10 reasons to follow the 2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship
ZARAGOZA (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - As the curtain is about to be raised on the fourth edition of the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship, FIBA.com brings you 10 reasons to stay locked to the tournament.
1 - It’s where future stars are born
There's only been three editions of this tournament, but it's already delivered top stars including WNBA sensation Breanna Stewart and the Rio-bound Canadian ace Kia Nurse to name but two.
2 - (Honestly...) The USA are not necessarily the favourites!
#FIBAU16Americas Semifinal #1: Brazil 72 - 63 USA / Brazil plays CANvsMEX winner for the Gold tomorrow. @CBB_basquete pic.twitter.com/0uakZXc1Sa
— FIBA (@FIBA) June 28, 2015
Sure, it's 15 years since the USA did not actually win an U17 or U19 women's title, but after the shock of losing at the 2015 FIBA Americas U16 Women's Championship, they've taken the unprecedented step of changing their entire roster! It means the USA don't have chemistry guaranteed and perhaps aren't the runaway favourites like at previous editions.
3 - Forget that siesta and join the fiesta!
SIX blocks for Tereza Vitulova a highlight then THIS before next game! Top class #FIBAU16Europe @FIBA @baloncestofeb pic.twitter.com/96FLm1pBAl
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) August 21, 2015
You can be assured of the fans in Zaragoza will forget about siestas and focus on some great fiestas! The locals love youth basketball and the women's game, so there should be some superb atmospheres - especially when the hosts are in action!
4 - It’s got several first-timers!
@basketbols #Latvia get the win are are heading to the u17 World Championships #FIBAu16Europe https://t.co/DedM3t5A4B pic.twitter.com/CAcJ6tUIXU
— Blue Star Europe (@Bluestareurope) August 22, 2015
There's nothing like the excitement of seeing teams making their debut in a competition and for some nations like Portugal or Latvia, they're playing youth basketball on the global stage for the first time. There's also an introduction to the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship for Nigeria.
5 - Australia could hit the top four for the first time
SAPPHIRES | The Australian U17 women have split their final two World Champs warm-up games: https://t.co/NtdTODpRg5 pic.twitter.com/4J6Dr9Bqxo
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) June 6, 2016
They're one of the teams who seem to be making people sit up and take notice heading to Zaragoza. Yet rather curiously, the Sapphires have never even reached the Semi-Finals, let alone landed on the podium. But they have some serious talent and that could be about to change.
6 - Because Mali have shown they can
While African nations continue to try and establish themselves in the women's game at all levels, Mali have taken a shine to FIBA U17 Women's World Championship tournaments. At the previous edition in Pilsen and Klatovy, they made a major breakthrough by beating European opposition as they left Italy completely stunned - having also won a game at the 2012 edition in Amsterdam.
7 - Opportunity knocks for Asia’s most exciting prospects
Jisu Park has been a sensation for Korea in the past and Yueru Li (above) had been expected to take over as the biggest Asian star. But the China center has been ruled out, which means opportunity knocks for those wearing China, Korea and Japan colours. We can't wait to find out who will fill the gap!
8 - There's an actual ‘Group of Death’
It wouldn't be a great tournament without a bonafide 'Group of Death'. Three of the nations in Group C have all been touted as being potential top three tournament material in the shape of the USA, Czech Republic and Italy. What three sensational early games they could be!
9 - There’s always a great performance waiting in the wings
Every tournament brings its All Star Five and MVP which is always a great debate. The FIBA U17 Women's World Championship has witnessed some truly great performances so far - although it will have to be something seriously special to beat the magical and memorable 40-point effort by Angela Salvadores in the 2014 Final!
10 - You get to see the FIBA U17 World Championship too!
That’s right, you can be a part of history and watch the first-ever joint hosting of both tournaments with the boys playing alongside the girls in what will be a fabulous festival of youth basketball!
You can watch all all the games in Zaragoza live and for free via FIBA's YouTube and Facebook channels.
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