MIES (Switzerland) - The FIBA  U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 in Madrid, Spain  was widely heralded as the greatest ever edition in the competition's long and illustrious history.

As the curtain falls on another calendar year, the event was one of the big success stories during 2023 for the FIBA Family and here are the top 10 reasons why:

#10 That (rare) triple-double and steals record for Haidara

Maimouna Haidara turned heads in a huge way with her vivid and colorful hair styles and even more, her basketball skills. She was only the third player in tournament history to amass a spectacular triple-double, while also becoming the first player in #FIBAU19  history to take 10 steals in a game.

#9 When Japan made it rain in Madrid

The weather was crazy hot in the Spanish capital but inside the arena, Japan made it rain with some spectacular three-point shooting on opening day versus Italy. Their 16 triples were up with the best the tournament has ever seen.

#8 Those new awards being handed out!

While everyone wants to be MVP, it was tremendous to be able to reflect for the first time on an array of new awards. These were mirrored from those new ones dished out at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney.

#7 Elalfy rising up with Egypt

After the first day of action, we gave five reasons why Jana Elalfy of Egypt could become Africa's number-one baller. She didn't disappoint as the tournament's leading scorer and put up some all-around eye-popping numbers!

#6 A now 10 (yes count them) title legacy for USA

Now into double-digits with a 10th FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup title, the legacy is truly astonishing!

#5 It was fun off the court too

Funny.

#4 Home favorite Carrion capturing MVP honors 

There was no louder cheer than when the massive Spanish home crowd's 'MVP! MVP! MVP!' chants were met with Iyana Martin Carrion being crowned with the TISSOT MVP title. What a player and what a prospect for the seniors.

#3 An electrifying Final for the ages

The debate still rages if it was better than in 2017 when Russia toppled USA. That still feels like a coin toss. But either way, it was absolutly E-P-I-C!

#2 That incredible and innovative  ASB GlassFloor

Sometimes you don't need words... It's no wonder it got five-star feedback from everyone!

#1 That record-breaking 7,00 crowd

Already known for their incredible support in terms of their numbers and the noise they make, the Spanish fans really did bring it like nobody else before them at the event. It culminated in a staggering 7,000 fans watching the title game.

FIBA