MIES (Switzerland) - United States head into the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024 as the heavy favorites for the title - given the fact they have never lost a game in the history of this competition. But every country will be heading to Türkiye with the dream of hoisting the trophy at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul on July 7.
We took a look at all 16 teams and tried to figure out how they could snap the Americans' winning streak and dethrone the champs.
This is first installment with half of the teams. Part 2 will be out in the coming days.
ARGENTINA
Group C - Best result: 6th place in 2012
Argentina have never missed a U17 World Cup but their top showing came in 2012 when they reached the Quarter-Finals for the only time and finished sixth overall. The South Americans will come into the tournament after having played last summer at the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2023 and faced both Canada and United States. Argentina will also arrive in Istanbul with a critical trio of their team already having played this summer. Tyler Kropp, Felipe Minzer and Ivan Prato helped Argentina take second place at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup 2024, facing older competition which will get them ready for the games in Türkiye - and provide some crucial leadership in their fight for the podium.
AUSTRALIA
Group D - Best result: 2nd place in 2012, 2014
Australia have long been one of the top basketball nations in this event, never missing the Quarter-Finals in the six previous editions. And twice they reached the Final - 2012 and 2014. In fact, their 99-92 loss in the 2014 title game was the closest game in U17 World Cup history for United States. The Crocs edition 10 years later is highlighted by Dash Daniels, the younger brother of 2023 NBA Draft first-rounder Dyson Daniels, who showed at the Australian U18 national championship just how strong he is.
The team will also feature Harrison Beauchamp and Ryder Cheesman - the trio of whom can really cause problems to opponents. If Australia's role players perform at the level needed, this team can really dream of celebrating on July 7.
CANADA
Group D - Best result: 3rd place in 2010
Canada took third place in the inaugural U17 World Cup but have not reached the podium again since then. The North Americans will be out for some redemption after missing out on the Quarter-Finals for the first time in 2022 - taking ninth place. Canada always have some of the best talent at the event but have not always been able to take advantage of it.
It's unclear who will be on the Canadian team in Istanbul though Paul Osaruyi and Kamai Samuels seem to be locks after strong performances at the FIBA U16 AmeriCup 2023, where they suffered just one loss - to United States in the Final. So there will be a bit of revenge on their minds as well should Canada face off against USA.
CHINA
Group B - Best result: 7th place in 2010, 2012 and 2014
China are back on the global stage after missing the U17 World Cup for the first time in 2022. The Asian powerhouse had a difficult time finishing in 15th place in 2018 but they have a solid history of solid performances, finishing seventh in 2010, 2012 and 2014. They performed well at the U16 AsiaCup last summer with a third-place result after beating Iran and Philippines to get to the podium.
China have a legitimate star with Boyuan Zhang and his nice all-around game. But the Asians will be strengthened by some US-based players who will come with the added bonus of knowing how to deal with the athleticism and strength of American players.
EGYPT
Group D - Best result: 10th place in 2022
Egypt took a step forward two years ago by finishing 10th in Malaga - after placing 16th the previous two events. The Africans gained some value experience by playing in April at the U18 Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany with half of the team being U17 players, beating China and Japan while narrowly losing to Italy and also facing Greece, Serbia and Slovenia.
Egypt have a couple of strong leaders including Ali Assran, Mohamed Shahin and big man Omar Soudy - the latter who will really be needed to combat the big men in Türkiye.
FRANCE
Group B - Best result: 2nd place in 2018
France have developed into the biggest producer of high level talent in Europe and arguably right up there with United States - though not necessarily at the sheer numbers as the Americans. France have grabbed medals at the last two events - second place in 2018 and third in 2022.
Lamine Kebe's team is undoubtedly one of the top challengers to finally hand United States their first ever loss at the competition. France have a loaded roster with the likes of Jonas Boulefaa, Nathan Soliman, Jahel Trefle and Hugo Yimga-Moukouri.
GERMANY
Group D - Best result: 8th place in 2010
Germany finally have returned to the competition as they finished fifth at FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2023 for their second U17 World Cup appearance following hosting the inaugural event in 2010. Germany have developed more and more talent and those prospects are finally starting to reach the podium - including third place at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2023, the country's first top-three result at the U18 level.
The Germans are ready to show the world where they stand and the veteran head coach Dirk Bauermann's roster will include one of the best players of the generation in Declan Duru, but the team has plenty of other players who can help this team go far in Istanbul.
GUINEA
Group B - Best result: First appearance
Lebanon and Slovenia made their U17 World Cup debuts in 2022 and it is Guinea's turn this summer. The Africans sensationally won the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2023 in just their third ever appearance in the tournament. It was the second continental youth title following the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2000 crown.
Guinea cannot be taken lightly as they beat Egypt twice and also knocked off Angola last summer. The western Africans are led by the quartet of U16 AfroBasket MVP Nour Gassim Toure, Araphan Diane, Mohamed Lamine Toure and Sekou Toure - who all averaged more than 30 minutes played.
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