ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - There has been plenty of drama at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024. After two days of games, the teams take a break from competition on Monday before they finish off group play a day later. This is the perfect time to look back on what has happened so far with 5 ups and 5 downs.
Let's start with the bad first to finish on the positive side.
Down #1
It is hard to argue that the biggest story of the U17 World Cup so far is not France's disappointing start. Sure, a loss in the opener to United States is forgivable, especially considering they trailed by only 8 points midway through the third quarter.
But a loss to China? The only word for that is ouch. Head coach Lamine Kebe will have plenty of work on the off day to get his team back in the mind frame that they can compete for the title. France will have a very tough time against Guinea in the final Group B game.
Down #2
Italy sit in last place in Group C with an 0-2 record as the silver medalists from the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2023. The Europeans dropped the opener to Argentina - Italy's first loss to the Americans in a youth event in 45 years.
And then Italy squandered a 16-point lead before losing to hosts Türkiye. Next up is a tough showdown with undefeated group leaders New Zealand.
Down #3
Europe hasn't had a strong showing thus far in Istanbul as Germany bring up the rear in Group D with a 0-2 record. Dirk Bauermann's men never threatened Canada in losing by 25 points and then wasted a 12-point third quarter lead to Australia in falling by 14 points.
Just like this article, Germany have truly been a bit of Up and Down.
Down #4
Puerto Rico are probably not shocked to be 0-2 in Group A after losses to Spain and Lithuania but they likely are disappointed they couldn't at least grab one win.
The Americas side were downed by 26 points by Spain in the opener and then give Lithuania a fight for some time before losing by 15 points. Next up is Philippines - a game the Puerto Ricans feel is a must win.
Down #5
Philippines are showing why they were ranked 16th in the Power Rankings as the Asians are 0-2 in Group A.
They have lost 107-48 to Lithuania and 96-34 to Spain - the latter who really took the foot off the gas after leading 30-2 after 10 minutes and 57-13 at halftime.
Up #5
Egypt may be 0-2 in Group D but fellow 0-2 Germany will not face an easy task against the Africans in the final group stage game. And the crossover team from Group C should be forewarned as well.
Egypt fought back from 23 points down in the second half against Australia to make it a one point game in the final minute and then gave Canada all it could take before succumbing in the final minutes.
Up #4
Guinea made history to start the competition by defeating China 101-92 in their first ever FIBA U17 World Cup game.
It was a great way to start the event and gave Africa a great storyline to follow the rest of the tournament. Of course, a big loss to USA - falling by 75 - was not a shock, but Guinea are still early in their first journey on this stage.
Up #3
China shocked the basketball world when they beat France 73-70 in a win that gives the Asians so much confidence going forward. China did not play great and still only lost by nine points to Guinea in the opening game.
China center Sinan Huan has emerged as one of the most interesting talents in the tournament.
Up #2
Spain came into the U17 World Cup as U16 European champions and they have exhibited their strength so far with two more than comfortable wins. First off, they cruised past Puerto Rico with strong defense in an 89-63 win.
And then Spain blew out Philippines by 62 points. The Europeans are sharing the ball very well and playing really tough at the other end. Group A will be decided after the off-day in a showdown with undefeated Lithuania.
Up #1
If you are United States you have to be satisfied with how you started. First off you shunned off a challenge by France to win by 23 and then you gave upstart debutants Guinea no chance with a 124-49 win.
This team is only starting to get to know each other so they will only be better and better as they eye the title on July 7.
FIBA