Group B Preview: From hopeful hosts, to a Baltic derby and Italian flair

MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017) – We check out Group B of the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017 which includes last year's Finalists Italy, Baltic neighbors Latvia and Lithuania, along with host nation Portugal.

Latvia

Paula Strautmane got to step out at FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017

Players to Watch: Digna Strautmane is a sensation and had been expected to make it to Prague for the recent Final Round, but the highly skilled forward has had to settle for helping her country in Matosinhos and at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup later this month. She will do the former alongside her sister Paula, who did get to play with the senior side. The frontcourt family combo could be potent, with both having played at last year's edition and led in scoring and rebounding.

Outlook: Latvia have to be a real frontrunner with Digna Strautmane and two senior players from FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in Strautmane senior and Anna Dreimane. They have many returnees from last year, as well as some capable players moving up. These are exciting times after the senior team made history with a first berth at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup – soon after Latvia qualified for the first time for the U17 and U19 Women's Basketball World Cups.

Lithuania

Meskonyte has an extensive skill-set and will contribute in many areas

Players to Watch: Laura Juskaite is arguably the biggest rising star in Lithuanian women's basketball and the center is primed to sign off her highly fruitful youth career with another impressive scoring return and work on the glass. She inspired promotion from Division B last summer with more than 14 points per game. There is also a big anticipation about the possible contribution of the do-it-all forward Gabija Meskonyte, who was brilliant at the U18 level in Sopron last year.

Outlook: Some fantastic preparation, an experienced coach in Jurgita Streimikyte-Virbickiene and very capable players who helped get Lithuania promoted from Division B last year bodes well. The twin towers option of Juskaite and Meskonyte gives them an edge over almost anyone else in the paint and if the guards can play smart, perhaps they could be a dark horse.

Italy

Pan is a good option to top the scoring charts for Italy

Players to Watch: Francesca Pan looks set to star once again after being a major contributor for Italy last summer, when they made their thrilling run to the Final and almost achieved a fairytale finish before being pipped by Spain. Pan will provide a significant scoring option at all times and is a clutch player with real flair. Look out for Olbis Futo Andre who has big athleticism and is potentially making a debut.

Outlook: They could be affected by an arguably weaker roster because of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup which Italy are hosting. But they should not have any fears of struggling and might even get another shot at the podium as they have a quartet of silver medalists returning. They have to make sure they aren't too dependent on Pan's scoring if they want to make a splash and be comfortable.

Portugal

Bernardeco will be integral to keeping Portugal in the Division which is the aim

Players to Watch:  A big crowd favorite, the backcourt will be in the capable hands of NCAA player Carolina Bernardeco, who will direct the traffic with poise. Plus, Carolina Goncalves who top-scored last summer at this event is back and she could ultimately be the one that saves the day for the hosts.

Outlook: Anything is possible in Matosinhos when the passionate and huge home crowd is behind Portugal. Their preparation results have looked slightly concerning, but if they do get it together, they can at least secure their spot in Division A for another year. But there will be a lot of tension and much could depend on some of the younger players punching above their weight effectively while competing in an older age category. The Group also looks a bit of a nightmare on paper compared to others - especially without the towering Maria Kostourkova to call upon.

FIBA