July 14, 2010

KAVADARCI, Macedonia - Incoming Duquesne freshman guard/forward Orsi Szecsi (Budapest, Hungary/ Oak Hill (Va.) Academy) was among the 20 players named to 2010 Hungarian Women's National Team that will compete in the FIBA Europe U20 Championship for Women taking place July 16-25 at the Arena of BC Orka in Kavadarci, Macedonia.

"I am happy that Orsi has the opportunity to represent Hungary," said Duquesne head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio, who represented the United States at the at the 1988 and 1992 United States Olympic teams as well as the 1991 U.S. World University Games team. "This is a wonderful chance for Orsi to play against some of the best players in Europe. Being the youngest player on the team has made her work ever harder and she is embracing this challenge. The coaches, players and staff support Orsi 100 percent."

The 6-3 Szecsi, who signed with the Dukes in November, chose Duquesne over Connecticut and Oklahoma. She is ranked the 77th best player according to ESPN HoopGirlz, 84th by Blue Star and 17th best in the Middle Atlantic Region by Scout.com.

Hungary is in Division B, Group B with Belgium, Czech Republic, Great Britain and Macedonia. Group A countries include Austria, Greece, Israel, Portugal and Slovakia. The top four teams from each group qualify for the quarterfinal round. The winners advance to the semifinal round with the champion and runner-up qualifying for Division A in 2011.

"This is a big honor because I get represent my country in the European Championship games," said Szecsi. "I am so excited because I will play against the best players in Europe. This will be a great chance to improve my skills before I start at Duquesne."

The Hungarian squad begins play against the Czech Republic on Friday and follows with Great Britain on Saturday, Belgium on Sunday and Macedonia on July 21.