Leonard To Represent Great Britain

BOULDER – Recent University of Colorado graduate and former women's basketball standout, Kennedy Leonard got the call to continue her basketball career over the weekend.

Leonard was one of 17 women selected to represent Great Britain in this summer's FIBA Women's EuroBasket. It will be Leonard's second time wearing the Union Jack. She played for Team GB's U-20 National Team back in 2016.

"It's an honor to even be considered to play for Great Britain," Leonard exclaimed. "Playing with the U-20 team three years ago was both an exciting and motivating opportunity for me. It was the most fun I've had playing basketball because not only are you learning about the game and getting better, but you are seeing the world, seeing different cultures and making new lasting friendships."

The team is made up of athletes playing across the world, with players representing clubs and colleges/universities from the United States, Spain, Belgium, France, Poland, Italy and Great Britain. Tennessee's Charidene Green, St. Bonaventure's Abigail Johnson and Florida State's Savannah Wilkinson were also selected.

Karlie Samuelson (Los Angeles Sparks) and Temi Fagbenle (Minnesota Lynx) will take time away from the WNBA for the tournament.

Leonard, a Southlake, Texas, native, is eligible to play for Great Britain thanks to her mother begin born in Scotland.

"I think in the three years since the U-20's I've gotten leaner, stronger, more explosive and have just become a better basketball player," Leonard added. "I'm thanking God and am excited that I get a chance to try and help Great Britain play towards a EuroBasket."

Team GB will be led by head coach Jose Buceta. Buceta coached Spain to a fifth-place finish in the 1992 Summer Olympics. Great Britain will play tournaments in Slovenia and Spain, as well as hosting Canada in an exhibition leading up to the tournament.

The 16-team tournament will be played from June 27-July 7 in sites across Latvia and Serbia. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournaments.

Leonard wrapped up her four-year career at CU this past season. She leaves Colorado as the Buffs' all-time assist leader, totaling 664. She is also seventh on CU's all-time scoring list with 1,635 career points. She leaves CU as one of the most decorated players in program history with her name etched in the top-10 in assists per game (1st), minutes per game (2nd), free throws made (6th), steal per game (6th), points per game (7th), steals (7th), games started (8th), 3-point field goals made (9th) and total minutes (9th).

Players Mentioned

Kennedy Leonard

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