MANILA (Enzo Flojo's Asia on My Mind) - The Draw for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 happened today, and it's sensible to look at how each FIBA Asia may fare in the quadrennial event.

In looking at each team's chances, I will take note of several factors: their expected talent level when the tournament begins, their previous finish in the 2014 edition and the strength of their opponents.

Korea (Group A)

Current FIBA Ranking: 16
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014 finish: 13th
FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 finish: 4th
Key players: Park JiSu, Lim YungHui, Kim DanBi.

Korea's seeming fall from grace was punctuated by a dismal 2-win, 4-loss record in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017. Two other teams - Chinese Taipei and New Zealand - actually finished with better win-loss slates than Korea, but the Koreans managed to squeak into the Women's Basketball World Cup by the skin of their teeth. Moving forward, Korea will probably want to make a splash in Tenerife, though it'll be easier said than done, considering they're grouped with 2 of the top 5 teams in the world, which are France and Canada. The only team currently ranked lower than Korea are Greece, who finished a strong 4th place in Eurobasket Women 2017. Much of the pressure rests on JiSu, who will have her hands full against the group's top-flight frontliners like Miranda Ayim, Ruth Hamblin and Endene Miyem. If playmaker DanBi can showcase her best, however, then Korea may have a shot at finishing in the top 3 and advance to the Qualification Round.

Australia (Group B)

Current FIBA Ranking: 4
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014 finish: 3rd
FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 finish: 2nd
Key players: Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin, Leilani Mitchell.

Much is expected of Australia despite their surprise bridesmaids' finish at last year's Women's Asia Cup. Remember that none of the Opals' WNBA talents saw action last year, and they are raring to better their finish on the podium at the world level. Bona fide WNBA players Leilani Mitchell and Erin Phillips may arguably be over-the-hump already, but their collective experience can still benefit the national team along with Rebecca Allen, who should be in her prime once they land on Tenerife. They may also bring in some veterans from 2014 like Natalie Burton, Rachel Jarry and Cayla Francis, all of whom didn't plays in 2017. Rising stars like Kelsey Griffin and Alanna Smith are two players to watch, though. The Opals should not have any problems making it past their group, but whether they'll earn an outright Quarter-Finals berth is still up in the air, especially with 7th-ranked Turkey and dangerous Argentina in Group B.

Japan (Group C)

Current FIBA Ranking: 13
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014 finish: 14th
FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 finish: 1st
Key Players: Ramu Tokashiki, Asami Yoshida, Manami Fujioka.

Japan are an interesting bunch. Sans their top player Ramu Tokashiki and with top playmaker Asami Yoshida playing sparingly, they still managed to cop the top prize at the Women's Asia Cup last year. That is a testament to both the depth and system of the Akatsuki Five. They know how to fully utilize their speed, playmaking and shooting, and as long as they're complete and healthy, they can be a threat to make it to the Quarter-Finals and beyond. For that to happen, however, Tokashiki and Yoshida will both have to be in tip-top shape and registering great production. With lower-ranked sides and Women's World Cup debutantes Puerto Rico and Belgium, which finished 3rd in Eurobasket Women 2017, in their group, Japan may appear to be favorites to make it to the next round, but remember that powerhouse Spain are there as well, and odds are the home team will book those Quarter-Finals tickets. Only a near-perfect game from the Japanese will make it possible to upset the mighty Spaniards, who will be led by the likes of Sancho Lyttle and Alba Torres.

China (Group D)

Current FIBA Ranking: 10
FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014 finish: 6th
FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 finish: 3rd
Key players: Li Yueru, Li Meng, Gao Song.

Based on recent results, China have performed much better on the world stage than they have in Asia, and that trend may continue this year. Don't be surprised if they bring a young core to Tenerife, and don't be surprised, too, if they manage to pull of a stunner. Team USA are the defending champions, but China have the size and depth to dominate the other two teams in this group and make some noise in the next couple of rounds. Youngsters Li Meng, Huang Sijing and Li Yueru will be playing in their first Women's World Cup, but that shouldn't hamper their production. Gao Song will be one of the veteran voices on this team alongside Shao Ting and Sun Mengran, and their combined play will be crucial in carrying China back into the Quarter-Finals. Still, that doesn't mean the Chinese can afford to be complacent. Latvia are playing in their first Women's World Cup, but Anete Šteinberga can give China some fits. Likewise with 17th-ranked Senegal, who will be led by Astou Traoré and Mame-Marie Sy. If China play true to form, though, they should be locks for the top 8.

Enzo Flojo

FIBA

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