LEON & IRAPUATO (Mexico) - There's been plenty to talk about after the opening days of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 in Mexico.
As the pause button briefly gets pushed, it's time to reflect on what we've seen so far. Here are five ups and five downs so far.
UP: Glut of rising stars light up the global stage
Almost every player in the competition has been taking their first footsteps on the global stage and there have been some exceptional displays and a lot of potential. As the tournament unfolds, there will be a chance for fans to vote for their MVP, but across many different teams there are ballers who look like potential senior stars.
Sara Okeke has turned heads with her athleticism for Spain, Canada's duo of Agot Makeer and Savannah Swords have impressed, as have Croatian duo Olivia Vukosa and Lena Bilic. Meanwhile Bailey Flavell of New Zealand looks like Tall Ferns material moving forward and these are just a small sample of the exciting young guns on show.
UP: Croatia flying the flag for the first-timers
You have to be impressed with debutantes Croatia who have made a real splash on their first outing at the event. With a little bit more luck they could have a 2-0 record, but instead have to be content with 1-1, plus a lot of kudos and respect.
Their opening day 77-65 win against Puerto Rico served up a slice of history. Then, against Australia who will be favored to challenge for the podium, they gave the Sapphires a major scare before falling 96-87 in one of the most entertaining games so far.
UP: Canada stealing the show
They will face more challenging games in the next days but there's a lot to admire about Canada. They grabbed the headlines on Day 2 by racking up their highest ever score in the competition with a 112-59 victory against Chinese Taipei.
But it's arguably their defense and capacity to snap up steals and then punish turnovers in the open floor that has stood out. They're the only nation averaging more than 20 per game.
UP: Mali continue their momentum
It's going to be a challenge to continue on the same steep upward curve that Mali have posted at FIBA youth level during recent years, but they already have a win on the board.
Sure, it was a nail-biting 62-61 success against host nation Mexico, but it's important that Mali keep landing punches on the global stage. Not only for themselves, but for the sake of African hoops in general.
UP: There is so much more to come...
One of the best 'ups' is the prospect of many more great games, historical results, special performances and potential new records. The first couple of days have thrown up plenty of those already. For example, that super matchup we enjoyed between Australia and Croatia.
Heading into the critical last games of the Group phase, the all-important Round of 16 and beyond, the stakes will be raised even further. For fans, that means even more to enjoy.
DOWN: A rough ride for the new kids on the block
Croatia have been the exception and not the rule when it comes to the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup newcomers. They celebrated their historic first win, but for the other three nations it has been a struggle.
Finland did come close against Japan, but along with Chinese Taipei and Puerto Rico, the new kids on the block have found it a very challenging experience at this level - so far.
DOWN: It's ice-cold downtown for Finland
One of the reasons Finland did not manage to take a win in their opener against Japan was their horror-show from the perimeter.
A nation known for icy and snowy conditions, it's been cold from long-range in the first two games. Finland have made just 8.7 percent from three-point range after making only 4 of 46.
DOWN: Mexico and Egypt in 'Turnover Town'
As underdogs, it's always going to be difficult competing at the global level. But one of the key necessities is taking care of the ball. That means not just dealing with pressure, but also not making too many unforced errors.
Mexico and Egypt have spilled the ball 29.5 and 28.5 times per game respectively and that hurts - a lot! Especially for Mexico, who had 30 of them in a one-point loss to Mali.
DOWN: Send a search party for the defense
You can argue that the deluge of high team scores that includes 121, 112, 99, 98 and another 98 after just two days of action is due to some amazing offense. In part, that might be true.
But someone also needs to find out where the defense has gone. It's easier said than done to slow down some of the leading nations, but surely some teams can do a far better job.
DOWN: USA are looking like title locks already
If you are a fan of USA or admirer of strength then this is very much an UP. But if you are one of their challengers or expecting a surprise or upset, then you might be left disappointed.
USA have started out on fire and even at this early stage, they look to be absolute locks for gold. Sport and basketball is never that simple of course, so who knows? Just don't hold your breath when it comes to expecting someone else on the top podium step.
FIBA