Will the reigning champions get rolling early in Group D?
SOPRON (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2017) – France will be seeking a positive opening in Group D as they tip-off their title defense at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2017.
France
Players to Watch: Kadiatou Sissoko and Tima Pouye arrive well-tuned after they helped their country take 5th place at the recent FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup. Both can be explosive and get points on the board in a hurry.
Outlook: Since MVP Alexia Chartereau was such a special performer last year, returning to the top of the podium will be difficult this time around. However, France should still be strong as they go gunning for a sensational seventh consecutive Final appearance.
Players to Watch: Elisa Pinzan pulls the strings well in the backcourt and can be a clutch player, while Lorela Cubaj is usually the big danger in the paint.
Outlook: Having made the Final of the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship last year, the roster is capable of big performances - even if their results at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup were underwhelming. They could emerge as a contender.
Players to Watch: Sister duo Becky and Billie Massey could both shine again after playing well last year for their country at this event.
Outlook: With a very young team and one of the most inexperienced in the competition, Belgium punched a very impressive sixth place last year. With many returnees, they could justifiably push for another Quarter-Finals slot.
Player to Watch: Without the sensational Melisa Brcaninovic (above), this could be a tough tournament for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Outlook: Bosnia and Herzegovina are searching for a slice of history as they eye up a historic first Division A success in this tournament.
FIBA
