BRNO (Czechia) - The FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 is about to drop and it's time for our expert panel to take a deep breath and lay out where each team is most likely to finish at the showpiece event.
Taking into account each nations tradition down the years, the rosters, preparation results and the all-important group draw, it has proven to be a tough task with so many great teams ready to do their thing.
But here you go, it's Volume 1 of the Smart Power Rankings.
16. Nigeria
Only their second appearance, Nigeria might face an uphill struggle to impose themselves at this level. Even if Idubamo Beggi and Abigail Isaac will provide an impactful one-two punch. Silver at U18 AfroBasket Women last year, they were streets behind winners Mali. Can they take inspiration from D'Tigress at Paris 2024 and their run as underdogs to play above expectation?
Also they could have had a worst group than Canada, China and Portugal.
15. Argentina
This might be a disappointing ranking for Argentina when you take into account their FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 bronze medal, But it looks like they could be without a couple of their leaders and that will mean firepower and offense could be an issue. Malena Maggi is playing her second U19 so will likely be the one to watch.
In truth, they will have zero fear about facing Japan, Spain and Czechia in Group D, so maybe they can do better than 15th.
14. Korea
It's 40 years since the glory days when the made the title game at the first ever edition. A repeat looks like being out of the question after they settled for 4th place at U18 Women's Asia Cup last year. It's been a case of ongoing struggles from long-range and a lack of size under the hoop without a former star of phenomenon such as Jisu Park.
However, in Minji Lee and Yunha Song they do have a couple of possible game-winners taking to the floor.
13. Hungary
They don't have the individual standout players like four years ago when they won bronze on home soil in Debrecen, although collectively they can be tough and especially on defense. 6th place at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2024 doesn't suggest a big run in Brno and for sure depth off the bench will probably be an issue.
USA will be challenging - as will Israel, so they have possibly pin-pointed Korea as their best chance of a Group A win.
12. Brazil
Marquee baller Ayla McDowell and the likes of Micaela Cavalcanti might be able to propel Brazil to greater things, but they landed in the 'Group of Death' with Continental champ trio France, Australia and Mali which could prove challenging.
They have some reasomable size and athleticism which will be useful and that was evidence by more than 6 blocks per game last year when they finished in 4th spot at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024.
11. Portugal
First-timers Portugal will be counting down the days to get out onto the court and make history with a first appearance and they could write a new chapter with their first win. Canada, China and Nigeria stand in their way in the group phase. They are capable of getting at least one landmark success and especially if Clara Silva is in situ.
She is an absolute colossus and will put this team on her back - but also watch out for cameos from Ema Karim.
10. Czechia
Czechia have got big shoes to fill to emulate their performance as hosts at the 2001 edition. In one of the biggest upsets ever, they came away as champions and delivered their greatest ever day at the event. While the home support should be similar, the on-court expectations might be slightly different. Mainly because outside of Emilie Brzonova and Ema Blahova, they don't have a load of scoring talents.
Being in a very open looking Group D helps.
9. Mali
The FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024 champions, Mali arrive determined to show they will be no pushovers. Whether they make the top eight is hanging in the balance with tough games against France and Australia in the first stage. All eyes will be on 2024 MVP Oummou Koumare, but with Mama Sidiki maybe unavailable, it would be a blow.
Whatever happens, they'll be one of the most physically dominant teams and challenging to play against.
8. Japan
The FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 bronze medalists, Japan are yet to medal at the U19 Worlds and on paper at least, it looks unlikely they will break the drought at this edition. Especially without walking bucket Kokoro Tanaka - who is at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025.
The good news is they have Otoha Goto who top-scored at the U17 Worlds and they should advance to the Quarter-Finals with Argentina and Czechia in their group - as well as Spain.
7. China
After 20 years without a medal at the event, hopes were high that this could be the year they make a strong challenge - likely built around the amazong physical presence and height of Ziyu Zhang. But with her now looking like being headed for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, that excitement around a podium challenge may have to be tempered.
Much responsibility will now probably fall on Fengwei Xu and Jiaxin Wang to propel their campaign.
6. Israel
It will be a momentous feeling for Israel when they take their first ever steps at the event. When they do, watch out because there is talk they could make a lot of noise. USA will be tough for them but opportunity to make history knocks loudly with Korea and Hungary in Group A too.
Gal Raviv is a majestic baller who can do special things, while Mayaan Cohen and Ayala Oren were instrumental in their record run to the U18 Semi-Finals last year.
5. Spain
Spanish fans, coaches and players won't know whether to laugh or cry that their two standouts in Awa Fam and Iyana Martin are not coming. They have been at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 and it's the silver lining of what might feel like a cloud at this event. They should still have enough for a top five finish or push for the podium.
The defensive intensity will be in place - it's just a question of whether anyone can come up clutch in crunch time.
4. Australia
Similar to Spain, the Gems are without their top duo from last year's all-conquering side at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup. This could go either way and it might not be a total shock if they don't make the last four of the tournament. But they still have some very capable ballers and will be well-drilled like always.
The spotlight will probably fall onto Monique Bobongie and Bonnie Deas in the first instance but watch others shine from the pack.
3. Canada
Packed with talent, Canada finished with the bronze medal two years ago and made the title game at the U17 Worlds last year. Those combined positives make it feel like another success is incoming. There is glut of ballers who are difference-makers, momentum-shifters and deal-breakers.
If Jasmine Basco and Syla Swords can work in tandem, that will be awesome. While Agot Makeer is such a great streaky scorer who can go off on any given night.
2. France
Just like Spain two years ago when they pushed USA all the way to the wire in that amazing Final in Madrid, could France push the champions all the way at this edition? If you are a French fan, get excited because there is so much talent about to step onto the floor and importantly the team looks strong in all areas and has a multitude of players who have the mentality to step up.
Not least Nell Angloma, Ainhoa Risacher, Sarah Cisse and Tea Cleante.
1. USA
Where else did you expect to see USA - right? They are always entering as 'champions-elect' and this edition is no different, although they had to squeeze out another title in the Spanish capital two years ago. They have so many players who already know what it takes to win for their country and there is a lot of excitement around Jasmine Davidson, Jerzy Robinson, Sienna Betts and some other possible leaders.
But it's USA - so anyone could light it up!
*The Power Rankings for the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup are put together by our Expert Panel. They are entirely subjective and are in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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