Awa Fam was not having her best EuroBasket. The 19-year-old, 1.92-meter center, gifted with exceptional physical tools for basketball, failed to find her rhythm during the group stage in Hamburg, Germany. She had little impact offensively and slightly more presence on defense. The return of Raquel Carrera from injury further overshadowed her.
In the quarterfinal against Czech Republic, things didn’t improve. She looked lost on defense and lacked touch on offense: zero points and four turnovers. The uncertainty over the health of Iyana Martín, her teammate from youth categories and close friend, affected her, as Miguel Méndez revealed after the semifinal win over France. That was the game where Fam exploded. She broke out of her shell.
With the coach’s full confidence, the Valencia native unleashed herself against one of France’s few weak points—their interior game. She tormented Rupert repeatedly, finishing with 21 points, her highest scoring output of the EuroBasket, plus 9 rebounds and a 31 efficiency rating.
“The support she gave us throughout the whole game was vital. She just turned 19 and played a huge game,” said Méndez. “She was incredible. We gave her a lot of love the other day because we knew she needed it, and what she did against France was impressive,” praised Andrea Vilaró. “My teammates helped me a lot. My coaches, my friends. They told me to trust myself, to do what I know how to do. I didn’t think, I just enjoyed it. I know basketball, I love it,” said Fam.
The semifinal heroine didn’t hide her joy at having the chance to win her first gold medal with Spain, having earned five silvers (two World Cups and three European Championships) at youth level. “I’m very happy, for myself and for the team. I think we believe in ourselves, and that is very difficult. For me and for the group, this is very beautiful,” said Fam, a giant who is no longer a prospect—she is the present.
