17 reasons to look forward to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017
NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen’s Women’s Basketball Worldwide) – If you aren’t sure whether to watch, follow or engage with the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 this month, here are 17 reasons to persuade you!
- It’s effectively a brand new competition with the entry of nations from Oceania and that is something which changes the entire dynamic. It is going to be fascinating at so many different levels.
- Suddenly the traditional Asian monopoly of the podium by China, Japan and Korea is under threat as the world class Opals arrive, as well as extra competition from New Zealand.
- Asian teams will now have to cope with the physical style and likely height advantage of the Oceania teams, with players like Marianna Tolo a match-up nightmare in the paint.- Conversely, Australia and New Zealand must play against the quickness and perimeter-orientated style of their new opponents and if you are a connoisseur of the game, this is something you can dine out on from quite some time. This historic clash of styles will be a must-watch.
- Japan are going for a three-peat having won their first title in four decades back in 2013, prior to defending their silverware in Wuhan two years ago.
- The WNBA talent of Ramu Tokashiki is likely to lead Japan yet again, while another MVP contender will pull the backcourt strings in the shape of Asami Yoshida.
She is a player who handed out more assists than any other player in Rio and is always stuffing the highlights reel.- China are facing the prospect of their longest-ever drought since the 1990’s if they don’t win the title and so they are under great pressure to perform which will be very interesting to see pan out. They last won the title in 2011.
- When it comes to talent, Sun Mengran is a player on the rise for China and is getting better with every tournament. Throw in the dynamic Ting Shao and there could be some exciting fireworks happening.- Korea could be the most under threat on paper and they will need to really put their foot on the accelerator if they want to keep pace and still challenge for a medal.
Park Jisu will once again be the center of attention and she is an All-Star Five member in waiting, although Kim Danbi can also produce special performances too.- When it comes to players from Oceania, Australia will have a string of Rio Olympians in their side and New Zealand will have some truly wonderful veteran performers.
Players such as Jillian Harmon who has been racking up honors in the highly rated Italian League with Gesam Gas Lucca.- Philippines won promotion last time and are rank outsiders as they embark on this Division A campaign, but could cause a sensation if they were to get a win to their name.
- D.P.R. of Korea could be real dark horses as they have some genuine top-level talent, while Chinese Taipei are about as energetic as any team you are likely to see in 2017 with Bao Hsi-Lee often unstoppable!
- This will effectively be two competitions rolled in one tournament, since here is also Division B to keep an eye on and enjoy
- All eyes will be on host nation India as the locals try to roar their favorites to promotion and that means a great atmosphere.
- Jeena PS is just one of many stars who will be suiting up in the second tier and there will be no longer autograph queue than the one alongside the Indian star.
- Singapore are back after a six-year hiatus so we will get to see how they have evolved and that is an intriguing proposition. The same can be said of Lebanon, who are likely to be fueled by Rebecca Akl and they could be ready to make a sizeable splash.
- Finally, Fiji will fly the flag for Oceania in Division B and there will be a lot of neutrals behind the islanders as they are doing a lot of work to grow the game in their nation and so will want to keep the momentum moving with a competitive effort.
The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 takes place in Bengaluru between 23-29 July.
Paul Nilsen
FIBA
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