BRNO (Czechia) - There's only one guarantee at any tournament and that is the ever present 'Group of Death' and the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup has duly delivered when it comes to Group C.
With Asian U18 champions Australia, African U18 champions Mali and European U18 champions France, it's packed with teams that know what it takes to win silverware and will want a deep run in the competition. It's a really tough task for the other team in the group Brazil, who might feel justified in cursing the luck of the draw.
The Favorite: France
France are not just favorites to win the group, they are also looking like one of the teams that could challenge USA for the title. Not only because of their FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 success, but because they will have all of their main ballers on board.
That means the likes of the highly-rated Ainhoa Risacher, U18 MVP Nell Angloma, Sarah Cisse and Tea Cleante - in fact the list of players who can be momentum-shifters and difference-makers is so, so long. Even in this so-called 'Group of Death' it looks like it would be a shock if they didn't end up in pole position.
The Underdog: Brazil
In any other group, Brazil would probably have escaped the underdogs label. But after finishing in 4th place at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024, there is no denying that they will have to be at the top of their game to get a victory on the board in Brno.
The great news is that Ayla McDowell averaged 14.8 points per game last year at U18 and was second highest scorer in the tournament. So, if she is ready to go, they could still cause some difficulties and a surprise.
The Pivotal Game: France v Australia
While France will be expected to wrap up first place, it looks like on paper that the Gems will pose the biggest threat and it will be an early test of the wider ambitions of the French when it comes to challenging for honors.
However, Australia will have to do without a couple of their star names because of injury. It will be interesting to see if they still pack a punch and if they do, it will come from Monique Bobongie, Bonnie Deas and Ruby Perkins.
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Looking for more about the teams in Group C? Check out why your nation could win the tournament.
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