Will Germany revive the historical spirit of 2016?
BOURGES (FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017) – We take look at Group B of the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017 which includes last year's first-time Finalists, Germany.
Players to Watch: Emily Bessoir was outstanding last year as one of the youngest players on the Germany roster and she will make the transition to team leader. Nina Rosemeyer will be asked to handle business in the backcourt.
Outlook: Last year was a breakthrough summer at the event for Germany who reached the Semi-Finals for the first time, then went one step further and made the title game. History happened and might be a tough act to follow!
Players to Watch: Andrea Ondrouskova could be one of the stars of this tournament if her superb efforts last year are anything to go by. Points, rebounds, assists? She can do it all. Watch out for Katerina Zeithammerova as well.
Outlook: With a rich tradition, it would be a surprise if Czech Republic did not make a deep run, although their underwhelming friendly results suggest a potential struggle.
Netherlands
Player to Watch: Lotte Sant is the only player with previous experience of this tournament so she will be important.
Outlook: Netherlands were celebrating promotion last year and that was great, except almost the entire roster are now too old, so expect the unexpected as it could be sink or swim for their newcomers. Prep results have suggested a possible struggle.
Croatia
Players to Watch: Mia Vuksic took an All-Star Five place in a recent friendly tournament and showed her quality in 2016. Ana Mandic will be ready to bring it under the basket.
Outlook: Croatia can justifiably aim for the Quarter-Finals again after they took a fine fifth place in Udine last summer.
FIBA