NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - With five priceless Olympic tickets to Rio on the line in Nantes, it might be experience that proves most valuable at the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

However, don't discount a number of eager rising stars from making pivotal contributions, as the 12 teams fight it out for the last remaining five slots.

Turkey have some interesting decisions to make as they have given opportunities in the last year to the likes of Olcay Cakir and the 22-year-old now seems a lock to help lead their challenge - not least after top scoring for her team in last November's FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 qualifying window.

The rest of Turkey's younger players will be sweating it out, with the likes of Cansu Koksal and Tilbe Senyurek likely to be delighted with a place on the roster after not quite delivering against their potential (yet)! Although perhaps Ayse Cora can be more confident.

It's a very similar situation with Spain and it will be fascinating who Lucas Mondelo keeps faith with, having seen Nogaye Lo, Laura Quevedo and Belen Arrojo all brought into the frame for the FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 qualifiers.

France have a glut of 1994 and 1995 options too, with Olivia Epoupa perhaps returning from injury to back up Celine Dumerc in the wake of her breakthrough at EuroBasket Women 2015, and there is also Marianne Johannes who memorably scored 15 points on her debut last year against Netherlands in a qualifier.

A recall for Valeriane Ayayi as cover for the injured Diandra Tchatchouang could be on the cards, while Aby Gaye is making huge strides with Villeneuve d'Ascq in EuroLeague Women. After recently debuting with the seniors, she could fall victim to being part of a stacked frontcourt - although I sincerely hope not.

Maryia Papova of Belarus is still only 21-years-old and although within the age-range of a rising star, her experience is now extensive and this will be her fourth major tournament and it looks like she is guaranteed to play an extensive role. Perhaps having now shed an unwanted tag of being a 'tweener' between the wing and power forward spot.

Looking outside of Europe, I am thrilled with the prospect of seeing a possibly rejuvenated Ji Su Park. Staggeringly only 17-years-old, she will hopefully not be carrying Korea as was the case at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship or playing hurt like at last year’s FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship. I would love to see her used with conservative minutes and with more capable and experienced players back around her.

For China, don't forget 1995-born Liwei Yang and 1996-born Sijing Huang, who are very capable contributors and are likely to be back on the roster.

I love seeing Victoria Llorente in any game as I really do relish her style which combines rugged aggression with some nice skills and Argentina will need her to contribute for sure. She will have only just waved goodbye to her teenage years when the action gets underway, in what will be her first global outing at senior level.

Also out of the Americas, Venezuela should have the highly talented 20-year-old Daniela Wallen who can certainly put points on the board, while teenage forward Nkem Uwa Akaraiwe will fly the flag for Africa in a Nigeria vest.

I am also particularly excited by catching a glimpse of a number of 1995 and 1996-born New Zealand performers and not least, rebounding ace Penina Davidson who has court time with University of California Golden Bears. That same NCAA experience can also be applied to her fellow Tall Ferns in Kalani Purcell and Stella Beck.

Finally I suspect Cuba and Cameroon will only go with experience so they won't bring any rising stars to the party and it will be a nice surprise if they prove me wrong.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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