Group C preview: Co-hosts Slovenia locked in exciting battle to advance

08/06/2023

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Group C preview: Co-hosts Slovenia locked in exciting battle to advance

LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - The hopes of co-hosts Slovenia making the latter stages look to be in the balance with Group C having rapidly morphed into a potential 'mini Group of Death'.

Slovenia will probably have to avoid injuries and have a slice of luck if they want to make sure of advancing, not least because both Great Britain and Germany look like they could be absolutely anything in this pool based on past history and preparation results.

Although Slovenia may not have a lot of depth, they do have a trio of standout performers, while Great Britain have the 2019 leading scorer in Temi Fagbenle to inspire them - as she did in taking her team to the Semi-Finals four years ago. Germany are back for the first time in 12 years but won't be a soft touch as some might have imagined, so Slovenia will have to be at the top of their game.

It feels like a 'mini Group of Death' only because France will surely take top spot. Even losing leading lights Marine Johannes and Gabby Williams doesn't appear to have knocked them out of their stride in preparation and they still have by far the most quality and depth of these teams.

FRANCE

After a jaw-dropping run of five consecutive Final defeats, France looked ready to use their amazing talent and depth to be crowned champions for the first time since 2009. But their pre-tournament favorite status was rocked by big-hitters Marine Johannes and Gabby Williams withdrawing.

Yet they’re still strong contenders with ballers like the legendary Sandrine Gruda who's preparing to step out at the event for the eighth time. At the other end of the spectrum is rising star Iliana Rupert who will be a big force.

On the wing, Valeriane Vukosavljevic, is someone who has been playing some of the best basketball of her career. In the backcourt there is tremendous responsibility on young gun Marine Fauthoux, while Mamignan Toure always saves her best for national team duties.

Ending a 14-year title drought can't be ruled out even if they are missing heavyweight players and the silver lining might be reduced expectations and pressure.

Star Player: Valeriane Vukosavljevic

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v Germany	8	8	0	100%
v Great Britain	3	3	0	100%
v Slovenia	4	3	1	75%

GERMANY

Ending their agonizing 12-year absence, Germany are looking to win their first game at this level since 2007 and have a new playcaller at the helm after former Canada coach Lisa Thomaidis recently took over from Walt Hopkins Jnr.

Leonie Fiebich will carry the main load, with her versatility and quality contributions in so many different facets of the game. Marie Guelich forms a potent double act, while Luisa Geiselsoder, Ama Degbeon, Sonja Greinacher and maybe rising star Emily Bessoir will also contribute positively.

The experienced Svenja Brunckhorst did a good job in qualification with 5.5 assists per game in the backcourt, although there is no denying Germany do not have a lot of proven options in this area.

If the likes of Emma Stach, and Alexandre Wilke for example can move up a gear to bolster the scoring options at the guard and wing spots it will help enormously and Germany could well make the Quarter-Finals.

Star Player: Leonie Fiebich

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v France	8	0	8	0%
v Great Britain	4	1	3	25%
v Slovenia	0	0	0	-

GREAT BRITAIN

The fact that Great Britain made a stunning, surprise and historic run to the Semi-Finals four years ago but didn't even qualify in 2021 is an indicator of just how unpredictable they are.

The upsides are plentiful with Temi Fagbenle now captain and looking to replicate her super scoring form and All-Star Five quality of 2019. With Kristine Anigwe also in the paint and the new face of Kiki Herbert Harrigan who has WNBA minutes on her resume, the interior rotation looks solid.

Debuting players are the theme, with forward Savannah Wilkinson very capable. Meanwhile, the backcourt will see two more first-timers in young Holly Winterburn who was great last season in EuroCup Women, along with the newly naturalized Sydney Wallace.

Head coach Chema Buceta will insist on his players wearing his famous 'positive glasses' in terms of their mentality, but as to how far they will go at this edition is truly anyone's guess.

Star Player: Temi Fagbenle

Head to Head	P	W	L	Win %
v France	3	0	3	0%
v Germany	4	3	1	75%
v Slovenia	0	0	0	-

SLOVENIA

It's a fourth successive appearance for the co-hosts who would love a first serious tilt at the podium, but it will be challenging. That's due to a general lack of depth, something exacerbated by injuries to Teja Gorsic and Marusa Senicar, plus Nika Baric and Shante Evans no longer being on board.

The positives are home advantage, EuroLeague Women Coach of the Year Georgios Dikaioulakos masterminding their campaign, a trio of elite performers - plus some exciting young guns rising up.

Captain and playmaker Teja Oblak is such a baller and can carry the team in tough or clutch moments. Zala Friskovec can light it up from long-range and Eva Lisec is an absolute handful under the basket. Ajsa Sivka is the pick of the young guns, but this edition might have arrived too soon.

Some complicated factors make it difficult to determine the realistic prospects for Slovenia, but certainly home hopes are hanging intriguingly and tantalizingly in the balance.

Star Player: Teja Oblak