Group C Preview: All eyes on a repeat of the 2015 Final
PRAGUE (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - With the last two Finalists pitched together early at this edition, it promises to be a fascinating start for title hopefuls France and the defending champions, Serbia
PRAGUE (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - With the last two Finalists pitched together early at this edition, it promises to be a fascinating start for title hopefuls France and the defending champions, Serbia.
They are both overwhelming favorites to fight it out for supremacy in Group C and for the considerable reward of direct passage to the Quarter-Finals.
It also re-ignites quite a rivalry, with Serbia having not only defeated Les Bleues two years ago to clinch their maiden title, but also in Rio last year as they took a historic bronze medal during their maiden Olympic appearance.
There have been some major changes for Serbia and not least a new head coach in Stefan Karadzic, while Milica Dabovic retired after Rio.
But, with her sister Ana, who was MVP back in 2015, declaring herself fit alongside the colossus that is Sonja Petrovic, the holders head into the competition well placed to defend their silverware – even if that is something that just doesn't happen at the Final Round.
Jelena Milovanovic is the other big-hitter and the new captain will lead by example, using her experience alongside the ever-improving Aleksandra Crvendakic who is going to be way up on everybody's watch-list of debutantes. She is a class act and looks destined to be a centrepiece for her country for the next decade.
With nine Rio returnees confirmed, Serbia look like they have the desire and the skills to shrug off a turbulent campaign in the Qualifiers when they lost twice to Ukraine and few would back against them continuing their dazzling recent record by adding yet another medal to the collection.
There has been a similar feel to France after Les Bleues learned they would be without both Isabelle Yacoubou and Sandrine Gruda. That resulted in a muted mood, but the momentum has grown considerably in recent weeks, with an excellent preparation programme and the addition of many young stars who will step out at the Final Round for the very first time.
Even if Marine Johannes posted a major tournament debut in Rio, it still promises to be special alongside her Tango Bourges teammate, Alxia Chartereau – last year's MVP of the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship. The explosive Olivia Epoupa and 'X-factor' provided by Sarah Michel adds further excitement, although it is maybe going to be the experienced players who provide the foundations for a tilt at the title.
If France are to win gold for the first time since Riga 2009, the legendary Celine Dumerc must wave goodbye with a strong showing at her last tournament, Endy Miyem must carry the fight to opponents in her trademark way and newly anointed EuroLeague Women champion Helena Ciak needs to continue her form from the warm-up games.
There will be a tear in the eye for many of Slovenia's players when they make history in the Czech capital by stepping out at their country's first-ever Final Round appearance. That passion and emotion will add extra fuel to a team that could feasibly cause some upsets, since they have some top drawer operatives and a fantastic team spirit and chemistry.
The backcourt is up there with the best in UMMC star Nika Baric and Good Angels Kosice favorite Teja Oblak. When these two click, Slovenia really do look like they have an outside shot of glory and in this case, it would be a run to the Quarter-Finals. For that to happen, the experienced Maja Erkic will need to shoot the ball well and fellow veteran Sandra Pirsic must match-up defensively under the basket.
Yet it could be the emergence of Eva Lisec which might prove vital, or maybe the additional input of the newly naturalized forward, Shante Evans, who didn't play during the Qualifiers.
As for Greece, they certainly won't lack know-how, because of the array of 'golden-oldies' they have in their ranks. Evanthia Maltsi was MVP eight years ago in Latvia and recapturing the glory days will be difficult without the missing Zoi Dimitrakou and Olga Chatzinikolau - as well as being in a challenging group.
At least the added presence of Styliani Kaltsidou gives them some hope, since the veteran pair were hugely influential during the Qualifiers and they will also be joined by the do-it-all Artemis Spanou.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Greece are turning over a page with the inclusion of Maria Fasoula and Eleanna Christinaki who both appeared briefly two years ago. Their second edition promises even more and now that youth standout Anna Niki Stamolamprou has also been thrown into the mix, there are some interesting possibilities and it makes the meeting with Slovenia look especially pivotal.
FIBA