NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen’s Women’s Basketball Worldwide) – As the dust settles on the draw for the most prestigious global female hoops event of 2019, what can we expect at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2019 in Bangkok?

Here are my top five takeaways:

It could have been worse for the underdog hosts

There has probably never been a bigger underdog at the event than Thailand will be when they step out as hosts of the event in Bangkok. After all, they did not even compete at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship last year – or in Division B. It could have been worse for them in terms of the draw and they will hope they can be competitive after being paired with Canada, Latvia and Mozambique. The will know facing the latter gives them a shot at a surprise result. They will need their slightly younger 2001 generation in particular to bring their ‘A-game’ to have any chance at all of keeping their head above water at the tournament. Perhaps Yada Sriharaksa and Nantanach Chumjinda can make some noise, having starred two years ago at U16 level in Bengaluru.

We got a Group of Death – and USA are in it

It wouldn’t be a tournament without a so-called ‘Group of Death’ and this one is pretty special. It also includes USA, so if they want to recapture the crown they lost to Russia two years ago in Udine, they must click straight into gear. That is because they will face both Australia and Hungary in the Group phase. In theory, each opponent could provide stiff early tests – even if the fourth team in the pool, in Korea are unlikely to. Easing their way into the competition simply won’t be an option for USA. The will have to click quickly and produce from the outset. Australia will be better than they showed when settling for bronze last year at U18. Recently crowned WNBL Rookie of the Year, Jazmin Shelley will be back – as will Duke Freshman Miela Goodchild, but it will be the additions of Lily Scanlon who was injured at U18 last year, along with the absent #FIBAU17 star Shyla Heal and Basketball Without Borders global camp member, Gemma Potter, that is likely to make them a tough proposition. Hungary will also be dangerous, their high tempo and nice ball movement attractive qualities and containing sharp-shooter Barbara Angyal, possible #FIBAU17 star Reka Dombai and several other classy players.

Time for China to shine

It’s a long, long time since China stood on a podium step at this event. You have to push the rewind button all the way back to 2005 in Tunisia when the took bronze. For such a Continental powerhouse, that is a major drought. But, the draw for the Group stage gives them a great platform to strike out for a medal again. There are no fears for them against Argentina, Belgium or Mali – although they will of course have to play well if they have eyes on top spot. They are likely to be led by FIBA U19 Women’s Asia Championship 2018 MVP, Yuan Li. They can also go to the frontcourt for inspiration and production too, with a big performance expected in the Thai capital from Mingling Chen.

An added slice of history is inevitable

While history is guaranteed with the first appearances at the event for the likes of Germany and Columbia, it is surely the case that the former, as U18 European champions will also record a first victory. Germany’s chances of not only recording a maiden victory, but actually making a deep run in the competition will hinge on whether Nyara Sabally is healthy and plays – although having said that, with Leonie Fiebich and Emily Bessoir on board, they will be predicted to get an early win against fellow newcomers, Columbia. Indeed, because those two meet each other, history is of course guaranteed.

My most entertaining Group phase games

With so many games taking place early in any tournament, it is always good to have a handle on which ones could be best to book into the diary. I can’t wait for the following match-ups and these are at the top of my list – Australia v Hungary (Group C), Germany v Spain (Group D), China v Belgium (Group B), Latvia v Canada (Group A). Plus, many more of course!

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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