MIES (Switzerland) - As we continue with the countdown to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments, we're pushing the rewind button to the first ever edition four years ago.
This celebrated change to the FIBA Women's competition calendar ahead of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney proved to be a big hit.
Even with the challenges of the global pandemic, the four tournaments in three locations, namely Osaka, Japan; Washington DC (USA) and Belgrade, Serbia (hosted two groups) all served up some special memories.
The Summary
With two groups, most of the spotlight was on Belgrade as hosts Serbia tried to bounce back from Tokyo Olympic heartbreak when they missed the podium - plus waving goodbye to iconic veterans Sonja Vasic and Jelena Brooks.
With the help of the inspirational Yvonne Anderson, they beat Korea, Australia and Brazil. The Opals punched their ticket and it was Korea who also claimed a place, winning a nail-biting clash against Brazil who missed out.
In Group B, China were on fire and took a mammoth 103-70 win against France as they finished flawless. France only beat Mali and were surprised by Nigeria who also beat Mali. The African champions progressed with China and a relieved France, but ultimately Nigeria had to eventually withdraw from Sydney 2022 and were replaced by Mali.
In Osaka, the tickets were already confirmed after Belarus withdrew before the action got underway. That left Japan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to face each other. And, it was highly competitive still, with everyone finishing 1-1. It meant Bosnia and Herzegovina could look forward to a World Cup debut and enjoy the experience.
In Washington DC, USA only played Belgium and Puerto Rico and they collected two victories as anticipated. Belgium won both of their remaining games against Puerto Rico and Russia, led by the superb Emma Meesseman. While Puerto Rico finished winless, they still made it to Sydney after Russia were not able to partcipate.
The TISSOT MVP's
Yvonne Anderson took MVP honors in Belgrade Group A. The Serbian star produced a massive 30 points in the crunch clash Australia and averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game in the competition.
In Belgrade Group B, Sijing Huang of China harvested an all-action 16.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. 26.0 of average efficiency to take the MVP crown.
Jonquel Jones was the only choice for MVP honors in Osaka after the naturalized Bosnia and Herzegovina standout put up some crazy averages across the games against Canada and Japan. She checked out having averaged a majestic tournament double-double of 25.5 points and 14.0 rebounds per outing.
That is also a moniker that Emma Meesseman of Belgium can contend, since she was MVP in Washington after an all-around eye-catching effort for Belgiyum that returned 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
The All-Star Five ballers
In addition to Yvonne Anderson of Serbia, the other All-Star Five spots in Belgrade Group A went to her teammate Aleksandra Crvendakic, Aussie guard Sami Whitcomb, the phenomenal Ji Su Park of Korea and rising Brazilian star, Kamilla Cardoso.
In Belgrade Group B, Sijing Huang lined up alongside her compatriot and rising star Yueri Li, Nigerian warrior Victoria Macaulay, French leader Marine Johannes and Mali young gun Sika Kone.
In Osaka, MVP Jonquel Jones of Bosnia and Herzegovina stood alongside Japan duo Himawari Akaho and Stephanie Mawuli. There were also spots for Canadian pair, Bridget Carleton and Natalie Achonwa.
At the Washington Qualifying Tournament, MVP Emma Meesseman was joined by USA duo Ariel Atkins and Kelsey Plum, with the lineup rounded out by Russia forward Raisa Musina and Puerto Rico playmaker Ariella Guirantes.
The Best Game: Nigeria make history to comeback against France
Nigeria claimed a famous first ever win against France with an absorbing 67-65 comeback win. Down 31-11, they completed a 22-point turnaround - led by Victoria Macaulay, who showed out with 19 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Best Performance: JJ's jaw-dropping 51 efficiency
Jonquel Jones was a colossus for Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout the tournament in Osaka and deserved her TISSOT MVP accolade. Against Japan she was sensational, finishing with an eye-popping 36 points, 23 rebounds and 4 assists for an epic performance efficiency valuation of 51 as her team took a vibrant and shock 87-82 victory.
The Best Story: A triple-double for the ages from Park
Korea's poster player, Ji Su Park posted a performance for the ages in a dramatic 76-74 win against Brazil. The center harvested a stunning triple-double of 20 points, 13 rebounds, and jaw-dropping 11 blocks.
Having played for her country's youth teams since aged just 13 years-old and even more remarkably, having captained Korea at just 15-years-old at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014, this put them onto the road for another appearance in 2022.
The Stats Leaders
Points
Player | Country | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
Jonquel Jones | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 25.5 |
Yvonne Anderson | Serbia | 22.7 |
Bridget Carleton | Canada | 20.0 |
Jazmon Gwathmey | Puerto Rico | 18.7 |
Emma Meesseman | Belgium | 18.0 |
Rebounds
Player | Country | Rebounds Per Game |
|---|---|---|
Jonquel Jones | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 14.0 |
Ji Su Park | Korea | 12.5 |
Raisa Musina | Russia | 10.5 |
Sika Kone | Mali | 10.3 |
Natalie Achonwa | Canada | 9.0 |
Assists
Player | Country | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|
Siyu Wang | China | 7.3 |
Yuan Li | China | 7.0 |
Sijing Huang | China | 6.7 |
Chelsea Gray | USA | 6.5 |
Saori Miyazaki | Japan | 5.5 |
FIBA