DUBLIN (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Division B 2017) - With 23 teams heading to the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Division B 2017, it promises to be an epic struggle for promotion.

But which nations from Groups A and B will be realistically looking to make a run towards the top tier when action gets underway in the Irish capital?

Germany might be in a strong position as they reached the Final of the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2016 and will get the benefit of several hugely talented players moving up to help their push towards Division A.

They will have MVP Luisa Geiselsoder and a further boost in the paint with the return of Nyara Sabally - with the powerhouse having missed the golden campaign last year with injury. Meanwhile, Germany will be further helped by Denmark being a late withdrawal from the tournament and so all their opponents will automatically receive a 20-0 win.

Portugal are eyeing up a return at the second time of asking, since they missed several big-hitters last summer, but now have their marquee stars back on board. They include U16 silver medal stars from 2015 in Beatriz Jordao and MVP Ana Ramos.

Slovak Republic would have been confident of a return after feeling unlucky to have dropped down in 2016, but absences have hit their bid, with six preparation losses a concern.

Belarus could be strong if Kseniya Malashka is on-song after she inspired the U16 team to the Quarter-Finals in Udine last year and many of her peers will also move up which points towards a strong challenge.

Poland won the the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship Division B last year and almost all of their team will be looking for another golden run, with Anna Makurat and Aleksandra Ziemborska likely to bring the firepower, the former having already played at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship last month in Matosinhos. 

Netherlands and Israel could be in the promotion mix too, while there are rare appearances at the event for the likes of Norway and Austria - with both Georgia and Moldova making their respective debuts.

Finally, host nation Ireland will be eager to make a splash in front of their own fans and not least when they get to go up against neighbors Great Britain in a mouthwatering derby during the initial Group phase.

FIBA