Tenerife to host FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018https://t.co/gXyuzfGrCv#FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/8YP0KDPBUG

— FIBA (@FIBA) September 28, 2017

It is the biggest international FIBA tournament of the year and is being played in a country that loves its women’s basketball – what is there not to love? I am particularly to see those nations and players competing for the first time. With its new and more cut-throat shorter format, it could be special and let’s hope so!

There's Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. There's Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Plum.

How can @usabasketball find the balance between veteran presence vs. youth presence? https://t.co/jar6379lS6

— espnW (@espnW) December 15, 2017

Is it just me, but is the strength of USA measured by the list of names who did not make the final selection of major tournaments – as well as the inevitably golden nature of the end product they produce at major tournaments? As Dawn Staley picks up the reins, it feels like even the greatest team in the world can require an [albeit short] transition period. Have the likes of Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi had their day – or will they get a swansong in Spain or even Tokyo [bodies permitting]? Can USA afford sentiment in the modern game and how do they integrate newcomers such as A’Ja Wilson or Kelsey Plum perhaps? The latter might just be more likely as I still don’t buy the backcourt and while Wilson is a fine young player, that frontcourt is laden with stardust and goes way, way deep. The final 12 for Spain will be absolutely fascinating.

.@BasketballAus win #FIBAU17 Women's World Championship: https://t.co/ylkVe7SxBE pic.twitter.com/UHEoRTZV5V

— FIBA media (@FIBA_media) July 3, 2016

The last one was such a pleasure in Zaragoza when Australia took their first ever title in style and beating USA along the way to end their stunning winning streak. The Sapphires were exceptional and so were Italy who made history by making the Final. This time around, I can’t wait to see the most athletic France youth team in history take on the challenge of getting a European nation back into the Final for the fifth consecutive edition.

#EuroLeagueWomen 🏀 is now more accessible than ever, with the world's best players available at your fingertips ⚠️ Download our app by following the link ⤵️.

📱https://t.co/B9ZTpr55LE pic.twitter.com/bRT37bS0q5

— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) December 19, 2017

Launched a couple of weeks ago, I love it. Some people might think I am biased [you got me] but I can’t think of anything better than being able to read news, look at stats. follow #EuroLeagueWomen social media updates an even watch the games all in one place on your phone or mobile device. But you must all spread the word as EuroLeague Women and the women’s game needs more interaction.

New @BasketballAus Opals & @PhoenixMercury coach Sandy Brondello plans a quick return to the medal dais at: https://t.co/VhHNcTeLXq pic.twitter.com/zdWdeHRsah

— Boti Nagy (@boti_nagy) December 19, 2017

I have been a fierce critic of the nonsense last year when Australia appointed Sandy Brondello as play-Caller and in the same breath revealed she couldn’t coach the Opals at the FIBA Women’s AsiaCup. Despite being heavy favorites [even with some key absences] they blew it. I am looking forward to seeing how they react in Spain and whether with Brondello finally at the helm, the pieces of the jigsaw fall back into place. The women’s international game needs Australia back at their best and pushing the likes of Spain and the mighty USA. This feature above sounds like Brondello is determined to make sure they get there.

.@fiba confirm again their WILL be a new women's international calendar post #Tokyo2020 ...No details as still being worked on. The reasons could be more interesting than actual end result. Interesting. #EuroBasketWomen #EuroCupWomen #FIBAWWC #WNBA pic.twitter.com/dL30FI7OrL

— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) December 11, 2017

FIBA have confirmed that post Tokyo 2020, a new women’s calendar is likely to come into operation. There is no information as yet in relation to what it might look like, but it will be fascinating to see how it is shaped and to get some feedback this year on some of the proposals. Not least because unlike the men who profit from hosting Qualifiers, this is not the case with all women’s Federations, therefore the entire premise which shaped the changes in the men’s game is redundant for women. I am perhaps therefore more intrigued as to the rationale for changes than what the eventual outcome actually is.

As if there are not enough reasons to watch #EuroLeagueWomen in 2018 - we now also have the stellar @MooreMaya stepping out with @BC_UMMC - I can't lie ... it has been far too long Maya! She also goes up against her former head coach (in China) @Lmondelo in Russia 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/I4AraHkSQX

— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) December 29, 2017

After a near six-year wait, one of the best players in the women's game is finally coming back to EuroLeague Women and that is going to make it an even more interesting competition. It also makes the Russian Premier League duel between UMMC and Dynamo Kursk absolutely brilliant too!