The first round of Eurobasket Women matches is over as the second round gets ready to begin in Debrecen and Gyor on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
And while the remaining sides concentrate on their next game, they will also be aware that each result could inch them closer to an automatic birth at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
So as we say goodbye to the hospitality of Romania in this tournament, as well as the Hungarian cities of Szombathely and Sopron, let’s look back with my six thoughts on the first round.
BELORUSSIAN DOMINANCE
Belarus have played outstanding basketball in all four of their opening group games, highlighted with crisp, efficient team basketball offensively as well imposing yet smart team defence that has kept opposing teams out.
And the five that have been put out on the court look like they’re having fun as well. All playing for each other and all competing with a sense of enthusiasm, which is all thanks to the great leadership of coach Anatoli Buyalski and on court leader Yelena Leuchanka, who has been averaging a staggering 14.8 points and 12.5 rebounds a game.
While they have a blend of veterans, Belarus’ future looks good with 1994-born players Maryia Papova and Hanna Kalenta on the roster.
The Belorussians begin their second round campaign against the Czech Republic on Wednesday.
A SHAKY START BY THE TOP TEAMS
Holders Spain have had one or two shaky moments but otherwise have played well, en route to a 4-0 start but for 2013 runners up France and contenders Turkey, they have struggled to find consistency so far.
What’s strange about including France in the mix is that they are ranked first in scoring at 79.8 points a game and also for assists at 26.3. But Le Bleues have also conceded easily as well, letting in 66.0 points a contest.
Thanks to the evergreen Sandrine Gruda though, who is averaging 21.3 points a game so far, France have just about kept on ticking by and are still unbeaten.
Turkey had a strong showing in their third game, a 61-50 success over Greece but other than that, have not been anything other than ordinary. They were taken apart by Belarus and have squeaked by Poland and Italy, both of whom were eliminated.
Despite the four games, neither team should be counted out on form just yet.
CROATIAN SPIRIT
Croatia for me, have been the unsung heroes of Eurobasket Women 2015 so far.
Ana Lelas, Antonija Misura and Marija Rezan were sidelined, not to mention the retirements of Sandra Mandir and Andja Jelavic but the cause was not helped by the unfortunate absence of Shavonte Zellous due to a mistake made processing her visa before the tournament began.
With Lelas, Misura and Rezan travelling with the team and supporting them from the sidelines [picture below], Croatia, written off at the start have shown incredible fighting spirit, and with two wins from their four games have advanced to the second round.
Win over Latvia:
Win over Great Britain:
CO-HOSTS ELIMINATED, BUT THEY WENT OUT FIGHTING
Hungary and Romania might have been eliminated but they have got a lot of people’s respect from the four games played.
Romania were within inches of beating the Ukraine before finally falling 78-71 and they almost pulled off the mother of all upsets against France before the 2013 runners up held them to just seven points in the final quarter to register the win.
Hungary, unlike their co-hosts were able to record a win, a final day 86-74 success over Slovak Republic, ended their 12-year wait for a victory.
ALINA IAGUPOVA
Via her FIBA Europe profile: “The main star of the Ukrainian national team, Iagupova is one of the most athletic players in the women’s game and certainly in Europe. With the strength, speed, agility and stamina she possesses, this versatile player could shine in any top-team around the globe.”
And she has certainly shown that. Iagupova has averaged 29.3 points a game along with six rebounds and while Ukraine have bowed out of the competition, her display will not be forgotten.
Iagupova’s 33-point showing vs Romania.
A FRESH START FOR THE SECOND ROUND
The first round is now history. No matter how well a certain team did and how nervous they were or how they just qualified doesn’t matter anymore.
Belarus have been by far the team of the tournament so far, but they have a tough second round pool that includes France who will be desperate for better showings themselves.
It’s a fresh start for all the team involved as the second round gets underway in Debrecen on Wednesday.
Pictures: FIBA Europe.
