South Carolina women’s basketball Alicia Tournebize France World Cup training camp headlines continue to gain momentum after the sophomore forward received an invitation to join France’s senior national team training camp ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The call-up marks another significant milestone for Tournebize, who has quickly become one of the Gamecocks’ most promising young talents. While a training camp invitation does not guarantee a spot on France’s final World Cup roster, it underscores the confidence national team coaches have in her long-term potential.
France Begins World Cup Preparations in Paris
France has invited 14 players to its preliminary training camp, which opens on August 19 at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance (INSEP) in Paris.
The opening phase of camp will include two closed-door exhibition games against Italy on August 27 and 28, giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate players before making roster decisions.
Following those matchups, France will travel to Berlin, Germany, where the squad is scheduled for another private scrimmage against China before the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which runs from September 4 through September 13.
Although Tournebize faces stiff competition for one of the final roster spots, simply earning an invitation places her among the country’s top emerging basketball prospects.
Youngest Player in Camp
Tournebize enters camp as both the only NCAA player invited and the youngest participant, separated from the next-youngest player by only eight days.
National teams frequently invite rising stars to senior camps even when they are unlikely to make the tournament roster. The experience allows younger players to learn the national team system, practice alongside veteran professionals, and prepare for future international competitions.
For Tournebize, the opportunity represents valuable exposure at the highest level of international basketball.
International Resume Continues to Grow
Despite her age, Tournebize has already compiled an impressive résumé with France’s youth national teams.
She competed in the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, averaging:
- 3.3 points per game
- 1.8 rebounds per game
Her breakout performance came during the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, where she emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players.
She averaged:
- 12.1 points
- 8.9 rebounds
- 1.4 assists
Those performances helped France secure the bronze medal, while Tournebize earned a place on the tournament’s prestigious All-Star Five.
She also captured worldwide attention after throwing down a rare two-handed dunk, a highlight that quickly spread across social media and showcased her athleticism.
Strong Start at South Carolina
Tournebize joined South Carolina midway through last season, arriving on January 1 before making her collegiate debut just two weeks later against Texas.
Despite entering the lineup during the season, she adapted quickly under head coach Dawn Staley, appearing in 20 games.
During her freshman campaign she averaged:
- 4.0 points
- 3.4 rebounds
- 12.5 minutes per game
Her physical style, rebounding ability, and growing offensive confidence made her an important contributor off the bench, giving Gamecock fans plenty of reasons to be excited about her sophomore season.
Three Sophomores Receive National Team Recognition
Tournebize’s invitation means all three of South Carolina’s rising sophomores have now earned invitations to senior national team camps this offseason.
Canadian guard Agot Makeer participated in Canada’s national team camp earlier this summer before not returning for the second session.
Meanwhile, Ayla McDowell joined Brazil’s training camp as the national team prepares for the South America Qualifier, scheduled for August 3–9.
The trio’s international recognition highlights the caliber of young talent developing within South Carolina’s program.
Making the Final Roster Won’t Be Easy
While all three sophomores have earned impressive opportunities, securing places on their respective World Cup squads remains a difficult challenge.
Several established professionals—including WNBA stars Bridget Carleton for Canada, Kamilla Cardoso for Brazil, and Gabby Williams for France—are unavailable during portions of training camp because of professional commitments. Those veterans are expected to rejoin their national teams before major international tournaments begin.
As a result, younger college players like Tournebize are competing not only to impress coaches but also to gain valuable experience that could strengthen their chances in future international competitions.
Even if she doesn’t make France’s final World Cup roster this year, participating in camp provides an invaluable opportunity to develop alongside some of the country’s best players.
Looking Ahead
For South Carolina, Tournebize’s invitation reflects both her rapid development and the continued international reputation of Dawn Staley’s program. Competing against elite senior talent should accelerate her growth before she returns to Columbia for another SEC campaign.
Whether she ultimately earns a place on France’s World Cup roster or simply gains experience for the future, South Carolina women’s basketball Alicia Tournebize France World Cup training camp is a storyline that highlights one of the brightest young forwards in women’s college basketball as she continues her rise on the international stage.
