MIES (Switzerland) - The last edition of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup took place in Mexico during 2024 and it was marked by a flurry of records being broken by participating nations and players.
We're taking the short step back in time to review how things unfolded the last time the competition took place in Leon and Iraputo.
Top of the podium: USA
There were multiple records set by USA across the tournament and the biggest headline was their offensive firepower. But to underline their dominance, they set new heights defensively too, with a new steals record. Their defensive intensity was maybe overlooked until they snapped up 30 steals in their game against Croatia - the first time anyone has ever hit the landmark.
Unbeaten, it was backcourt starJerzy Robinson who stood out, along with McKenna Woliczko who equalled the USA's rebounding record and did the business in the frontcourt. This was the USA's sixth title in seven editions.
Standings
Rank | Team | W-L |
1. | USA | 7-0 |
2. | Canada | 6-1 |
3. | Spain | 6-1 |
4. | France | 4-3 |
5. | Australia | 5-2 |
6. | Japan | 4-3 |
7. | Italy | 5-2 |
8. | Finland | 2-5 |
9. | Croatia | 4-3 |
10. | Chinese Taipei | 3-4 |
11. | Egypt | 2-5 |
12. | New Zealand | 3-4 |
13. | Mali | 3-4 |
14. | Puerto Rico | 1-7 |
15. | Mexico | 1-7 |
16. | Argentina | 0-7 |
Meet the TISSOT MVP: Jerzy Robinson (USA)
There was a buzz about Robinson heading into the tournament and the guard delivered. A centerpiece of the unbeaten USA team, she netted a super 25 points in the Final. She finished with 20.9 points per game across the competition, as well as 6.9 rebounds per outing.
The other places in the All-Star Five were taken by McKenna Woliczko (USA), Agot Makeer (CAN), Sara Okeke (ESP) and Ainhoa Risacher (FRA).
Historic 50 efficiency valuation: Olivia Vukosa (CRO)
Olivia Vukosa signed off an extraordinary debut tournament as the first ever baller to record a staggering performance efficiency valuation of 50. The Croatian center achieved the feat on the last day of action, harvesting a spectacular double-double of 31 points and 24 rebounds, while also swatting 6 shots, grabbing 3 steals and handing out 2 assists. She was also named as the Best Defensive Player at the event and averaged a tournament double-double.
Box-office entertainment: Canada make history after classic contest
Canada made history when they eased out Spain 76-73 in a Semi-Final matchup for the ages to make the title game for the very first time. Sara Okeke erupted for Spain, but it was Canada's collective strength that helped to dig out a famous win in what proved to be the most entertaining contest of the 2024 edition. While crushed at losing, Spain bounced back to take bronze.
A flood of historic first wins
There were no fewer than four nations who all managed to put themselves on the U17 map by racking up maiden victories in the famous competition. Croatia, Finland, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei all opened their respective accounts with memorable first-ever successes.
Yamada makes history passing the rock
Continuing the rich tradition of talented Japanese guards down the years, Sara Yamada became the first player in tournament history to drop 10 assists in two separate games. Her first double-digit tally of dimes came against Argentina and then a few days later in a win against Mali.
Stats leaders
Scorers
Player | Points Per Game |
Jerzy Robinson (USA) | 20.9 |
Olivia Vukosa (CRO) | 19.4 |
Bailey Flavell (NZL) | 18.9 |
Agot Akol Makeer (CAN) | 17.7 |
Savannah Swords (CAN) | 16.3 |
Rebounds
Player | Rebounds Per Game |
Olivia Vukosa (CRO) | 15.6 |
Nicole Ogun (FIN) | 11.3 |
Emma D'Este (ITA) | 9.7 |
McKenna Woliczko (USA) | 9.6 |
Assan Bagnine Mariko (MLI) | 9.0 |
Assists
Player | Assists Per Game |
Sofia Acuna (MEX) | 6.7 |
Gina Garcia (ESP) | 5.1 |
Sara Yamada (JPN) | 5.1 |
Emma Giacchetti (ITA) | 5.1 |
Juana Barrionuevo (ARG) | 4.4 |
FIBA