(Getty Images - 9.20.2014 - Team USA Post Jantel Lavender rises for a shot attempt against China in preparation for the 2014 FIBA World Cup - Paris, France)
Top Form - Buckeye Jantel Lavender is currently continuing her outstanding year of basketball as a member of the United States' Senior Women's Basketball team in preparation for the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Turkey. Lavender helped lead Team USA to a victory in their 3rd preparation game with 14 points ( a perfect 7 for 7 shooting from the field) against China on 9.20.14. USA won by a comfortable score of 99-75 after a close game (72-66) versus Australia on 9/19.
Hoops All Year - There has been no such thing as a basketball off-season for the 25 year old Cleveland native. Jantel Lavender began the year 2014 playing overseas with Euroleague team Wisla Can Pack of Poland. In April, Lavender won her first career professional League Championship (Poland) with Wisla in the Polish League (she also participated in the 2014 Euroleague Women Playoffs with Wisla).
Upon returning to the States (May), Jantel immediately re-joined the Los Angeles Sparks for preseason of the 2014 WNBA Season (with the Sparks, Lavender ironically played China in a pre-season game on May 10). Playing Center for L.A., Lavender started 27 of 34 games played in her 4th WNBA Season with averages of 12 ppg & 6 rebounds a game..her best statistical season as a pro. After completing the WNBA season (fell in the quarterfinals of the playoffs) in September, Jantel joined USA for training camp in prep for the FIBA tournament.
Lavender (pictured left: post practice with Candace Dupree) has a good shot to make the World Cup final roster due to performance & circumstance. Jantel has reportedly performed well in training camp, in a televised intra-squad scrimmage, and in the recent preparation game with China...some believe she has earned a spot on the team. Another key aspect shaping the roster is the absence of elite post players. (article) Candace Parker (Forward), Sylvia Fowles (Center) are slated to not participate in the World Cup, and Center Britney Griner is questionable. If Griner is not able to play for USA, Lavender's inclusion would seem to be a no-brainer so to speak, as she would make for a good back up center to Tina Charles who will most likely start. However, Jantel's chances to make the roster could diminish should Griner eventually join the team overseas.
Good luck to Jantel Lavender..and why not Lavender? She is currently in the prime of her career and playing some of her best basketball. She won 3 Gold Medals by representing USA in various youth competitions (U19, U17, WUG) and has twice trained with the Senior Women's team as a member of the Select Team (2010,2013). She is ready to officially dawn the red, white , and blue at the 2014 FIBA World Cup!
Jantel Lavender - USA Profile
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