Will Romania get to make history in Group C?
BOURGES (FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017) – We check in with Group C of the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017 as Romania take their first top tier footsteps at the event.
Player to Watch: Perhaps a little disappointing is that only Ilinca Paun returns from last year's promotion side and so her experience will be essential for the new group.
Outlook: With a team of almost entirely new rookies, it could be a mountain to climb for Romania on their first trip to Division A. However, they have seen other first-timers across all the different age categories get maiden wins in Division A during recent years, so history could be forthcoming. Staying in Division A might be more challenging - unless they get the victory they crave in the Round of 16!
Players to Watch: Ilaria Panzera was one of the best players for Italy in 2016 - even though she was the youngest member of the roster. Her dynamic play might be even better this time around and Caterina Gilli is another returnee.
Outlook: Their trip to the Semi-Finals was perhaps also inspired by some passionate home support in Udine last year. If they challenge again, they will be pleased because it would mean a very impressive sixth Semi-Finals spot in seven editions.
Players to Watch: Their prospects will rely on Barbara Angyal who is a big talent and carried the team last year in Udine with almost 14 points per game. Aliz Varga is back too and she will excel on the wing.
Outlook: Having won twice in seven games last year and after some underwhelming preparation results, the signs aren't great, but as long as Angyal stays healthy and out of foul trouble, they have a marquee player that can win most games.
Players to Watch: Nadezda Nedeljkov is one of the most highly-rated players of her age-group in Europe. An extraordinary talent who can put points on the board in a hurry, she will be the star. If Jelena Mitrovic is fit, she will be the anchor in the paint.
Outlook: It was a close-shave in Udine last year as Serbia only just survived a major relegation scare after only winning 2 of their 7 outings. They will be looking for something more comfortable at this edition.
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