The FIBA World Cup concluded nearly a fortnight ago with the USA continuing their dominance in Spain. Now it’s the time of the women to take center stage in Turkey as the world championships get underway on Saturday. The American ladies will be looking to retain the title that they won in 2010 in the Czech Republic.
With the USA’s dominance in the game, the world is hoping for a different nation on top of the podium on October 5 in Istanbul. The hopes were backed up by hard evidence that this year’s American side can be beaten as they succumbed to the Olympic silver-medalists France 76-72 earlier this week in Paris.
But all the pre-world championship warm-ups won’t mean a thing when Saturday comes along. That’s when the real business starts. And here’s our mini guide to this year’s world championship for women.
BIG 5
USA
Despite their loss to the French, the United States remains favourites to retain their world crown. A team stacked with talent in every position and enough depth to see them through tough encounters, it’ll take a brave, brave person to bet against the U.S. reaching the final.
SPAIN
The European champions will be full of confidence and they will fancy their chances of progression from the group stages as the Czech Republic look to be their only real challenge in the first days of the competition.
AUSTRALIA
No Lauren Jackson and no Liz Cambage due to injury but the Aussies still have a lot of great talent in their team. Like the USA, the Opals have strength in depth and have a good group that also houses Cuba, Korea and Belarus so the Aussies will fancy themselves to go far in Turkey.
FRANCE
Olympic and European runners-up France will have a strong roster when they start their world championship campaign. Celine Dumerc and Sandrine Gruda will lead Les Bleus as look to better their male counterparts bronze medal effort in Spain.
TURKEY
The hosts will look to impress on their home court and hope to do one better than the hosts before them in 2010. The Czech Republic’s road to the silver medal four years ago was great for the sport in the country and the Turks’ great record in international events will hopefully look to continue. They are in a tricky group that includes France and Canada but with home court advantage on their side. Turkey will be a favourite to advance.
DARK HORSES
CZECH REPUBLIC
The 2010 runners-up will probably not be the force that they were in 2010, but they have shown great team chemistry in the warm-up phase and will be a test for anyone.
CANADA
The Canadian women have always been stiff opposition for any nation. Lizanne Murphy and Shona Thorburn are the veteran leaders but they will have their work cut out against the hosts and the French in the first round.
BELARUS
Belarus is a team loaded with height and a strong work ethic. They play Korea first and will look to build on what should be an expected win. Their true test will come against Australia in the third and final group game.
CHINA
China is an extremely skillful and quick unit but will be fighting for second place in the group as they are drawn with the Americans.
AND THE REST…
ANGOLA
Plenty of tournament experience, but lack height and strength against the big nations.
SERBIA
Serbia shocked everyone with their performance at Eurobasket Women last year, but while they will compete in Turkey with nothing to lose, they might struggle.
BRAZIL
A good line-up, but with an eager Czech Republic side and European champions Spain in the same group, the South Americans will need to bring their A-game to Ankara.
CUBA
Cuba exciting to watch and love to get out in transition, but will be worn down against the likes of Australia and Belarus.
KOREA
A nation that is full of heart but lacks a true leader on the court. Their game against Cuba should be exciting to watch as like Cuba, Korea love to play transition basketball.
JAPAN
A good three-point shooting team but a limited inside presence, equaled by poor defence will be the Japanese downfall, especially against skilled nations like Brazil, Czech Republic and Spain.
MOZAMBIQUE
Easily the weakest team in the tournament. Plenty of heart and that fun to watch African pride, but in a tough group and one win will be considered a miracle.
GROUP A
Brazil; Czech Republic; Japan; Spain.
GROUP B
Canada; France; Mozambique; Turkey.
GROUP C
Australia; Belarus; Cuba; Korea.
GROUP D
Angola; China; Serbia; USA.
