BRNO (Czechia) - As an early pause button is pushed on the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, we're taking the time to quickly catch our breath and review some of the key ups and downs so far in the competition.
Down #5 - Spinning into trouble
So many players have done hard work pulling a move to get downhill, but have found themselves tempted by excessive spin moves while in traffic. The smarter guards have kicked to a wide open shooter, but far too many ballers have been caught travelling or turning straight into the defensive help with this obsession to spin.
Yes, it looks good on Instagram and there's certainly no need to put spin in the bin, since there's a place for it during selected moments. But maybe take more note of those wide-open teammates with their hungry hands?
Down #4 - Africa still a winless 0-4
It's been a rough first couple of days for African hoops. Both Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire have come up short and are still looking for a first victory. It's been a massive challenge for the latter, who having celebrated their historic first ever appearance, left the court having been on the wrong end of a record-breaking show from the USA.
While both nations were not expected to shine particularly brightly, the likes of Mali and previous Egypt teams have shown that they can get wins on the board at the FIBA global youth level. Although perhaps at this edition, it is most likely to be in the later classification games.
Down #3 - Germany getting stuck in first gear
After a bright showing at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2025, hopes were high Germany could make a splash - and they still might. However at 0-2 and having suffered big defeats to both Spain and China, they look a pale shadow of last year. Their case has not been helped by two very slow starts, going down big in the first minutes.
They have also jacked up so many triple attempts, including 12 in the first 8-9 minutes against Spain alone. Meanwhile defensively they've played too soft and need to find a harder edge. Their next meeting with Mexico gives them a chance to finally get out of first gear, and they really need to.
Down #2 - Still waiting for that one amazing comeback
There's nothing quite like a stunning comeback victory out of nowhere. However, two days into this edition and it hasn't happened - yet. Maybe it will be a case of third time lucky when the action resumes on Tuesday.
Down #1 - Europe where are you?
With Asia flying the flag with an outstanding 7-1 collective record (and the only loss being Australia by two points against USA) there has been in stark contrast to the normally high-performing European sides. They are currently a collective 4-8 with the trio of Germany, Italy and Czechia all winless. Thank goodness for the 2-0 Spain.
Now for the things that have impressed - and it's with a very strong Asia flavor.
Up #5 - The transformation of China
The shock of missing the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup podium altogether last year has clearly stung China into action. They have made some roster changes and one or two of the new faces have done a super job so far, including the likes of center Yunshun Pang.
They have played so aggressively, been very positive driving the gaps and kept things simple. It has been hugely effective. Wins against Mexico and Germany have been impressive. But now they face a tough test of their new-look vibrancy when they face unbeaten Spain in a top of the group decider.
Up #4 - Smile, it's Takeuchi time
There could be a superstar in the making when it comes to Miya Takeuchi, who is an absolute joy to watch. She might not put up crazy numbers and might also have her long-term ambitions questioned because of her lack of height, but she's a walking highlights reel.
Blink and you will miss her as one of the quickest ballers to have ever graced this famous competition. Her playmaking skills are accompanied by a constant smile.
Her having fun means us having fun watching - whatever the game situation. Will she be at Japan 2030 for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup? That's her dream.
Up #3 - New Zealand's team basketball and vibe
Hoping we don't put a curse on it, the momentum is with New Zealand. Having made their first ever FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup Final last year, they've opened up in style om Brno with wins against Egypt and Italy.
They have also done it with a very nice style of team basketball, with their 'big hitters' from last year playing nicely within the system again and not forcing anything. Throw in eye-catching ball movement, good work off the ball, multiple contributors, plenty of hard work and a really nice looking collective vibe, there's a lot to love right now.
Up #2 - Colombia laugh at the Smart Power Rankings
That's what the Power Rankings are there for - to be defied. Colombia were penciled in as 16th heading into the competition, but in beating Czechia and causing an upset, they have already laughed at this prediction.
While technically they could still finish in last spot, that looks very unlikely now they have a win on the board and with many more opportunities to record another. That would give them their best ever U17 record, having only won once previously back at the 2018 edition.
Up #1 - A classic Final-esque USA and Sapphires clash
It was a game fitting for the Final itself and everything we had hoped for in the wake of the original draw for the competition. The top two sides in the Power Rankings traded blows with USA delivering the knockout punch with only a second remaining, as they stole the ball to survive and win 74-72.
The result means USA have still only lost once in the history of the competition, but Australia will take great heart from the fact they came within one downtown score of a famous win. It was compelling viewing and a repeat of this type of encounter would be fantastic later down the line.
FIBA