Waiting for the cream to rise to the top in Klatovy and Pilsen

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - The first couple of days at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women have suggested that the third edition of the tournament might not be on course to be a classic.

Granted, it's far too early to tell and I have seen tournaments over the years which hit you bang in the face from the first tip-off and no sooner has the action blown you out of your seat that it then runs out of puff like a hurricane which the weather channel talked up too much.

Well, maybe this one will be a delicious slow burner and I have little doubt that, regardless of how it is evaluated, the cream will always rise to the top which means the USA winning a third gold medal.

Or does it?

Spain look slick early doors (not surprising with Angela Salvadores barely missing a beat) and I still think only Katie Samuelson has stood out for the holders in a big way due to her exquisite and sweet shooting touch. I really like her because she may actually not be the most graceful player and even appear awkward in her gait at times, but she undoubtedly understands the game, has looked a class act and I would take her in my team any day. It's little wonder UConn have landed her.

The USA pulverised France (especially in the last quarter) to gain revenge for their pre-tourno loss, but I am not convinced that Les Bleues were at full tilt in that game once they lost the early momentum. Another meeting in Pilsen would be very, very interesting.

The things which have caught fire in a big way already is basically Group A.

Canada and Korea are slugging it out with newbies Hungary and the hosts. You also have to love the atmosphere in Klatovy made by the natives.

I have certainly enjoyed watching Debora Dubei, Ji Su Park, Julia Reisingerova and Bridget Carleton playing for the respective teams in that group. I always fear that I put a curse on players by picking them out before a tournament, but they have all underlined their quality.

Group A has already witnessed a couple of overtimes and huge entertainment in the first days, although spare a thought for Italy of Group B, who had that unwanted memory of going 0 and 26 from the tip against Brazil and not scoring a basket for over 18 minutes. It was a nightmare drought of quite epic proportions, but one which I hope they can get over. Certainly the competiton format means advancement is well within their grasp as they try to get over injuries to key performers.

I have been impressed with the Slovak Republic who arrived without any big reputation even within Europe (having qualified as hosts before venues were latterly changed). They were well coached in the first couple of games and I think Veronika Remenarova is potentially going to be a really good player in coming years - if she keeps working hard and improves her finishing at the hoop.

Australia haven't looked quite like podium material (just yet) as they chase a first medal, although anything is possible with a driving force like Tahlia Tupea. I do however wonder if she will stay as a playmaker in her adult years or be better switching positions. She is talented and such an interesting player to think about in the context of her future progression.

Hats off to Anneli Maley by the way. To be the youngest player on a roster and to grab 20 rebounds in a game is phenomenal and you can see why Basketball Australia have high hopes for her. I bet her father Paul, a former NBL champion no less, is very proud of her efforts.

With many more game days left to play here in Czech Republic, I am confident the pace will really begin to pick up and can't wait to see who I will be talking about next week and in particular, who will turn out to be the MVP and make the All-Tournament Team.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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