LEON - IRAPUTO (Mexico) - Fans are ready for the activation button to be pushed on the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 as the best young female hoopers in the world congregate in Mexico.
Here is a breakdown on everything you need to know about the seventh edition of the biennial tournament with all 16 teams fighting it out across July 13-21 in pursuit of a medal and the prestigious silverware.
What's the format?
The 16 teams in the competition were drawn into four pools of four teams with each nation playing each other once in a round-robin style Group Phase over the first three days of action in Leon and Iraputo.
All 16 teams advance to the Knockout Phase, starting with the Round of 16. The top finisher in Group A then takes on the fourth placed team from Group B. Group A's second place finisher faces the third place team from Group B; the third placed team from Group A plays Group B's second place team; and the Group B winner faces the fourth place team from Group A. The same crossover takes place among the Group C and Group D teams. You will find more info about the competition system here.
Who's defending their title?
USA cruised past Spain 84-62 in the 2022 Final in Debrecen, Hungary to secure their fifth title in six editions. They jumped out on their rivals from the tip-off and were driven by 16 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds from Jaloni Cambridge in the backcourt, while Breya Cunningham excelled in the frontcourt with a 10 point and 10 rebound double-double.
Juju Watkins of the USA was named TISSOT MVP, with her teammate Jaloni Cambridge joining her in the All-Star Five along with Iyana Martin Carrion of Spain, Dominique Malonga of France and Cassandre Prosper of Canada. Here are links to all the recaps of the past FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cups: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022. You can also find the all-time list of medalists here.
Who are the biggest stars to have played at the event?
Many great players have competed at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball Wolrd Cup since it was first launched back in 2010. Here is a look back at the Top 20 ballers of all time who have stepped out, with part one 20-16 here, part two 15-11 here, part three 10-6 here, and the coveted 5-1 spots here. You can also vote on who you think is the #FIBAU17 GOAT and posted the best individual tournament in FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup history.
How did each nation qualify and what's their previous record?
Everything you need to know about each nation is right here, where you can find out how they qualified, their previous record and participation, their best ever finish and who is the player to watch.
Where can I watch the game and follow on socials?
All of the games will be broadcast for free on the FIBA YouTube channel and you can consult the schedule page for when your favorite team is playing.
There will also be extensive coverage on dedicated @NextGenHoops channels on Instagram, Facebook and X. You should look out for #FIBAU17 on social channels and also make sure you include the hashtag on your own posts too.
FIBA