Round as they look to extend their winning streak.
FIBA
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